Schools crisis in France: Investment fails to inspire confidence

Schools in France face a crisis as outdated infrastructure and overcrowded classrooms cause protests among students and teachers. Cellphone footage shows rats in toilets, leaking roofs, and broken heating systems in many educational institutions, particularly in Parisian suburbs. In Paris, a center of recent protests, pupils have reported vermin and burst pipes, while in other areas windows cannot be opened during hot summer temperatures.

The protests continue nationwide, with students demanding better facilities and increased investment in the education system.

France spends 6.7% of its GDP on education, more than the EU average, but the dilapidated infrastructure remains. Responsibility for maintaining school buildings lies with local governments, which have varying financial capabilities. Over 80% of elementary school buildings are more than 50 years old, and 10 to 20% of all school buildings need renovation. While some renovations have been approved, buildings are often damaged during protests.

Education expenditures are imbalanced, with more investment in upper secondary education compared to primary school education. France aims to address early years education by halving class sizes and creating additional teaching posts in disadvantaged areas. However, the problems persist, with over one-third of 15-year-olds not achieving basic math competence according to OECD assessments.

Recent reforms in upper secondary education have been criticized, as the abolition of academic streaming led to scheduling difficulties and longer school days. Universities also face overcrowding, with seminar rooms often exceeding capacity. French teachers earn relatively low salaries compared to their European counterparts, further exacerbating the issues in the education system.