Breaking point draws nearer in French high schools that remain disrupted

French high schools are facing mounting tension after nearly eight weeks of student protests and strikes, with some schools still affected by blockades and classes repeatedly disrupted. Though fewer schools are closed, incidents have become more serious, leaving pupils, parents and staff exhausted and raising concerns about the impact on education.

The government said 200 of France’s 3,700 high schools had experienced blockades, violence or fires in the previous 15 days; 50 were blocked almost systematically, and just over 100 had moved to remote learning for security reasons. It also reported 360 pupils and 240 education staff injured since the protests began. School leaders and unions disagree with the government’s emphasis on enforcement, arguing that force alone will not resolve the unrest.