Moving to France with children brings the excitement of a new lifestyle – and the all-important question of schooling. The good news? The French education system has a strong reputation for academic excellence and offers a range of options to suit different needs, from public schools and bilingual programmes to international schools.
Whether you’re relocating permanently or spending part of the year abroad, navigating a foreign school system can be daunting. That’s why we’re breaking down everything you need to know – enrolment, school stages, language support and how to choose between state and private options – in one helpful place.
Contents
- How the French education system works
- How to enrol your child in the French education system
- Understanding school insurance in France
- Should you consider private or international schools?
- Supporting your child’s language journey
- Frequently asked questions
The French education system can offer excellent language education
How the French education system works
The French education system is structured, standardised and academically rigorous. Children in France typically begin formal schooling at the age of three, although attendance becomes compulsory from age six. Education remains mandatory until age 16, though most students stay on until 18 to complete their secondary education.
The stages of education are clearly defined:
- École maternelle (ages 3–6): Pre-school education, where children learn through play and early basic skills. The final year focuses on preparing for primary school.
- École primaire (ages 6–11): Core subjects include maths, reading, writing and an introduction to foreign languages, often English or German.
- Collège (ages 11–15): Lower secondary school, where students follow a national curriculum ending in the Diplôme National du Brevet exam.
- Lycée (ages 15–18): Upper secondary education, leading to the Baccalauréat – a qualification required for university entry.
This uniform structure may feel very different to the UK or US systems. The timetable can also be surprisingly intense, with long school days and more homework than many children may be used to. Some schools still follow a four-day week, with Wednesdays free, while others offer activities or half-days on Wednesdays instead.
Crucially, the quality of education doesn’t depend on fees – many French state schools offer high academic standards and excellent teacher training. Parents often find reassurance in the clear guidelines and consistent expectations across the country.
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How to enrol your child in the French education system
Registering your child in a French school may not be as complicated as you fear, but you’ll need to be organised. Enrolment is typically handled through your local mairie (town hall), particularly for public schools. The earlier you begin the process, the more choice you’ll have over which schools are available.
You’ll usually be asked to provide:
- Your child’s passport or birth certificate
- Parental identification (passport and, if applicable, residency permit)
- Records of past schooling or academic reports
- Proof of vaccinations, which must be up to date
Once documents are submitted, you’ll receive confirmation of your child’s placement – usually at your nearest école. Some flexibility may be granted based on special circumstances, particularly if you’re moving from abroad.
For older children (collège and lycée levels), enrolment is handled directly through the school office. If you’re hoping to enter a specific lycée international or bilingual programme, you may need to apply earlier and provide language assessment results or motivation letters.
To ease the process, consider having translations prepared for key documents. Although not always obligatory, having an English-French translation alongside medical records or academic reports can speed up decisions and reduce stress.
Understanding school insurance in France
One unique feature of the French education system is the requirement for school insurance – something not typically encountered in UK state schools. Known as assurance scolaire, this student cover is mandatory if your child wants to take part in extracurricular activities, outings or after-school clubs.
The insurance policy should cover both civil liability (for damage your child might cause) and accidents (for injuries they may sustain). Without it, they may not be allowed to join in with certain elements of school life.
You can usually obtain school insurance by:
- Purchasing a stand-alone policy from a French insurer (these typically cost €10–€30 per year per child)
- Adding it to your existing home insurance – many policies cover school insurance as an optional benefit, so it’s worth checking first before buying extra cover
Expect the school to ask for a formal certificate of insurance each September. Some even provide suggestions of providers or packages that meet national standards.
Although it seems like an extra hoop to jump through, the system is designed to ensure safety and accountability – and it’s not expensive. Most expats find the process straightforward once you know what to look for.
Should you consider private or international schools?
While the public school system in France is widely respected, private and international schools can offer more flexibility – particularly if your child doesn’t speak French yet or you want a curriculum closer to home.
French private schools fall into two main categories:
- Private schools under contract: These follow the national curriculum, have French-speaking teachers and receive partial funding from the state. Fees are relatively moderate (around €1,000–€5,000 per year)
- Private schools outside state contracts: These are often international in focus and fully fee-paying. With English-speaking teachers and varied student nationalities, they follow international programmes like the IB or British or American systems
International schools are especially popular in Paris, Lyon and other major expat hubs. Lessons are either in English or bilingual, and students are often children of diplomats, business professionals or globe-trotters. However, places in the private French education system are limited and demand is high – some schools have waiting lists of over a year.
Be prepared to provide school reports and possibly attend an admissions interview or test. Tuition can range widely – from €5,000 to €30,000 per year, depending on the institution.
Ultimately, choosing between public and private boils down to your goals. If you’re staying long-term and want your child to integrate fully, public schools are a great option. If you want consistency with education back home or plan to relocate again soon, private international schooling might make more sense.
Supporting your child’s language journey
For families new to France, language is the greatest source of both worry and opportunity. Many children arrive speaking little or no French, but with the right support, they can thrive surprisingly quickly.
Young children often adapt faster than adults. Immersed in a French-speaking environment at école maternelle, they’ll usually grasp everyday vocabulary within a few months. Older children may find it trickier, but specialist language support programmes – known as classes d’accueil or UPE2A (Units for New Arrivals) – are available in many public schools. These provide tailored French language instruction alongside academic lessons.
To ease the transition, parents can:
- Start French lessons before the move – there’s a wide choice of online learning options geared towards children
- Read simple French books together at home
- Speak regularly with teachers to track progress and access available support
Don’t be disheartened if the first few months are difficult. Language delay may affect confidence or social integration initially, but most children find their footing – often overtaking their parents in fluency along the way.
Joining clubs, sports teams or local youth groups can help bridge gaps and build friendships outside the pressure of the classroom. Embracing life in France – from supermarket trips to village fêtes – is all part of the language learning journey.
Ready for the next step?
The French education system offers tremendous opportunities for children from all backgrounds. With a clear structure, strong academic reputation and a mix of public and private options, there’s a pathway to suit every family.
Whether you’re making a permanent move or exploring a second home in France, your child’s future can flourish here – with a little planning and the right support.
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Frequently asked questions about the French education system
At what age do children start school in France?
Children typically start school at age three in école maternelle, although education is only compulsory from age six. Schooling continues until at least age 16, with most students staying on until 18.
How do I enrol my child in a French school?
For public schools, enrolment is handled at your local mairie. You’ll need documents such as your child’s passport, vaccination records, proof of address, and any past academic reports. For older children or international programmes, contact the school directly.
Is school insurance required in France?
Yes. Assurance scolaire is mandatory for activities outside core teaching, such as school trips or clubs. It covers liability and accidents and can usually be added to your home insurance for a small fee.
Should I choose a public, private or international school?
Public schools offer high academic standards and are a good choice for long-term integration. Private schools offer more flexibility and smaller class sizes. International schools follow British, American, or IB curricula but can be costly and have long waiting lists.
How can I support my child if they don’t speak French yet?
Start French lessons before the move and use books or apps to build familiarity. Many public schools offer language support through classes d’accueil or UPE2A programmes. Encourage social activities like sports or clubs to help them make friends and learn faster.
