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.
How does the French education system work? Education in France is compulsory from age three to 16, followed by an obligation to remain in education, training or employment until 18. Most children start at école maternelle, move to primary school at six, collège at 11 and lycée at 15. State education is free, and newly arrived children who don’t speak French can receive additional language support through the UPE2A system.
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How the French education system works
The French education system is structured, standardised and academically rigorous. Children in France must be enrolled in école maternelle, unless they are being educated at home under the permitted arrangements. The obligation applies from the start of the school year in the calendar year in which the child turns three. Moreover, children arriving from outside France must also register.
Technically compulsory instruction ends at 16, but France now has an obligation de formation from 16 to 18. A young person must remain in education, training, an apprenticeship, employment or an approved support programme.
The stages of education are clearly defined:
- École maternelle (ages 3–6): Education is compulsory from the age of three. Children develop language, social and early numeracy skills, with the final year preparing them 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, culminating in the Diplôme National du Brevet. From 2026, final examinations account for 60% of the Brevet result, with 40% based on continuous assessment during the final year. This will change again in 2027.
- Lycée (ages 15–18): Upper secondary education. Pupils can follow general, technological or vocational routes, with the general and technological routes normally leading to the Baccalauréat. The general and technological Bac combines continuous assessment with national examinations and is the principal qualification used for entry to higher education.
School routines may differ from those you’re used to in the UK or US, particularly around the length and organisation of the school day. Timetables vary by age and school, so check the weekly schedule with prospective schools rather than assuming it will follow the pattern you’re familiar with.
Primary-school timetables can vary locally, particularly over whether lessons are held on Wednesday mornings, so this is worth checking when comparing schools.
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.
- 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. Places can be competitive, particularly at popular international and bilingual schools, so contact schools well before your planned move.
Be prepared to provide school reports and possibly attend an admissions interview or test.
Fees at sous contrat private schools are generally much lower than at international schools because they receive state funding. International-school fees vary considerably and can run into tens of thousands of euros per year, particularly at well-known schools in and around Paris. Always check the individual school’s current fee schedule, including registration, meals and transport.
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.
UPE2A (unités pédagogiques pour élèves allophones arrivants) exists specifically to support newly arrived pupils whose first language isn’t French. They provide tailored French language instruction alongside academic lessons.
Read more about UPE2A here.
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?
You don’t need to have the French school system completely figured out before you move. But if you’re buying a home with school-age children, schooling should be part of your location search from the beginning.
Check which state schools serve the address you’re considering, ask what support is available if your child doesn’t yet speak French and investigate bilingual or international options early if those are important to you. For older children, pay particular attention to how their existing studies fit with the French collège or lycée curriculum.
A move between education systems can take some adjustment, but knowing your options before you choose where to live can make the transition considerably easier for both you and your children.
For personalised guidance, speak to one of our experienced property consultants.
FAQs about the French education system
Education is compulsory in France from the age of three, when most children enter école maternelle. They move into primary school at around six. Education is compulsory until 16, followed by a training or education obligation until 18.
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.
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.
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.
Start French lessons before the move and use books or apps to build familiarity. Bear in mind that the French government and education bodies want your child to speak French, and offer the excellent UPE2A programme. Encourage social activities like sports or clubs to help them make friends and learn faster.
