As the school bells for the 2025 academic year are set to ring on September 1st, Education Minister Élisabeth Borne has outlined significant changes and new policies aimed at transforming the French education landscape. In a detailed press conference held on August 27, Borne addressed various educational reforms amidst a tumultuous political climate, hinting at potential shifts even as the government’s stability remains in flux.
**Increased Budget Despite Uncertainties**
Despite looming uncertainties surrounding the budget for 2026 and potential political upheavals, Borne confirmed an increase in the education budget by 16 billion euros since 2017. This financial uplift underscores the government’s commitment to advancing educational initiatives across France.
**Ban on Mobile Phones in Schools**
A significant policy shift is the enforced ‘digital pause’ initiative, aimed at eliminating mobile phone usage within secondary schools. While legislation prohibiting phones has existed since 2018, its enforcement faced challenges. The updated policy mandates the storage of phones in lockers or designated areas, building on successful trials from last year.
**New Mathematics Examination and Education Overhaul**
The academic curriculum will see a notable addition with a new mathematics examination for general and technological high school students starting this spring. Dubbed to be more stringent, exams will now include compulsory mathematics writing assessments in the first year of high school. Changes to the baccalaureate will see stricter passing requirements, with students needing an overall average above 9.5 out of 20 to qualify.
**Adjustments to the Brevet Evaluation**
The Brevet, a diploma awarded in the third year of secondary education, will have its evaluation process reviewed. The exam’s contribution to final grades will rise to 60%, and a greater emphasis will be placed on annual performance rather than cumulative knowledge, making exams more demanding come 2026.
**A Focus on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Disconnect**
With artificial intelligence progressing into all aspects of society, schools will introduce AI courses starting this year, expanding to all secondary institutions by early 2026 to prepare students for a digital future. Concurrently, to combat digital overuse, tools such as the National Digital Work Environments (ENT) will receive mandatory downtime, ensuring they aren’t operational overnight.
**Revamping Sexual Education and Mental Health Initiatives**
A new program structured around affective and relationship education will be launched, requiring consistent annual sessions across all schools. Mental health will see heightened focus with dedicated advisors assigned to every region, alongside daily physical activity scheduled into school timetables to boost both student well-being and academic performance.
**Combating Weapon-Related Incidents**
Increased vigilance around school safety has led to record seizures of weapons on school grounds. Students found with weapons will face intense scrutiny and mandatory disciplinary actions, sending a strong message about maintaining safety and security within educational premises.
These transformative changes, touching on technological adaptation, curriculum enhancement, and administrative restructuring, illustrate the French government’s ambition to reshape its educational framework, ensuring it is robust, future-ready, and sensitive to the evolving needs of its youth.
