top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

'Exam cheating is widespread'

Research finds 70.5% of students have cheated at some stage in their education, as school exam season draws to a close

MORE than two-thirds of students admit they cheat in exams, a new poll has revealed.

The study by two French academics, Pascal Guibert and Christophe Michaut, claims to be the first major research into the extent of cheating in the French school system.

The poll asked 1,815 university students whether they broke the rules at any stage in their education so far.

In total, 70.5% said they had cheated at one point or another.

Cheating was the most prevalent between the ages of 11 and 15, at collège, with 48.3% of pupils saying they broke exam rules.

The findings come as 15-year-olds across France prepare to sit their final brevet exam this morning ahead of the summer break.

Some 35.6% of respondents said they had cheated at lycée and 11.4% at university.

The researchers found cheating became a habit - those who did it at university had started at early stages in their education.

According to the study, pupils often shared the workload and ideas among each other during the test, or took notes or mobile phones into the exam room.

One respondent told the researchers: "I cheat [at university] because the amount of information we are expected to learn is huge. The benefits outweigh the risks and the chances of being detected are very slim."

Students caught cheating at the baccalauréat face a five-year ban on retaking the exams. Universities can exclude students for anywhere between a month and five years.

Lorraine Swanson - Fotolia.com

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France