top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

International school plan for Brexit France

Plan to educate overseas students one of several planned education reforms

The government is planning to increase the number of international schools in France to cope with what it expects to be an influx of overseas students after Brexit.

A draft law, to be debated by MPs this week, includes provision for the creation of "local public international educational institutions" in every region, using a public international school in Strasbourg - which welcomes more than 900 pupils of 48 nationalities - as a model.

Several projects are already under way, notably in Courbevoie (Hauts-de-Seine) and Lille (Nord), as part of a plan to educate children of workers who move to France in light of Brexit. In an interview with the Journal du Dimanche, education minister Jean-Michel Blanquer denied claims these schools would be 'elitist institutions with privileged access for the children of European institutions'.

The proposal to increase the number of international schools is one of several under discussion as part of the latest education reform bill - which includes mandatory education from the age of three, means to improve mutual respect between teachers and pupils, enhanced roles for teaching assistants, and planned changes to examinations.

The minister said the plans aim to meet two challenges: to raise the general level of education among students and promote 'social justice'.

It is necessary "to initiate a virtuous circle of trust within the education system, but also in society through the school," Mr Blanquer said.

The new schools were initially proposed in a €5billion 10-year strategy for Ile de France that was published in February 2017 - but the plan has since been adapted to include the whole of the country.

The plans are not without controversy. Students have protested against planned reform of the bac exam; teachers have come out over perceptions of the “much derided profession”, while plans for 'foundation school' for pupils from age three to brevet have also come under fire.

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

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