Living in France – education in France
When you are considering moving to France, and have children, one of the biggest things to think about is their education in France. The older the child is, the more difficult they will find it to adapt. Even in the case of very young children, choosing to move to your French house means making a decision that will greatly impact on their lives.
Primary education in France
Education in France is mandatory from the age of six, the first year of ecole primaire (primary school). If you are living in France and your children are aged between three and five they can attend an ecole maternelle (nursery) although this is not compulsory.
As you might expect from French schools, religion is not taught and in 2004 all religious symbols were banned from French classrooms. However, you can expect to spend considerable time in your French house marking mathematics, natural sciences, history and geography homework.
Secondary education in France
Secondary education in France is divided into two sections, the college, which they attend from the age of 12 to 15, then the lycee, which they attend from 16 onwards. Whilst attending the college, pupils follow a general curriculum, which incorporates a large number of subjects.
When they reach 16, pupils living in France will be assigned to either a lycee general, where they will study for a vocational qualification or a lycee professionel. Here, pupils will study for qualifications enabling them to enter university.
State education in France
The state system of education in France has an excellent reputation but if you plan on living in France you should be aware that you cannot choose which public school your children attend. Unless they have special needs or go to a private school they will be allocated the school nearest their French house.
Once again, this demonstrates how vital it is to consider the impact of living in France upon your children. You should endevour to find out all you can about local schools before agreeing to buy a French house.
Bilingual schools in France
Whilst French schools might, in general, be excellent children will still struggle if they have a poor command of French when they arrive. For this reason it might be better to consider a bilingual school.
International and bilingual schools are to be found across the country but not ncessarily in the vicinity of your French house. Although public International schools do exist, most are fee-paying.
All of this must be considered whilst you are still think about living in France. Buying a French house is a huge step, not just financially, and could impact greatly upon your children’s futures. If you believe living in France is best for your family, do your research about education in France.Find out where the good schools are and which districts are serviced by them. All of this should be considered before you take the plunge and buy a French house.
