France to shutter up to 500 schools as more student protests called

French authorities are planning to fully or partially close up to 500 schools as a nationwide student protest movement over deteriorating educational conditions continues to escalate. The precautionary measures were announced by Education Minister Édouard Geffray, who stated that security conditions at these institutions had not been fulfilled following weeks of nationwide unrest, school blockades, and violent clashes with security forces.

The movement first mobilised at a high school in a Paris suburb on 17 September 2026, rooted in student frustrations over chronic teacher absenteeism, dilapidated facilities, excessive school-day hours, and an opaque university admissions platform.

Media additions

France May Close Up to 500 Schools Amid Student Protests - teleSUR English

As the demonstrations expanded, parts of the movement turned violent. Authorities reported that 24 schools had been burned or ransacked since the unrest began, and 78 education staff members had been injured. In particularly severe incidents, a 59-year-old teacher in La Ciotat was doused with gasoline and struck during a protest, leading to the arrest of a 16-year-old. In Belfort, the beating of a police officer prompted widespread official outrage, while security forces in various cities deployed tear gas, batons, and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators.

Government officials have drawn a sharp line between peaceful student demands and what they term unacceptable urban violence. Speaking on French public radio, Education Minister Édouard Geffray claimed that far-left activists had infiltrated the high school movement, hijacking it from students and engaging in extreme violence that deliberately targeted educational personnel according to Al Jazeera. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez defended the actions of security personnel, insisting that police were present to protect peaceful protesters rather than repress young people as reported by Euronews.

Conversely, human rights groups and student representatives have pushed back strongly against the state response. Amnesty International's French branch condemned the use of tear gas grenades and batons against minors, urging authorities to let youth express grievances without fear of arbitrary detention noted Sharjah24. Critics have accused the police of disproportionate force, pointing out that approximately 85 percent of the more than 5,000 individuals arrested since the movement began are minors according to Morocco World News.

The crisis has also drawn broader political reactions. Meanwhile, trade unions have announced their intention to join the upcoming mobilization in solidarity with the students, citing long-standing grievances noted Türkiye Today.

With student organisers dismissing government proposals as lacking concrete measures, further widespread demonstrations and coordinated labor strikes are scheduled. The unfolding unrest poses a profound test for the administration's world standing and domestic stability as classes remain disrupted across multiple departments.

What to Watch Next

• Tuesday Mobilizations: Student leaders and trade unions have called for renewed large-scale demonstrations and strikes, posing a test for security forces and government negotiators alike.
• Government Policy Responses: Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is scheduled to hold meetings with regional presidents to discuss modernizing school infrastructure and accelerating teacher replacement schedules.
• Legislative Action: Parliament is expected to advance the "casseurs-payeurs" (vandal-pays) bill to hold individuals financially accountable for public and educational property damage incurred during protests.