France school year faces staffing strikes and infrastructure investments

The 2026 school year in France is marked by significant tension regarding staffing, funding, and infrastructure. Labor unions, including FNEC FP-FO, have reported successful mobilizations and strikes to prevent class closures and address shortages of support staff (AESH). Protesters have criticized the government's budget priorities, alleging that military spending is being prioritized over education and health.

In the Hauts-de-Seine department, a 250 million euro investment plan is underway to modernize middle schools and open two new facilities, including colleges in Le Plessis-Robinson and Malakoff. These projects emphasize environmental standards and sustainable school catering.

However, recruitment challenges persist. In Rennes, candidates who passed the CRPE teacher recruitment exams are protesting the use of contract workers instead of hiring those on supplementary lists. Meanwhile, individual institutions report varying trends, such as a significant increase in student enrollment at the Lycée des Territoires de Cahors-Le Montat, and local school renovations in Malestroit.