France's School Protests Draw Over 250,000 as Students Cite Leaks and Rat Infestations

More than 250,000 students, teachers and parents took to the streets across France on October 6 to protest what they described as worsening conditions in the country’s schools. The French Interior Ministry put the number of participants at more than 250,000 across dozens of cities, while organisers estimated the turnout at 450,000. Demonstrations were reported in several cities, including Paris, Strasbourg and Rennes, with clashes breaking out in some locations and police using tear gas and water cannons.

A major concern for protesters is the shortage of teachers and the difficulty of replacing staff who are absent. Students say cancelled classes or a lack of replacement teachers can leave them without lessons they are expected to receive. Overcrowded classrooms are another problem, with students and teachers arguing that packed rooms make teaching more difficult and reduce the amount of individual attention available to students. The government has said it will examine ways to improve the replacement of absent teachers.

The condition of school buildings has also become a central issue. Protesters have pointed to ageing and poorly maintained facilities, with some students reporting problems such as water leaks and rat infestations. They argue that schools should provide basic, safe and properly maintained environments for children. According to protesters, years of insufficient investment have affected staffing, maintenance and other essential resources, leaving some schools struggling to meet basic needs.

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Students are also questioning the length of the school day and the pressure created by demanding schedules. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has ordered ministers to review school timetables that can run from around 8 am to 6 pm, along with the possibility of longer lunch breaks. Protesters say long days add to the strain already created by academic demands. They have also raised concerns about access to support staff and the pressure associated with France’s education system and university admissions process.

Another concern is the uneven experience of students depending on where they live. The protests began in September in disadvantaged suburbs around Paris before spreading to other parts of the country. Students in these areas say differences in staffing, facilities and resources can contribute to unequal educational opportunities. For protesters, teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, poor infrastructure, long school days and academic pressure are interconnected problems that require broader investment rather than isolated solutions.

The government has ordered ministers to address several of the demands, including teacher replacements, school schedules, lunch breaks and repairs to ageing buildings. However, protesters remain sceptical about whether the measures will be enough. The demonstrations have also become politically charged, with clashes involving police and hundreds of arrests reported. At the centre of the movement, however, students and their supporters are calling for more teachers, better-maintained schools, manageable schedules and greater investment in education.

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