Any child living in France has the right to join the
French education system. He or she can attend either
the local state school or a private school or even one
of the many bilingual schools, either state run or
private depending on their needs.
State schools are naturally free but private school
are often considerably cheaper than you would imagine.
Most are run by the Catholic Church and are heavily
subsidised by them. Of course prices will vary from
school to school and one region to another however to
give you an idea our school fees are under 600€ per
annum for 2 children, one in college and one in
primary school. School days will vary from one region to another but the general week is Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for primary schools with Wednesday mornings to for the over 11s. In some areas children also attend school on Saturday mornings but will enjoy longer holidays in compensation.
Between the age of 3 and 5 children can join an "ecole
maternelle" or nursery school. Children in this age
group do not have formal education but undertake
creative activities such drawing, painting, modelling
and cooking. They will normally have a sieste after
lunch although each school will have different rules
regarding the upper ages for this.
From the age of 6 to 11 children must attend a primary
school or "ecole primaire". Here they will learn the
traditional subjects of French, Maths, Geography,
History and Science plus English from 9 onwards,
computer studies, sports, art and crafts. Schools
generally provide before and after school care for a
very small price so children with working parents can
be left from 7.30 am until 7.00 pm. There is no
school on Wednesday for this age group but hours tend
to be longer than the UK. Most start at 8.45 or
9.00am and finish at 16.15 or 16.30 with 1 1/2 hours
for lunch.
Lunch is usually excellent both in terms of value and
healthiness. A full 3 course menu with vegetables and fruit provided.
From the age of 11 to 16 children attend "college" or
secondary schools where a broader spectrum of subjects
are learnt. Many college will have special classes
for children with a talent for football, languages etc
so the timetable is adapted to include additional
lessons in these subjects. Children attend college on
Wednesday morning and travel by bus is provided for a
very small price to and from college for all pupils.
At the age of 16 children either move onto "Lycee"
(6th form college) or specialist schools to study
vocational subjects. The "baccalaureat" is the
equivalent to A-levels but covers more subjects.
There are various different biases from science,
languages or technological which are designed to lead
the children into the next stage of their educational
life e.g. university, apprentiships etc.
As a general rule of thumb children will attend
university of further education centres in the nearest
prefectoral town returning home every weekend.
Lodgings are available for the educational year,
details of which will be provided by the university
etc.
Sport is covered up to lycee age with many additional
clubs meeting at college and lycee during lunch times
although extra curriculum activities like sports, art
and music are available on Wednesdays and Saturdays
outside of the schooling system.