Education

France schools crisis: 40 headteachers injured as protests shut hundreds of schools

France schools crisis: 40 headteachers injured as protests shut hundreds of schools
Students burn garbage as they protest to demand more resources at school, in Lille, France, on Thursday.
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  • Hundreds of French secondary schools disrupted or closed as students protest teacher shortages, overcrowding and poor infrastructure.
  • 40 headteachers among 65 education workers reportedly injured; school buildings damaged, including a fire at a Nantes school.
  • Authorities deployed police and made arrests as the government acknowledges education concerns but condemns violence.
Hundreds of secondary schools across France have been disrupted or closed as student protests over teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and deteriorating facilities escalate.
Education officials report that 65 education workers have been injured during the unrest, including 40 headteachers.
Students in several regions have blocked school entrances and staged demonstrations, with some protests escalating into clashes and property damage. Authorities say hundreds of schools have been affected, with many unable to operate normally.

In Nantes, a fire at a secondary school forced an evacuation and caused significant damage to parts of the institution. The school is expected to remain closed while repairs are undertaken.

Police have been deployed to several affected areas and arrests have been reported.
The government has acknowledged concerns over conditions in schools but condemned violence and damage to property. Officials said measures are being taken to restore learning while addressing staffing and infrastructure challenges.
The Ministry of Education has not released a full assessment of the damage or the total number of schools closed.



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