The French School System Explained: A Guide for Expats

If you have just moved to France or are planning to, one of your first questions as a parent is probably: how does the French school system actually work? Between unfamiliar class names, a different academic calendar, and a system that runs entirely in French, it can feel like a lot to take in.

This guide breaks it all down simply — from the first day of maternelle to the final year of lycée — so you can feel confident navigating your child's education in France.

How the French School System Is Organized

The French education system is centralized and managed by the Ministry of National Education, which means the curriculum, structure, and national exams are the same across the entire country. In France, all children between the ages of 3 and 16 are required to attend school.

The system is divided into four main stages: maternelle, école élémentaire, collège, and lycée.

School Levels and Ages in the French School System

The French school system is divided into several stages, each covering a specific age range. Here is what to expect at each level.

École Maternelle (Ages 3 to 6)

French children begin school at age 3, when instruction becomes compulsory. The maternelle is the equivalent of nursery or preschool, and it is divided into three sections:

• Petite Section (PS) for ages 3 to 4

• Moyenne Section (MS) for ages 4 to 5

• Grande Section (GS) for ages 5 to 6

The focus at this stage is on language development, social skills, and early learning through play. For expat children arriving in France without any French, the maternelle is actually one of the best entry points. Young children absorb language remarkably quickly in an immersive environment.

École Élémentaire (Ages 6 to 11)

Primary school, known as école élémentaire, runs from ages 6 to 11 and covers five year groups. These are:

• CP (Cours Préparatoire) at age 6

• CE1 (Cours Élémentaire 1) at age 7

• CE2 (Cours Élémentaire 2) at age 8

• CM1 (Cours Moyen 1) at age 9

• CM2 (Cours Moyen 2) at age 10 to 11

The CP year is a crucial milestone — this is when children formally learn to read and write in French. For expat children joining at this level, additional language support (known as UPE2A — Unité Pédagogique pour Élèves Allophones Arrivants) may be available through the school.

Collège (Ages 11 to 15)

After primary school, students move on to collège — the equivalent of middle school or secondary school. This stage lasts four years and uses a countdown numbering system that often confuses expat families:

• 6ème (age 11–12)

• 5ème (age 12–13)

• 4ème (age 13–14)

• 3ème (age 14–15)

At the end of 3ème, students sit the Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB), the first national exam of the French school system. It is worth noting that from 2024, collège classes in 6ème and 5ème have introduced ability groups in French and mathematics as part of a national education reform.

Lycée (Ages 15 to 18)

The final stage of secondary education is the lycée, which lasts three years:

• Seconde (age 15–16)

• Première (age 16–17)

• Terminale (age 17–18)

At the end of Terminale, students sit the Baccalauréat — commonly known as le Bac — one of the most recognized qualifications in the French-speaking world.

There are several tracks within the lycée:

• the voie générale for students heading to university

• the voie technologique for those pursuing more applied studies

• the voie professionnelle for students entering vocational training

Key Differences to Know as an Expat

Beyond the general structure, a few practical differences are worth knowing before your child starts school in France.

Class Names Count Down, Not Up

One of the most common points of confusion for English-speaking expat families is the numbering of collège and lycée classes. Unlike primary school, which counts upwards (CP, CE1, CE2, CM1, CM2), secondary school counts downwards from 6ème to Terminale. The logic is that students are moving closer to the end of their schooling.

Once you understand this, it becomes easy to follow.

The Academic Year Starts in September

The French school year begins in early September and ends in late June or early July. School holidays are organized into three zones across the country (A, B, and C), and the dates for autumn, Christmas, February, spring, and summer breaks vary slightly depending on where you live.

Check which zone your area falls into as soon as you arrive.

School Registration and the Carte Scolaire

In France, your child is automatically assigned to a school based on your home address — this is known as the carte scolaire. To enroll, contact your local mairie (town hall) and then the school directly. You will need proof of address, your child's birth certificate, vaccination records, and any previous school reports if available.

Language Support for Newly Arrived Children

Most French public schools can connect newly arrived non-French-speaking children with UPE2A support — specific French language classes designed to help them integrate. Not every school has this program on-site, but the local académie (regional education authority) can direct you to the nearest provision.

Always ask explicitly; do not assume it will be offered automatically.

Practical Tips for Expat Parents in France

Here are a few practical tips to help you get the school year off to a good start.

• Visit your mairie as a first step — they will guide you through the school registration process and confirm your local school assignment. Bring all your documents on the first visit to avoid unnecessary delays.

• Get familiar with the French school day. School hours in France are typically 8h30 to 16h30. The lunch break is often longer than many expat families expect, sometimes one and a half to two hours. On Wednesdays, primary school children often have a half day or no school at all, though this varies by school.

• If your child is placed in UPE2A classes initially, stay in close contact with the teacher and ask for regular updates on their progress and expected transition timeline into mainstream classes.

• Learn the key vocabulary of the French school system early: cahier de liaison (communication notebook between parents and school), conseil de classe (class council meeting), bulletins scolaires (school reports), carnet de notes (marks booklet), orientation (the process of choosing the next educational pathway).

Being confident with these terms will make every interaction with teachers and administration far easier.

Learning French Will Change Everything

Whether it is reading your child's school report, attending a parent-teacher meeting, or simply chatting with other parents at the school gate, French is at the heart of your daily experience as an expat in France. The sooner you build your confidence in French, the more connected and in control you will feel.

If you are looking for a simple, realistic way to get started, download my free guide Learn French in 15 Minutes a Day. It is made for busy expats who want to make real, consistent progress — without needing hours of study time. A little French every day goes a long way, especially when you are surrounded by it.

The French school system may look complicated at first glance, but its structure is logical and consistent once you understand the basics. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the stages, ask questions at your local school, and invest in your French along the way. Your child will adapt — and so will you!

Moving to Switzerland instead? We've also put together a guide to the Swiss school system.

To receive weekly French tips to improve your French, subscribe to my newsletter 👇

À bientôt !

Audrey, your French teacher 👩‍🏫