View source for Education system in France

== Legal framework ==

In France, education is governed by ''[[Source:Code de l'éducation (Legislation)|Code de l'éducation]]'' (the education code).

== Compulsory education ==

Education is compulsory for every child aged from 3 to 16.<ref>{{#cite:Q2063}}</ref>

Normally, this compulsory education is given in educational institutions,<ref>{{#cite:Q2126}}</ref> notably public or private schools, <ref>{{#cite:Q2064}}</ref> but it can also be given by parents or any person of their choice with explicit governmental approval<ref>{{#cite:Q2064}}</ref> and under governmental supervision<ref>{{#cite:Q2065}}</ref>.

When the compulsory education is given in educational institutions, each absence of a child must be justified. An investigation is to be launched if a child misses more than four half-days at school in the same month.<ref>{{#cite:Q2066}}</ref>

Public education from nursery (FR: école maternelle) to high school (FR:collège et lycée) is free of charge.<ref>{{#cite:Q2067}}</ref><ref>{{#cite:Q2068}}</ref> The government provides online educational resources as a public service.<ref>{{#cite:Q2064}}</ref>

Public education is religiously neutral (FR: dans un égal respect de toutes les croyances).<ref>{{#cite:Q2069}}</ref> The liberty of conscience of children at school is protected by law, i.e., they are free to believe or practice or not any religion,<ref>{{#cite:Q2069}}</ref> However, in public schools students are forbidden to wear clothes or decorations that ostensibly display religious affiliation (FR: manifestent ostensiblement une appartenance religieuse).<ref>{{#cite:Q2070}}</ref>, or attempt to convert others to their religion.<ref>{{#cite:Q2071}}</ref>

Students of public schools may receive religious education outside of class, as their parents see fit. Private schools are free to provide religious education as part of the school curriculum.<ref>{{#cite:Q2072}}</ref>

=== Daycare service ===

When a nursery or primary school cannot deliver the expected lessons due to circumstances beyond their control, such as during a teachers' strike or the lack of available substitute teacher in case of a teacher's absence, they must organise a daycare service for the children during normal school hours.<ref>{{#cite:Q2127}}</ref>

== Les mission locales ==

School-leavers that choose not to continue their schooling beyond the age of 16 are accompanied by les [[missions locales]] for their integration into the professional world and life as a young adult, at least until they reach 18 years of age, and if they wish, until they reach 25 years of age.<ref>{{#cite:Q2099}}</ref><ref>{{#cite:Q2134}}</ref>

== Higher education ==

Article L151-6 of ''[[Source:Code de l'éducation (Legislation)|Code de l'éducation]]'' (the education code) states literally:

However, the missions of the French public higher education system are clearly defined by articles L123-2/3 of the same law:<ref>{{#cite:Q2106}}</ref><ref>{{#cite:Q2110}}</ref>

* Improve general level of scientific and cultural literacy of the French nation;
* Conduct research to the benefit of the society, notably to support public service and associations contributing to the public good (FR:reconnues d'utilité publique);
* Train workers capable of contributing to economic growth in the social, economic, and environmental context of today and future;
* Reduce social and gender inequality;
* Discourage hate and discrimination and contribute to the construction of an inclusive society;
* Promote environmental awareness and encourage sustainable development practices;
* Improve social cohesion and regional attractiveness;
* Promote the French language and culture around the world;
* Promote european and international cooperation;
* Enhance interaction between science and society.

To fulfill their missions, public higher education institutions are encourage to form interdisciplinary, intergenerational, and interinstitutional partnerships.<ref>{{#cite:Q2114}}</ref> They can also:

* accomodate international students and faculty,<ref>{{#cite:Q2115}}</ref>
* send their students and faculty abroad on exchange programs,<ref>{{#cite:Q2115}}</ref>
* commercialise their innovations, including via commercial partnership with entreprises or individuals,<ref>{{#cite:Q2114}}</ref>
* provide service to contribute to social-economic development of the local community,<ref>{{#cite:Q2113}}</ref>
* edit and commercialise scientific or technic publications,<ref>{{#cite:Q2113}}</ref>
* create, maintain, or extend museums, archives, and databanks,<ref>{{#cite:Q2113}}</ref>

== Academic independence ==

Higher education institutions in France have a legal obligation to provide their faculty with the independence and serenity essential for intellectual reflection and creation.<ref>{{#cite:Q2116}}</ref>

=== Online resources ===

By law, the public education system should provide online learning material to its users.<ref>{{#cite:Q2111}}</ref>

=== Free and open-source software ===

By law, free and open-source software are to be prioritised in public higher education.<ref>{{#cite:Q2111}}</ref>

== Professional immersion and internships ==

Professional immersion and internships can be integrated into academic curricula.<ref>{{#cite:Q2123}}</ref>

A period of immersion or internship in a professional environmental (in companies, non-profit organisations, or government agencies, etc.) is compulsory for the reward of a technological or vocational qualification.<ref>{{#cite:Q2117}}</ref>

=== Internships ===

Interns do NOT have the legal status of employees in France. However, they are entitled to some of the legal protections for employees. For instance, they are entitled to equal access to parental leave,<ref>{{#cite:Q2120}}</ref> catering services,<ref>{{#cite:Q2120}}</ref> partial reimbursement of transport costs,<ref>{{#cite:Q2120}}</ref> and statutory limitations on the duration of work each day and each week <ref>{{#cite:Q2119}}</ref> compared to the employees. They are also entitled to personal leave<ref>{{#cite:Q2120}}</ref> and a minimum monthly allowance<ref>{{#cite:Q2118}}</ref> for internships lasting longer than 2 months.

To prevent abuse, the French state can limit the number of interns an organisation can simultaneously receive,<ref>{{#cite:Q2121}}</ref> and it is legally forbidden to receive an intern in order to replace an employee.<ref>{{#cite:Q2122}}</ref>

=== International mobility ===

Professional immersion and internships can be conducted abroad. <ref>{{#cite:Q2124}}</ref> In this case, laws of the hosting country apply , and participants should receive written information on their rights and obligations.<ref>{{#cite:Q2125}}</ref>

== Disability and chronic illness ==

By law, disability or health issues should not prevent access to education.

Each person with disability, regardless of age, is entitled to an individualised education plan following periodical needs and skills assessment by a multidisciplinary team.<ref>{{#cite:Q2129}}</ref>

Whenever possible, the integration of students with disability and chronic illness in regular educational institutions is encouraged.<ref>{{#cite:Q2129}}</ref> Schools and higher education institutions have a legal obligation to accommodate students with disability or suffering from health issues.<ref>{{#cite:Q2132}}</ref><ref>{{#cite:Q2112}}</ref>

When the health of a school-aged children (aged between 3-16) requires extensive hospital care, the French ministry of education assigns qualified educators responsible for their education.<ref>{{#cite:Q2132}}</ref>

In addition, by law, candidates concerned by a disability, permanent or temporary (i.e., caused by a chronic illness), have the right to reasonable accommodations for exams, both those as part of a study program and entrance/diploma exams, such as additional time, adapted technology, or even a human assistant, if necessary, to guarantee the fairness (FR: égalité des chances) of the exams.<ref>{{#cite:Q2098}}</ref>

Educational institutions have a legal obligation to train their teachers and other relevant staff members in receiving students with disabilities, notably those with a neurodevelopmental disorder.<ref>{{#cite:Q2128}}</ref>

== Academic harassment == 

Since 2022, educational institutions in France, public and private, have a legal obligation to take appropriate preventive measures against harassment, in speech or action, within their institution.<ref>{{#cite:Q2076}}</ref>