Édouard Geffray, USA News (France): According to the minister, more than 100,000 high school students participated in a consultation by submitting their contributions on a dedicated platform. In a published letter, the minister indicated that the proposals gathered focus particularly on learning conditions, class sizes, the replacement of absent teachers, guidance, mental health, and the renovation of educational establishments.
Among the main measures announced is the capping of second-year (seconde) classes at 28 students in half of the least favored high schools starting from the 2027 school year. This measure is scheduled to be extended to all high schools by the 2028 school year. The most crowded classes in the first (première) and final (terminale) years must also be reduced. To support this reform, the ministry plans to create more than 500 additional teaching positions in high schools. Édouard Geffray also assured that no positions would be cut in middle schools (collèges) and high schools.
Regarding the replacement of absent teachers, the minister announced the continuation of the emergency plan launched in mid-October. This plan provides for the recruitment of 920 contractual teachers, already hired or in the process of being hired, as well as the allocation of overtime hours in each high school since October 15.
The minister also announced a transformation of Parcoursup starting this year, notably for students currently in their final year. The cover letter will become exceptional, the selection criteria for higher education programs must be systematically published, and candidates will be able to know the reasons for any refusal. Édouard Geffray further announced the replacement of Parcoursup in 2028, an evolution that will require the adoption of a new law.
Additionally, 15,000 additional higher education places will be created starting from the 2027 academic year, including 10,000 in advanced technician sections (BTS), 4,000 in university technology institutes (IUT), and 1,000 in university health tracks. Regarding mental health, identified as one of the major concerns expressed by high school students, the minister announced the creation of more than 500 additional positions for nurses, national education psychologists, and social workers starting from the next school year. For school infrastructure and its adaptation to climate change, the state plans to make available to the regions a loan scheme of 4 billion euros by 2030, at a reduced rate, to accelerate the renovation of high schools.
