France’s Historic Student Protests Shut Down Hundreds of High Schools

Students, teachers, and parents in France protest poor school conditions, shutting down 2,000 high schools and causing clashes with police.

Editorial Desk

October 6, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Paris, France — Over 2,000 high schools across France were shut down on Tuesday as students, teachers, and parents joined nationwide protests against deteriorating school infrastructure and underfunding.

The Union Syndicale Lycéenne, a prominent student union, reported that all universities were also involved in the demonstrations, which have now lasted three weeks. Protesters are demanding urgent action from the government to address the growing crisis in the education system.

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Crowds gathered outside schools, waving signs and chanting, while some blocked entrances. Law enforcement clashed with demonstrators, leading to over 5,000 arrests, including more than 4,000 minors. In one incident, a 15-year-old student lost a hand after picking up a police grenade in Lens, while another teen suffered a jaw injury in Paris suburbs. Authorities are investigating both cases.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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