The private education system in France

ALTHOUGH many families when moving to France may look into the possibility of enrolling their children into an international school, there is also a long established private education sector.

And despite the republican values of there being a strong dividing line between church and state, many of the schools will have a religious background but also receive money from the authorities.

However, many of these schools, especially those in rural areas rely upon the fund raising efforts of parents, and Jon Doust writes a very interesting article about his involvement with his local school.

His daughter is currently going though the private education system, and whilst the school is overseen by the Catholic church, Jon writes that it's not necessary to have any religious affiliations.

And some people do send their children to an école privée for reasons of faith. Some send them because, generally, they are academically superior to their state-run neighbours, some because of their reputation for discipline and others because the teachers don’t tend to go on strike.

It varies. Interestingly, being Catholic is not a requirement. I’m not. My wife is an Anglican, though our eldest daughter has now – at her own request – been baptised as a Catholic. But they will take anyone, irrespective.

Jon goes on to write about the fund raising parents undertake to help the school as like most establishments there is always a need for equipment and books, and private schools in France are often a world away from their counterparts elsewhere.

Comments

[Parisgirl]

Hmm, it is debatable whether, generally speaking, private schools in France are "academically superior" to state-run schools. Parents thinking of sending their children to a private school should also be aware that it may be more difficult to get them into the state school of their choice later, ie a preferred, high-ranking lycée where priority for places is often given to state school pupils.

[Craig McGinty]

Hi Parisgirl, thanks for that, is helpful to read an alternative view.
All the best, Craig