On May 4, 2026, the French Ministry of Education unveiled a comprehensive reform aimed at combating grade inflation and promoting academic excellence. The reform, titled 'Non à la facilité' (No to Shortcuts), will take effect in the 2026-2027 school year.
Key measures include a standardized grading scale across all high schools, with a maximum of 20 points and a minimum passing grade of 10. Teachers will receive training to ensure consistent evaluation. The reform also introduces mandatory oral exams in core subjects like French and mathematics.
Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer stated, 'We must restore the value of effort and merit in our education system. This reform is a response to the growing concern among parents and employers about declining academic standards.'
Critics argue that the reform may increase stress among students and fail to address underlying issues such as inequality in access to resources. However, the government insists that the changes are necessary to prepare students for higher education and the job market.
The reform has been debated in the National Assembly and received final approval on April 28, 2026. Implementation will begin with a pilot program in 200 schools before a nationwide rollout.
