Crumbling classroom ceilings and dilapidated buildings, teacher shortages and cancelled classes: student anger over the conditions in French high schools has reached a boiling point, culminating in protests and school blockades across the country.

And despite thousands of arrests and hundreds of injuries, the marches are attracting more students, as well as teachers, parents and workers.

More than 250,000 people in several cities marched in support of students and in protest against what they see as a glaring lack of government action.

This report aired on DW’s Inside Europe on 8 October, 2026.