Student protests disrupt 735 French schools as 1,747 people are arrested in one day

3 October 2026

Thousands of students protesting over education standards have disrupted more than 700 schools across France.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said 735 of France's 3,700 schools were affected, and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 1,747 people were arrested on Friday 2 October.
The protests began the previous week in Paris and spread to cities including Montpellier, Nantes and Marseille.
Pupils object to a lack of teachers, overcrowded classrooms and run-down buildings.
The education ministry said at least 65 staff members were injured; Education Minister Édouard Geffray said the movement had been hijacked by non-students.