Overview

• The Cour des comptes report, published on May 20, 2025, declares France's primary education system to be in a state of failure, citing poor alignment with children's biological and educational needs.
• Student performance in France has declined relative to other EU countries, despite a decade of increased spending on primary education.
• The report singles out the four-day school week as detrimental to children’s learning and biological rhythms, calling for a reevaluation of school-time organization.
• Worsening social, gender, and territorial inequalities in primary education are identified as key issues undermining equity and student outcomes.
• Recommendations include creating a formal status for school principals, restructuring governance, improving teacher recruitment, and consolidating schools in areas with declining enrollment.