Study reveals educational inequalities

A study commissioned by the Seine-Saint-Denis Department has shown significant differences in access to public high schools and educational programs between this area and other parts of France, particularly Paris. The findings highlight that many young people in Seine-Saint-Denis have limited choices for high schools and specialized programs compared to their counterparts in the capital.

Students demand better conditions

Stéphane Troussel, president of the Seine-Saint-Denis Department, said high school students are calling for more teachers, better facilities, and access to healthcare in schools. He emphasized that the study confirms the inequalities that students in the suburbs have been protesting against for weeks, highlighting their demands for a better future.

High concentration of disadvantaged schools

According to the study, nearly 59% of public general and technological high schools in Seine-Saint-Denis serve students from the most socially disadvantaged backgrounds. This is much higher than the national average of 8%. In vocational high schools, the figure reaches 100%, compared to 69% nationally.

School zoning limits access

The study found that in parts of Seine-Saint-Denis, school zones include only high schools classified as serving the most disadvantaged students. This affects 56% of young people in the department, while none in Paris face this situation. Only 6% of young people in Seine-Saint-Denis have access to a high school in the most socially favored category, compared to 100% in Paris.

Limited access to specialized programs

The report also showed that only 37% of young people in Seine-Saint-Denis have access to the most common combinations of specialties in the final year of general high school, while all students in Paris do. In terms of post-baccalaureate programs, only 28% of young people in Seine-Saint-Denis have access to preparatory classes for prestigious French institutions, compared to 100% in Paris.

Transport affects vocational training

In vocational education, access to training depends more on public transportation than on geographical zoning. The study found that 70% of young people in Seine-Saint-Denis have access to five or fewer vocational specialties within 30 minutes of their home. However, the department has better access to vocational baccalaureate programs than nearby areas, though it still lags behind Paris.

Proposed solutions for inequality

To address these issues, the study suggests that the completion of the Grand Paris Express by 2031 could help reduce some disparities by improving access to schools. A review of the current training map and a more careful evaluation of school zoning could also help improve access to educational programs.

Future challenges for schools

Researchers warn that a decline in student numbers in Seine-Saint-Denis during the 2030s could lead to school closures or mergers, which might further limit students' options. This makes it even more important to address the current inequalities in educational access.