Child population decline in France

The number of children aged 5 to 14 years in France could decrease by 7 percent between 2024 and 2033, according to the OECD. This demographic shift may influence the need for teachers and raise questions about resource allocation in education.

Report highlights education challenges

The 2026 edition of Regards sur l’éducation by Eric Charbonnier, an OECD expert, highlights this potential change. Charbonnier suggests that the demographic decline could be an opportunity to improve teaching conditions rather than merely reducing educational resources.

Class sizes shrinking in French schools

The average number of students per class in French elementary schools has decreased from 24 to 21, indicating a reduction in class size. Charbonnier warns that using the decline to cut education budgets could exacerbate existing spending issues compared to other OECD countries, particularly in early education levels.

France spends more but unevenly

Education expenditure in France is higher than the OECD average (5.4% compared to 4.9%) but is described as "imbalanced." Per student, elementary school spending is 10 percent below the OECD average, while high school spending is 28 percent above.

School network structure in France

France has a particularly dense school network in primary education, with about five primary schools for each secondary school, compared to an average of two in OECD countries. This structure reflects a preference for maintaining schools near children's residences.

Opportunities in teacher recruitment

Despite recruitment challenges in certain disciplines and regions, the decrease in student numbers could allow for improved working conditions, reduced class sizes, and increased attractiveness of teaching professions. Trade union organizations suggest this evolution may offer opportunities to address current difficulties in recruitment and resource distribution.