A report published by Unicef France and the think tank VersLeHaut suggests that the declining birth rate in France could free up more than 5 billion euros for the education system by 2035. The report, titled Demographic decline: how to seize this historic opportunity for education?, was presented on September 29, 2026, at the National Assembly. Marie-Caroline Missir, co-author of the report and general delegate of VersLeHaut, emphasizes the need to safeguard this potential investment. According to the report, France recorded more deaths than births for the first time since 1945 in 2025, and by 2035, the education system is projected to lose 1.7 million students, a decrease of 14.2 percent. The report argues that this demographic decline offers an unprecedented opportunity to reinvest resources into improving the quality and equity of education. The current budget for the National Education system is 63 billion euros. The study outlines various strategies for reinvesting the 5 billion euros, including reducing class sizes, strengthening primary and secondary education, combating major difficulties, preserving the territorial network, and investing in teacher training. These strategies aim to ensure that the education system remains effective and responsive to the needs of a changing population. The report also highlights the importance of long-term planning and warns against allocating resources without changing working methods and providing support for teachers. The authors note that education remains absent from discussions on the budget and the presidential election, and they advocate for a multi-year programming law to provide strategic direction for the education system. Such a law would help ensure that the education system is not only financially sustainable but also capable of adapting to future challenges and opportunities. The findings of the report come at a time when France is grappling with the broader implications of its demographic shift. While a declining population may lead to economic and social challenges, the report suggests that with careful planning and investment, the education system can emerge stronger and more equitable. The authors stress that this moment represents a unique opportunity to reshape education in France for the better.