The protests carried out by French high school students may feel distant for those in Scotland, but for the University of Stirling students who chose to spend a year in France as an English language assistant in schools, the issue is close to home.
The students are protesting against what they feel is a lack of funding in the schools, leading to overcrowding and teachers not being replaced.
One of the Stirling University students who is currently a language assistant with the British Council spoke to Brig about the experience they have had since arriving in France in September 2026. They wished to keep their identity anonymous for the interview so that it does not impact on their time abroad.
How have the protests affected your time teaching English in French schools?
“This is not how I imagined France to be. I thought it would be a lot more peaceful but I do feel sorry for the students having to fight for their education.
The protests have made schools empty because so many students are out protesting instead of in school. It has also made some experiences for students scary since people are blockading school gates and shouting outside the school. People are setting fire to things and blocking the streets with bins, as well as putting red or white tape over the school gates.”
What has been said to you about why they are protesting?
“They are protesting because school days are too long, teachers are not getting replaced when they are off and there is overcrowding. Some students did not have a maths teacher for months because there was no one to replace them.”
How did you feel when you experienced the protests for the first time since arriving from the University of Stirling?
“It was scary and I felt bad for the kids. Not near me, but kids were getting arrested and hurt. I did not witness it with my own eyes but one kid had his hand blown off by a summit grenade. It was like something out of a movie.”
How have the protests progressed while you have been there?
“The protests are getting worse because the problem has not been solved. Plus the government has not done anything like donate money or care about the kids. The only thing they have done is temporarily close some high schools across France. Kids continue to protest to get what they want and some teachers have joined to make sure that the kids do not get hurt by holding hands and making a barrier between the kids and the police.
Despite all of this, the student stated that they would not be convinced to go home earlier unless it was getting dangerous at their school or threatening their safety.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu took to social media platform X on October 6 to address the escalating situation between the French government, police and students.
He wrote, “For several days, ultra-violence has struck at the door of our high schools. Students, educational staff, police officers, and gendarmes have been injured. These acts of violence must be condemned without reservation…In such sensitive law enforcement operations, accidents can happen. When they do, the rule of law applies: administrative or judicial investigations, transparency, and the pursuit of accountability. And there must be empathy. But speaking of “police violence” to suggest that there would be political instructions for repression is false.”
Featured Image Credit : Interviewed Stirling Student in France