Strengthening Controls in Private Schools: An Ambitious Plan Following the Bétharram Abuse Revelations

Following the revelations of violence and sexual assault at the private Catholic school Bétharram, the French Minister of Education, Élisabeth Borne, detailed on Franceinfo on Monday an action plan to reinforce the control of private schools under contract. The program aims to ensure that similar incidents cannot occur again.

In-Depth Inspections to Evaluate Private Schools

As part of this initiative, Élisabeth Borne announced that eight Education Ministry staff members, including inspectors and social workers, would be mobilized for four days to conduct a detailed inspection of the Bétharram school. The goal of this inspection is to obtain a comprehensive assessment of the school’s operation, focusing not only on financial matters and compliance with curricula but also on the overall environment within the institution. The minister emphasized that this inspection is separate from the ongoing judicial investigation.

Strengthening Oversight of Private Schools Under Contract

To improve regulation of private schools under contract, the minister announced the addition of “60 additional inspectors” over the next two years. This will allow for 40% of private schools under contract to be inspected in the coming years. From now on, there will be systematic reporting of any incidents of violence in these institutions, which educate more than two million students. This measure follows criticisms by the Court of Auditors in 2023, which pointed out the insufficiency of current monitoring procedures.

Support for Vulnerable Students

In response to the needs of students, especially those in boarding schools or during school trips, an anonymous questionnaire will be introduced each trimester to allow students to report any abuse. If alerts are raised, support cells, made up of psychologists and health professionals, will be available to listen to students’ testimonies. Additionally, the emergency number 119 will be activated to ensure a rapid response in the event of violence being reported.

Targeted Inspection at Bétharram

Regarding the Bétharram school, an inspection began on Monday, involving eight inspectors and social workers. The aim is to conduct a thorough examination of the institution, assessing its administrative practices, curriculum compliance, and overall environment. The minister stated that “appropriate measures” will be taken based on the findings of this inspection.

Reactions and Victim Expectations

Victims of abuse at this institution, like Alexandre Perez, believe that these new measures come too late and hope that the announced actions will not merely be a response to the media cycle. They emphasize the need for concrete and lasting measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring again in the future.

Reform Expected on the Monitoring of Private Schools

In response to the revelations about the “Bétharram system,” a parliamentary inquiry commission has been created to examine how private schools are monitored and to explore ways to prevent school violence. François Bayrou, former Minister of National Education, and Élisabeth Borne will be heard by this commission to understand the failures of the monitoring system and assess the necessary improvements.

Following the Bétharram case, the Bétharram Fathers’ Congregation has for the first time acknowledged the “systemic” nature of the violence committed and has set up an independent inquiry commission to provide redress to the victims.

This plan for enhanced monitoring and reforms is a direct response to past failures and aims to ensure better protection for students in private schools under contract.