The Middle School Certificate Will Ultimately Not Be Mandatory for Entering High School

The Ministry of National Education announced on Friday, January 17, that obtaining the middle school certificate (brevet) in ninth grade will not be a mandatory condition for entering high school. This decision reverses a measure previously planned by former Minister Anne Genetet, who had proposed making the certificate mandatory starting from the June 2027 session.

A Change of Direction by Élisabeth Borne
Current Minister Élisabeth Borne justified this reversal by emphasizing her trust in teachers and class councils. As a result, students deemed ready for high school by their ninth-grade class council will be allowed to move on to tenth grade, even if they have not obtained the certificate. However, all students are still required to sit for the brevet examination.

Anne Genetet, who had introduced this measure as part of the “knowledge boost” initiative launched by Gabriel Attal in 2023 to raise academic standards, expressed her regret over the decision. On her X account, she stated: “Making the brevet mandatory would have raised both the level of expectation and the performance of our students. We must not abandon this ambition, which benefits society as a whole.”

Continuation of “Prep-for-High School” Classes and New Support Measures
Despite this policy change, the Ministry has decided to maintain the experimental “prep-for-high school” classes, designed for students who have not passed the brevet. These programs, introduced this year, will continue for the 2025–2026 school year to assess their effectiveness.

Additionally, Élisabeth Borne has announced plans for new support measures to help students transition to high school even if they did not pass the brevet. These measures are still under development, with several scenarios under consideration.

A Controversial Decision
The proposal to make the brevet mandatory for entry into high school had sparked significant criticism, particularly from teachers’ unions, who saw it as a form of “social sorting.” This debate highlights differing views on the role of academic standards and inclusivity within the education system.