Living abroad for two years can feel like an enriching adventure. Yet, when it’s time to re-enroll children in the French school system, many parents face unexpected hurdles. These can include administrative obstacles, entrance tests, refusals, and regional disparities.
Clara and Romain, parents of two primary school children, moved from Toulouse to London in 2023. Their goals were clear: experience life abroad, master a new language, and broaden their horizons. Returning to France in 2025, they were surprised by the complexities of public school re-admissions, a process far more intricate than they anticipated.
A return to school is more complex than expected
“It feels unbelievable—we never imagined we’d have to fight to get our children back into a French school,” admits Clara, clearly overwhelmed. Their family has French nationality and lives in Haute-Garonne. Their application was complete, yet their 8-year-old son was denied enrollment in the local public school’s Year 3 program. The reason: he attended an English school with no recognized French equivalent.
“We followed all the rules, yet now we’re being asked for a level assessment, an inspector’s evaluation, and the school has no available spots. It’s overwhelming. We no longer understand the process. Re-enrolling in the French school feels impossible.”
Tests and obstacles in academies
Education authorities, especially in major cities, are increasingly enforcing strict procedures for children returning from foreign school systems. Many families face these challenges. This occurs when their children have followed a curriculum not recognized by the French National Education system.
An anonymous primary school principal in the Paris academy explained: “A child coming back from the British or American system is not automatically placed in their age group. We must assess their level in French, mathematics, and other key subjects. This safeguards both the child and the education system.”
In practice, this process often involves:
- CASNAV placement tests for students from foreign schools
- Requests for translated academic records
- Temporary refusals or referrals to private institutions by default
Equivalence, yes… but insufficient
Families who anticipate returning to France can request a certificate of equivalence from the consulate. However, this document does not always bypass local restrictions. In Marseille, Virginie, a mother of three, saw her son denied placement in 6th grade, despite having a valid consular certificate.
“The inspector directed us to a private middle school under contract. The public school we requested supposedly had ‘no available spots, ‘” she explains.
Re-enrollment decisions often depend on local factors, such as staff availability, school profiles, and sometimes unclear or subjective criteria. Here is an overview of the main differences observed across academies:
| Academy | Request for evaluation | Automatic access | Alternative orientation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris | Yes, in 80% of cases | Rare | Private under contract |
| Bordeaux | Yes, case by case | Frequent | Other public establishments |
| Lyon | Yes, systematic in college | Exceptional | International or private college |
The cost of the French system abroad is in question.
For many families, enrolling children in accredited French schools abroad is simply unaffordable. In New York, one couple reported annual fees of $32,000 per child, while in Singapore, the International French School charges initial enrollment fees exceeding $10,000. As a result, tens of thousands of families opt for local schools instead.
These enrollment figures underscore the challenge: according to the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, over 386,000 French students were enrolled in schools outside France in 2024. However, only 60% attended officially recognized French institutions, leaving many vulnerable to re-enrollment challenges upon their return.
Maintaining the level of French is a structuring issue.
Faced with potential re-enrollment difficulties, many families invest in maintaining their children’s French language skills. Options include private tutoring, online learning platforms, or distance education programs such as CNED or FLAM (French as a Mother Tongue).
Didier Tramon, educational director of a FLAM network, explains: “It’s not just about language. Without an ongoing connection to French school culture, students can return with gaps that are sometimes hard to overcome, particularly in written French and academic methodology.”
This low-key educational divide
Despite the complexity, this process is rarely publicized. Yet, it raises questions about a system that prides itself on universality. In an era that values youth mobility and global experiences, reintegration into the French school system should be straightforward—but for many families, it feels like implicit exclusion.
Consequently, as a last resort, parents often turn to private schools or community associations. This workaround further underscores a system that remains ill-equipped to handle non-linear educational paths and the realities faced by expat children returning to France.
A feeling of abandonment, a warning for the future
Despite their frustration, Clara and Romain found a temporary solution: enrolling their child in a second-grade class at a private, non-profit school, far from home.
“We have to drive 45 minutes in the morning and evening,” explains Romain. “But we had no choice. Our family was left in the system’s blind spot.”
Given increasing mobility, the French education system must modernize its re-enrollment and reception processes. Without these updates, children returning from abroad risk being excluded rather than reintegrated, effectively becoming strangers in their own school system.
FAQ’s
What challenges do children face when returning to French schools after living abroad?
Children may encounter administrative hurdles, placement tests, and refusals, especially if they attended a curriculum not recognized by the French education system.
Does having French nationality guarantee re-enrollment in school?
No. Even with French nationality and a residence in France, children may still require level assessments and could face temporary refusals, depending on the school’s availability.
What is a certificate of equivalence, and does it help?
A certificate of equivalence can be requested through the French consulate. While it validates foreign education, it does not always exempt individuals from local restrictions or guarantee placement.
How do French schools evaluate returning students?
Schools may use CASNAV placement tests, require translated educational records, and assess students’ levels in French, mathematics, and methodology to ensure proper integration.
Are there differences between regions or cities?
Yes. Local factors, such as staff availability, school profiles, and regional policies, significantly impact re-enrollment procedures. Large cities often have stricter requirements.
Can distance learning help children maintain their French skills?
Absolutely. Programs like CNED or FLAM (French as a Mother Tongue) help maintain language skills and school culture, preventing gaps that could hinder re-entry.
What options do parents have if public schools deny enrollment?
Parents may consider private schools, community associations, or temporary solutions; however, these options can involve long commutes or higher fees.
Conclusion
Ultimately, returning to the French education system after living abroad can be a complex and often frustrating journey for families. With administrative hurdles, placement tests, regional disparities, and issues with curriculum recognition, many returning students face obstacles that can feel overwhelming.
