Skip to content
LOUD
Seriousstudentseducation

Students and activists protest school conditions in Saint-Denis

Nationwide · pinned on Saint-Denis, France · since Sep 20, 2026

Is it still on?

YESDay 24 and counting, since Sep 20.

Last report · checked

Summary in three lines

Why they are protesting
Students are protesting against teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and the poor condition of school buildings.
What they want
Protesters demand increased investment in the education system and better learning conditions.
What changed
Oct 13: Activist Greta Thunberg joined students at Paul Eluard high school in Saint-Denis to support the ongoing movement.
WhatsAppPost on X

Both sides

What protesters want

  • Improvement of school buildings
  • Addressing teacher shortages
  • Reducing overcrowded class schedules

Organised by: l’Union etudiante, France Unbowed

What authorities say

Education Minister Edouard Geffray stated that 3,000 substitute teachers are being deployed to address shortages. President Emmanuel Macron urged protesters to exercise restraint and engage in consultations.12

The numbers

Only figures a source states, with who said it. Estimates often differ.

Arrests / detentions
6,800
According to the Ministry of Justice, more than 6,800 people, mainly minors, have been taken into police custody.1
Injuries
8
The Ministry of National Education reported eight members of teaching staff were injured on Monday.13

The full story

Since late September 2026, students across France have been protesting against issues in the education system, including dilapidated school infrastructure, a lack of teachers, and overcrowded schedules. The movement, which involves blockades of school entrances using bins and barriers, is supported by various unions and the France Unbowed party. On October 13, activist Greta Thunberg joined students at the Paul Eluard high school in Saint-Denis. Lawyers have also participated by forming human chains to protect students amid reports of police brutality. Education Minister Edouard Geffray stated that approximately 200 schools were closed on Tuesday. While the government has called for restraint and dialogue, the protests continue to disrupt schools nationwide. The Ministry of National Education reported that eight teaching staff members were injured during demonstrations on Monday.

Timeline

  1. Greta Thunberg joined students at Paul Eluard high school in Saint-Denis.123

  2. Eight teaching staff members were reported injured during protests in the Paris region, Bordeaux, and Lyon.13

  3. Approximately 75,000 people took to the streets in major protest events.23

  4. Interior ministry figures reported 260,000 protesters participated in nationwide marches.2

Pins sit on city centres, never on gathering points

Related protests