Chapter 13 of 15

Children & Education

Last updated: May 14, 2026

École maternelle, primaire, collège, lycée, enrollment, school system

Summary

The French education system is one of the most structured in Europe. Education is free and compulsory from age 3 to 16. The system differs fundamentally from the Dutch: more frontal teaching, stricter discipline, longer school days (until 4:30 PM), and an emphasis on academic achievement. Quality is generally good, and international or bilingual schools are available in major cities.

The French school system

Structure

Phase	Age	Duration	Dutch equivalent
École maternelle (preschool)	3-6 years	3 years	Groups 1-2 primary school
École élémentaire/primaire (primary)	6-11 years	5 years	Groups 3-8 primary school
Collège (lower secondary)	11-15 years	4 years	1st-3rd year secondary
Lycée (upper secondary)	15-18 years	3 years	4th-6th year secondary

École maternelle (3-6 years)

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Glossary

Carte de Séjour (Residence Permit)
The French residence permit. EU citizens do not need to apply for a carte de séjour but can obtain one as proof of residence rights. Non-EU citizens must apply for one.
Carte Vitale (Health Card)
The French health card that gives you access to the healthcare system. Medical costs are directly reimbursed with this card. Apply at the CPAM after your PUMA registration.
CPAM (Primary Health Insurance Fund)
The local health insurance institution. Here you register for French health insurance, apply for your Carte Vitale and submit claims.
CAF (Family Benefits Fund)
The French family benefits agency: child benefit, housing assistance (APL), living allowance. If you live and work in France, you are entitled to many of these benefits.
Impôt sur le Revenu (Income Tax)
The French income tax. Progressive rates from 0% to 45%. Calculated per "foyer fiscal" (household). Since 2019 the tax is withheld directly from your salary.
Mairie (Town Hall)
The French town hall. Here you handle registration, marriages, and request various documents. Every village and city has a mairie.
Sécurité Sociale (Social Security)
The French social security system. Covers healthcare, pensions, family benefits and unemployment. Your numéro de sécurité sociale (15 digits) is your key to the system.
OFII (French Immigration Office)
The French immigration office. Non-EU citizens must validate their visa and activate their residence permit here after arriving in France.
PUMA (Universal Health Coverage)
The French universal health coverage system. Everyone who lives stably in France (3+ months) is entitled to PUMA coverage, regardless of employment status.
Taxe d'Habitation (Residence Tax)
A local tax on your main residence. Largely abolished for main residences since 2023, but still applies to second homes.