Restoring respect and authority in schools is not a dirty word, nor a step backwards. It is an essential condition for schools to fulfil their primary mission: passing on knowledge and enabling every pupil to succeed in a calm school environment.
In recent years, the climate in schools has deteriorated, with requests for mobile team interventions in schools nearly doubling over five years: more tension, incivility and sometimes even violence. Many teachers report a lack of respect and feel their pedagogical role is being undermined. Faced with this reality, Education Minister Valérie Glatigny wants to restore a calm and respectful framework in schools.
The School-Society Contract aims to set out the rights and duties of everyone involved: the school, pupils and their parents. It does not replace school rules of order but complements them with clearer rules shared by all.
Specifically, this contract will remind that:
- The school commits to providing quality education in a safe and calm setting
Among other things, protecting pupils and staff from any form of violence or pressure, regularly informing parents, preventing absenteeism, ...
- Pupils must respect the rules and teachers, and commit to their work
Such as behaving respectfully towards everyone, recognising the authority and knowledge of all staff, being present and punctual, actively engaging in lessons, ...
- Parents support their child, respect pedagogical choices and maintain a respectful dialogue with the school.
This includes, in particular, respecting the teaching team without pressure or interference, requesting an appointment to meet a teacher rather than calling out to them in the playground, attending parents' meetings, and ensuring their child's regular attendance, ...
This contract will also provide for the establishment of pedagogical disciplinary councils where they do not yet exist.
Education is indeed a shared responsibility. Parents and schools each have an essential, complementary role in supporting pupils' success. It is also a strong signal to teachers. Reaffirming their authority and protecting them from pressure and aggression helps to restore the value of their profession and its image in society.
Restoring respect and authority is not about making schools “tougher”: it is about giving them meaning again. It is a reminder that the freedom to learn requires a clear framework, that trust is built on shared rules, and that pedagogical authority is a pillar of academic success.
Consultations are underway with all education stakeholders. The aim is for it to come into force at the start of the 2027 school year. The School-Society Contract will then need to be signed to confirm enrolment by pupils, parents and schools.