# Protests against failing school system continue in France > French students protest crumbling school infrastructure and underfunded education despite government promises. - Title: Protests against failing school system continue in France · Dw - Summary: French students protest crumbling school infrastructure and underfunded education despite government promises. French students continue protesting poor… - Keywords: france, school protests, education system, student demonstrations, sehat, pisa scores, emmanuel macron, edouard geffray, university students, lycee paul eluard, saint denis, pantin - Source: Dw — https://dw.com/en/schools-crisis-in-france-investment-fails-to-inspire-confidence/a-79621916?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf - Read time: 1 min - Topics: france, school protests, education system, student demonstrations, sehat, pisa scores, emmanuel macron, edouard geffray, university students, lycee paul eluard, saint denis, pantin ## Students report school problems French schoolchildren share videos of rats in toilets, leaking roofs, and broken heating systems. > Rats in the toilets, leaking roofs, broken heating systems ## Schools in Saint-Denis face issues At Lycee Paul Eluard in Saint-Denis, students report vermin and burst pipes in buildings. > At the Lycee Paul Eluard in the Parisian suburb of Saint-Denis ## Overcrowded classrooms Students complain about overcrowded classrooms and frequently cancelled lessons. > Students complain about overcrowded classrooms and frequently cancelled lessons ## Protests spread nationwide Protests against poor school conditions have erupted across France with no sign of ending. > The protests, which have erupted all over the country, show no sign of coming to an end ## Education funding levels France spends 6.7% of GDP on education, but infrastructure problems persist. > France spends 6.7% of GDP on education ## School maintenance responsibilities Local governments handle school maintenance while central government sets curricula. > Local governments handle school maintenance while central government sets curricula ## Old school buildings Over 80% of elementary school buildings in France are more than 50 years old. > Over 80% of elementary school buildings in France are more than 50 years old ## Renovation program Ile-de-France approved a €6.6 billion renovation program for 2017-2027. > Ile-de-France approved a €6.6 billion renovation program for 2017-2027 ## Heat problems persist Schools still lack effective protection against summer heat despite repairs. > Schools still lack effective protection against summer heat despite repairs ## Government response Government plans to recruit 3,000 supply teachers and use software to identify struggling schools. > Government plans to recruit 3,000 supply teachers and use software to identify struggling schools ## PISA scores show problems Over one in three French 15-year-olds fail to achieve basic math competence. > Over one in three French 15-year-olds fail to achieve basic math competence ## Protests near election Student protests are evolving into a power struggle ahead of French presidential election. > Student protests are evolving into a power struggle ahead of French presidential election ## Key takeaway French students continue protesting poor school conditions and underfunded education after two weeks of demonstrations.