France will test uniforms in public schools from spring

The French government wants to test the single uniform in some schools, colleges and high schools in France, when local authorities have volunteered to do so.

Education Minister Gabriel Attal is expected to announce details of the measure in the coming days, but French media have begun to reveal the government’s first ideas. The minister’s objective is to fight against social inequalities, in favor of secularism and against harassment in educational centers.

The experiment is planned to begin in September 2024, at the start of the school year, or even in the spring for the most motivated municipalities. The experiment will last two years before being validated and ultimately extended to the entire French territory.

Among the volunteer cities are Tourcoing, Reims, Nice and the departments of Allier and Alpes-Maritimes and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, among others.

The basic kit for each student could consist of five t-shirts, two jerseys and two pairs of pants. But some local authorities are considering using only t-shirts and jerseys. This will be possible provided that others “respect the principles of secularism and neutrality”. In France, the use of religious symbols or clothing is prohibited in public schools and institutes.

The uniform set will cost 200 euros, but families will not have to pay anything. It will be financed by the State and the city, department or region.

In some places, local authorities have already offered to personalize the uniform with a crest. According to local authorities interviewed by French radio Franceinfo, each child will be entitled to a new set of clothes every year, if the model is not suitable or is damaged for example.

The uniform must also be worn “during any educational activity taking place outside the school grounds, as provided for in school regulations”, reports BFMTV television.

According to documents sent by the government to voluntary establishments for personalized tests, if students refuse to wear the uniform, they will be sanctioned.

“The director may impose a penalty or sanction depending on the seriousness of the infraction, which it will be up to him to evaluate at that time,” the document specifies.