High school blockades across France escalate into clashes with police

High school students across France have been blocking entrances to their schools and clashing with police, in a movement that has spread from the Paris region to other cities. Demonstrations have at times turned violent, with protesters setting fires and hurling objects at law enforcement. ([lemonde.fr](https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/article/2026/09/28/le-blocus-des-lycees-prend-de-l-ampleur-et-oppose-la-france-insoumise-et-le-gouvernement_6785108_3224.html?utm_source=openai))

Students say they are protesting overcrowded timetables, oversized classes and a lack of teachers, and they also complain about classrooms that become unbearably hot after recent heatwaves. The grievances have been cited repeatedly by young protesters as the reason for the blockades. ([amp.dw.com](https://amp.dw.com/en/france-student-protests-over-conditions-at-french-high-schools-fuel-political-clashes/a-79467746?utm_source=openai))

The actions began more than a week ago in parts of the Île-de-France region and have continued, with attempts to block or disrupt a significant number of lycées on several days this week. Authorities report dozens of attempted blockades and numerous incidents around school gates. ([lemonde.fr](https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/article/2026/09/28/le-blocus-des-lycees-prend-de-l-ampleur-et-oppose-la-france-insoumise-et-le-gouvernement_6785108_3224.html?utm_source=openai))

Incidents in Lille

In Lille, masked groups of students gathered outside the Lycée César-Baggio and set fire to trash containers; bus shelters and advertising panels were also damaged. Witnesses and images from the scene show projectiles — bottles, cobblestones and other objects — being thrown toward police lines. ([french.presstv.co.uk](https://french.presstv.co.uk/Detail/2026/09/28/777207/Blocus-au-lycee-la-mobilisation-parisienne-fait-des-emules-dans-le-Nord?utm_source=openai))

Police responded at some locations with tear gas to disperse crowds, according to multiple reports; authorities say forces were deployed to prevent further escalation around several schools. Local officials have described some actions as violent and condemned attacks on public property. ([amp.dw.com](https://amp.dw.com/en/france-student-protests-over-conditions-at-french-high-schools-fuel-political-clashes/a-79467746?utm_source=openai))

The movement remains active with students continuing to press for improved conditions in secondary education. Schools and municipalities say they are monitoring the situation as talks over resources and safety in classrooms continue. ([lemonde.fr](https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/article/2026/09/28/le-blocus-des-lycees-prend-de-l-ampleur-et-oppose-la-france-insoumise-et-le-gouvernement_6785108_3224.html?utm_source=openai))

Photo: press material from the event