Anne Genetet, the Minister of National Education, took office in early September amidst ministerial instability. She stated that while the direction of education policy would remain the same, she would adjust the speed of implementation. On November 12, she presented what she called “Act II of the shock of knowledge,” following in the footsteps of her predecessor, Gabriel Attal. Despite facing budgetary constraints, she aims to adapt and implement this policy, which has faced criticism within the education sector.
One of the key measures Genetet has taken is to transform the National Diploma of the Brevet into a mandatory exam to enter 2nd grade. This decision marks a significant departure from the history of the exam, which has never been a barrier to entry into high school since its creation in 1947. This change, which was not supported by Nicole Belloubet, the former Minister of Education, is now being carried out with a modified timeline compared to Gabriel Attal’s original plan.
The complete reform of the Brevet will be effective for the session in 2027 for current 5th grade students, after the full implementation of the shock of knowledge. The Ministry justifies this timeline by highlighting the benefits that 5th grade students will have received from extra support in math and French during their 6th-grade year. Those students who do not pass the exam will either have to enter vocational training or undergo a one-year preparatory program. This system is currently being tested with around 1,300 students.
The criteria for obtaining the Brevet will be revised beginning in 2026, with final exams carrying more weight (60%) than continuous assessment (40%), which is currently evenly split between the two. Additionally, the grading system for continuous assessment will shift from assessing skills mastery to averaging the grades throughout the year. These changes have faced opposition from teachers, who have raised concerns about the impact on student performance and the fairness of the new system.
In this context of reform and adaptation, Genetet’s team aims to maintain the core objectives of the education policy while adjusting the methods and timelines to ensure a smoother transition. By aligning the implementation of new measures with the end of Emmanuel Macron’s second term, they seek to solidify the mandatory nature of the Brevet exam and ensure that the changes introduced have a lasting impact on the education system. Despite the challenges and criticisms facing these reforms, the Ministry of National Education remains committed to its goals of improving education outcomes for students across France.
