Paris – 29.06.2026: To tackle the increasing heatwaves in France, Édouard Geffray, Education Minister, announced in an interview with Franceinfo on June 28, 2026, that starting from the upcoming exam session, all school exams will be held exclusively in the mornings. “From the next exam session, no exam will take place in the afternoon anymore,” Geffray emphasized, pointing to the urgent need to reduce health risks and strain on students in view of extreme heat.
This regulation is a response to the challenges during the current season, in which adjustments have already been made: for example, the written baccalauréat exams were only held in the mornings to protect students from midday heat. Oral exams, such as the “Grand Oral,” however, still had to be conducted until July 1 in part. Teacher unions praised the rescheduling of exam times but noted that temporary measures alone are not sufficient. Sustainable investments in school infrastructure are needed to ensure adequate climatic conditions in the long term.
The measure is part of a broader strategy by the Ministry of Education to actively address the impacts of climate change on the school environment. Alongside adjusting exam schedules, discussions are underway about modernizing buildings, including improved ventilation and air conditioning systems. The goal is to maintain the learning environment despite rising temperatures and to avoid negative effects on students’ performance.
France has experienced an increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves in recent years, significantly affecting daily life and various social sectors. The education system particularly faces challenges as heat-related physical strain can greatly impair concentration and well-being. The decision to move vulnerable exams to morning hours is intended to prevent these risks and ensure a safe administration of final exams.
The new regulation also presents organizational challenges, such as student transportation and school scheduling. Nevertheless, education experts largely consider this measure necessary and sensible to maintain education quality adapted to the changing climate.
Minister Geffray’s announcement demonstrates the government’s determined approach to dealing with the consequences of climate change. Further adjustments in the education sector are to be expected in the coming years. Which additional steps the Ministry of Education will take to better equip schools against climate risks remains to be seen but is already a topic of intensive discussions with education stakeholders and local authorities.
Sources
- Franceinfo