Homeschooling in France 2026: Is Home Education Legal & How Does It Work?

By French Connections HCB | Published 2026-07-20

Is Homeschooling Legal in France in 2026?

Yes, homeschooling, known as instruction en famille (IEF), remains legal in France in 2026, though significant legislative changes introduced by the 'Loi confortant les principes de la République' (often called the 'separatism law') in August 2021 have made the process considerably more regulated and challenging to obtain approval for. Prior to these changes, parents could declare their intention to homeschool with relative ease, but now, authorisation from the academic authorities (rectorat) is required, and it is granted only under specific, limited conditions, moving away from the previous declaration system.

The shift in legislation aimed to combat radicalisation and ensure all children receive a proper education, but it has undeniably impacted families who previously chose home education for philosophical, pedagogical, or practical reasons. As of 2026, the law stipulates that authorisation for homeschooling can only be granted if the child's health or disability prevents them from attending school, if they are involved in intensive sports or artistic activities, if their family is nomadic, or if there is a serious, documented reason relating to the specific situation of the child, provided it is in the child's best interest.

Understanding the New Authorisation Process for Instruction en Famille

The authorisation process for instruction en famille in France is now a rigorous, annual application that must be submitted to the rectorat (regional education authority) between March 1st and May 31st for the following academic year, with specific documentation required depending on the grounds for the request. This means families must plan well in advance and gather substantial evidence to support their application, a stark contrast to the former simple declaration system.

For instance, if applying on health grounds, a detailed medical certificate from a specialist is essential. For intensive sports or arts, official enrolment and a schedule demonstrating the intensity of the activity are necessary. The 'serious reason' category is the most flexible but also the most scrutinised, requiring parents to demonstrate that traditional schooling is genuinely unsuitable for their child's specific needs and that homeschooling is in their best interest. This could include cases of severe bullying, specific learning difficulties not adequately addressed by the school system, or a family's unique lifestyle that genuinely necessitates home education. However, it's crucial to understand that a general dislike for the school system or a desire for a different pedagogical approach is generally no longer considered a sufficient 'serious reason' under the current interpretation of the law. French Connections HCB advises families to consult with legal professionals specialising in education law if they believe their situation falls under this category.

Key Steps in the Application Process:

• Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary supporting documents relevant to your specific reason for requesting authorisation. This might include medical certificates, professional sports/arts contracts, or detailed explanations of your child's unique circumstances.
• Complete the Application Form: Obtain the official application form from your local Direction des services départementaux de l'Éducation nationale (DSDEN) or the rectorat website.
• Submit by Deadline: Ensure your complete application is submitted between March 1st and May 31st for the upcoming school year. Late applications are rarely accepted, except in very specific, unforeseen circumstances.
• Await Decision: The rectorat will review your application and inform you of their decision. If denied, you have the right to appeal.

It's worth noting that the number of authorisations granted has significantly decreased since the law's implementation. In the 2022-2023 academic year, approximately 30,000 children were homeschooled in France, a substantial drop from around 60,000 in the 2020-2021 year, highlighting the stricter enforcement.

What Are the Educational Requirements for Homeschooling in France?

If authorisation for instruction en famille is granted, parents are legally obligated to ensure their child receives an education that is equivalent to that provided in public schools, focusing on core subjects and the acquisition of fundamental knowledge and skills. This doesn't mean replicating the school curriculum day-by-day, but rather demonstrating that the child is progressing adequately and acquiring the competencies expected for their age.

The French education system places a strong emphasis on certain foundational knowledge, including French language and literature, mathematics, history, geography, science, and civic education. Parents must be prepared to demonstrate their child's proficiency in these areas. Annual checks are conducted by the DSDEN to assess the child's progress and the quality of the education provided. These checks typically involve an interview with the parents and the child, and a review of the child's work.

Practical Tip: Document Everything! Keep meticulous records of your child's learning journey. This includes lesson plans, samples of work, assessments, and any external activities or courses they participate in. This documentation will be invaluable during the annual DSDEN checks to demonstrate the breadth and depth of your child's education.