France Faces Educational Crisis as 2026 PISA Results Reveal Historic Decline

The 2026 PISA survey, involving 91 countries and including 38 OECD members, has exposed a significant educational crisis in France, with student performance hitting its lowest level in 20 years. French students especially struggled in reading comprehension and mathematics, marking a worrying downward trend in their academic achievements.

The decline reported by this international study has prompted widespread concern across political and expert communities in France. On the political front, the publication of these results on September 8 spurred strong reactions primarily from right-wing elected officials. They described the situation in terms such as “alarming” and “preoccupying,” calling for a general mobilization and a reestablishment of discipline within schools to reverse the trend.

Experts in education and neuroscience also weighed in on the causes behind this decline. Dr. Michel Desmurget, a neuroscientist, pointed to the detrimental impact of increased screen time on students’ reading habits. He emphasized that reading holds a special place in the educational system; its collapse ultimately undermines the entire schooling structure. According to Desmurget, reading is essential not only for comprehension but also for nurturing critical thinking skills crucial for future citizens.

This crisis reflects a broader global pattern, but France's steep decline is notably stark, highlighting systemic issues within the country’s educational framework. The latest PISA results serve as a wake-up call for national policymakers and educators to urgently address the factors contributing to the erosion of foundational skills such as reading and mathematics.

As France grapples with these sobering findings, the focus will likely turn toward educational reforms, combating the adverse effects of digital distractions, and reinforcing discipline and learning standards to restore French students’ academic performance to acceptable levels.