Home education in France (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Instruction is compulsory from 3 to 16 and may be given in the family with prior authorisation. The authorisation is granted on six listed grounds.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Legal status of home educationChildren of compulsory school age | Permitted with prior authorisation [1] |
| Nature of the parental dutyChildren of compulsory school age | Duty to provide education, at school or at home [2] |
| Approval or notification neededChildren of compulsory school age | Prior authorisation from the departmental director of education (Dasen) is required, on one of six grounds: the child's health, disability, intensive sport or arts activity, the family's itinerant life, geographical distance from any public school, or a situation specific to the child that justifies the educational project. Authorisation is normally for one school year (up to three years on health or disability grounds). The Dasen has two months to decide; silence means acceptance. Teaching without authorisation can lead to a fine of 1,500 euros. [1] |
| Compulsory schooling ageChildren of compulsory school age | Instruction is compulsory for children aged 3 to 16. [1] |
Notes
- Authorisation replaced the earlier declaration regime. Silence by the authority for two months counts as acceptance. A separate inquiry and an annual pedagogical check apply.
Sources
- Service-Public.gouv.fr (DILA): Instruction dans la famille (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Service-Public.gouv.fr (DILA): Obligation scolaire (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.