French International Schools Face Tuition Fee Debate Amid Pandemic Disruptions

The discussions revolved around two main topics, namely the end-of-year school calendar and tuition fees. Regarding the latter subject, the Union of Parent-Teacher Councils (UCPE) took stock of the expenses. To date, 80% of these expenses have already been covered. While the AEFE guarantees the reimbursement of certain exam fees, it does not envisage a linear reduction (-XX% for all families) because it would not allow establishments to target families hard hit by the economic crisis related to the coronavirus, specifies the UCPE.

In order to support families in great difficulty and avoid educational disruptions, the AEFE recommends targeted solutions. Supporting documents will be requested from families to support their requests, in order to ensure a fair distribution of aid.

For the UCPE, the French government is already mobilizing 50 million euros for school scholarships to help the most disadvantaged French families. In addition, 100 million euros in advances from the public operator, France Trésor, are also mobilized through the AEFE to meet the cash flow needs of the establishments.

Regarding the end-of-year school calendar, the UCPE announces that reflections are underway, pending the publication of the Moroccan calendar on the reopening of French establishments. When the time comes, in close collaboration with the Moroccan authorities, the embassy will organize consultations with the heads of establishments, parent-teacher associations and staff representatives, it is indicated.

The known elements to date are as follows:

Evaluation on continuous control and the school record

June 22 and 23: transmission of grades to the examination service

End of June: early French exams for the baccalaureate

June 29: preparatory harmonization commissions for the juries

Early July: examination boards (BAC and DNB)

Around July 10: make-up exams

Early September: passage of individual candidates