Teacher Competition Applications Surge, But Experts Urge Caution
Recent figures reveal a significant increase in applications for French teacher competitions, prompting debate over weather this represents genuine progress in addressing teacher shortages or an “artificial” boost.
A total of 116,268 applications were received for teh bac + 3 teacher competitions (66,451 for bac + 3 and 49,817 for bac + 5). additionally,121,274 applications were registered for secondary level competitions aimed at teachers,educational advisors,and psychologists,with 64,511 specifically for the external teacher competitions coexisting at both bac + 3 and bac + 5 levels.
Édouard Geffray acknowledged these numbers as “quite considerable,” but cautioned against assuming they guarantee “a teacher in front of each class” by the start of the 2027 school year.
Several union representatives echoed this sentiment. Muriel Coret of SNESup-FSU stated, “These figures are a little artificial.” She explained the increase is largely due to the introduction of two competition sessions and the ability for students in L3, M1, and M2 programs to apply for multiple levels. “Most of our M2 students told us that they registered for both sessions,” she added, emphasizing that the increase doesn’t necessarily signal a resolution to the recruitment crisis.
Caroline Brisedoux, national secretary of CFDT Education, also expressed caution, questioning how many applicants will actually participate in the competition and remain in their assigned positions, particularly given current working conditions. “If we do not improve working conditions and remuneration, we will not be able to keep people,” she stated.
Despite these reservations, there is agreement that the competition reform is a positive step towards diversifying the teaching workforce. Édouard Geffray believes the changes will broaden the applicant pool in terms of social background, stating, “the earlier we recruit in studies, the less discriminatory we are in relation to social level.”
Aurélie Gagnier, general secretary of the FSU-SNUipp union, concurred, noting that moving the competition to bac + 5 previously limited access for students from less advantaged backgrounds. However, she stressed the importance of maintaining rigorous training standards, advocating for “demanding” programs led by qualified researchers and university professors.
Both the bac + 3 and bac + 5 competitions will continue to run concurrently in 2027, with the bac + 5 competition slated for elimination in 2028. While teacher representatives welcome the increased applicant numbers,they remain focused on securing tangible improvements in staffing levels and working conditions.
