Needs-based groups in French and mathematics at the middle school level will become optional starting in September 2026, according to a decree published in the Official Journal. This system was introduced in 2024 as part of the "knowledge shock" initiative championed by former Minister of National Education Gabriel Attal.
Since the start of the 2024 school year, these groups have mandated that French and mathematics classes in 6th and 5th grade be organized according to students' level and needs. The new decree, which will come into effect on July 5th, ends this requirement and now allows schools to adapt their teaching methods.
A measure relaxed after criticism
The text stipulates that this enhanced educational support may take various formsDepending on the needs identified by teachers, schools will be able to maintain these needs-based groups or choose other teaching methods deemed more suitable for their situation.
This measure, which has been the subject of much debate since its launch, has drawn considerable criticism within the education sector, with some unions arguing that it risks exacerbating inequalities between students. A survey published in November by the Snes-FSU union indicated that, by the start of the 2025 school year, fewer than one in five middle schools would be strictly implementing the measure.
Faced with these reservations and results deemed mixed, the Ministry of National Education has chosen to prioritize a more flexible approach. Schools will remain free to maintain ability grouping where it is considered effective, or to experiment with other teaching methods.
