In recent years, France has been gradually shifting its approach to out-of-class academic work. Traditional homework, long considered a cornerstone of student learning, is being reevaluated. Across the country, many schools are now implementing “supervised study hours” (étude accompagnée) as a replacement or supplement to homework—a move that has sparked debate among educators, parents, and policy makers.
So why is France turning away from homework, and what might this mean for students, families, and teachers alike?
The Rationale Behind the Shift
The main driving force behind this reform is educational equality. Research and years of observation have shown that not all students have the same home environment to support traditional homework. Some children go home to quiet spaces, high-speed internet, and help from educated parents. Others face crowded living conditions, lack of materials, or parents who may be working long hours or unable to assist with schoolwork.
Supervised study hours aim to level the playing field by ensuring all students have access to a calm, structured environment to complete their assignments—and crucially, with support if they need it. Rather than sending children home to struggle alone, schools are taking responsibility for part of their independent learning.
What Are Supervised Study Hours?
These sessions are typically held at the end of the school day. Students stay in the classroom or a designated study space for 30 minutes to an hour, during which they can work on assignments, review lessons, or receive help from a teacher or educational assistant. Some schools make these sessions mandatory, while others offer them on a voluntary basis.
While étude accompagnée is not entirely new in France, it is now being expanded and formalized as part of a broader national education strategy. In 2023, the French Ministry of Education encouraged more primary and lower-secondary schools to offer structured study time and reduce reliance on take-home tasks.
How It Benefits Students
For many students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, supervised study hours offer several benefits:
- Equal access to support: Students can ask questions in real time, rather than waiting until the next day or being stuck without help.
- Improved concentration: Being in a classroom setting encourages focus, compared to home environments filled with distractions.
- Reduced family stress: Parents are no longer solely responsible for making sure homework is done, which can ease tensions and improve parent-child relationships.
- Better time management: With dedicated time to complete assignments, students may have more free time in the evenings to relax or pursue extracurriculars.
Some early studies from French education authorities show that supervised study hours have led to improved homework completion rates and reduced behavioral issues linked to academic frustration.
Concerns and Criticism
Not everyone agrees with the shift. Some teachers argue that it adds to their workload, especially if they are expected to supervise sessions beyond their teaching hours. Others believe that doing homework at home builds autonomy and discipline—important traits for academic and personal development.
There are also practical concerns: schools need space, staff, and scheduling flexibility to run these programs effectively. In rural or underfunded areas, implementing daily supervised sessions may not be feasible.
Furthermore, critics point out that reducing homework altogether might lead to less academic rigor if not properly balanced. There is an ongoing debate about whether supervised study should replace homework or merely complement it.
What Do Parents and Students Think?
Reactions among families have been mixed but largely positive. Many parents appreciate the shift, saying it relieves the pressure of “evening battles” over homework. Some students also report feeling less anxious and more confident when they can finish their work at school.
However, older students, particularly in high school (lycée), often still have significant workloads to manage at home, including projects and exam preparation. For them, the new system is unlikely to replace traditional homework entirely.
Is This the Future of Education?
France is not alone in questioning the role of homework. Countries like Finland and the Netherlands have also experimented with reduced or redesigned homework policies, focusing more on in-class engagement and deeper learning.
In France, the move toward supervised study hours reflects a broader trend: making education more inclusive, equitable, and mindful of students’ overall well-being. It aligns with other recent reforms such as banning mobile phones in schools, promoting civics education, and increasing mental health resources.
The long-term effects of this shift remain to be seen. Still, it is clear that France is reimagining what learning outside the classroom should look like—and for many students, the change is already making a difference.
Final Thoughts
Homework has long been a fixture of education systems worldwide, but its value is increasingly questioned in light of social realities and student mental health. France’s embrace of supervised study hours suggests a growing recognition that learning doesn’t have to happen alone at the kitchen table.
For educators and policy makers across the globe, this shift offers a case study in balancing academic expectations with real-world challenges. Whether this model spreads beyond French borders will depend on political will, cultural attitudes, and a willingness to rethink long-standing traditions in the name of equity.
At the very least, it invites a conversation we all need to have: What do we really want students to take home?
Note: This article is based on education policies as of 2024 and may evolve depending on local reforms and political changes.