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In 2025, in France, almost ** percent of people of age to obtain the Baccalaureate diploma took and passed the exams. This proportion relates to the entire population of age to take the Baccalaureate and not only to those who took the exams (pass rate). This is a very large share of the population, whereas in 1950, only * percent of these people had obtained the diploma. As a result, the significant increase in the number of general baccalaureate graduates has raised questions about its real impact on the professional success of young people.

The Baccalaureate and Continuing Education in France

The pass rate for the general baccalaureate has skyrocketed with the Blanquer reform. Indeed, the baccalaureate exam has undergone new reforms in recent years. Since 2019, students in the general track must make specialty choices that will determine their further studies. It is during the exam year that high school students register on the Parcoursup platform to submit their higher education preferences. It is primarily public universities that enroll the most students in France, with arts, letters, and languages universities as the top choice. The third cycle, traditionally recommended, now faces employability challenges in France.

Modern Challenges of the Educational System

Since the COVID-19 crisis, education has faced a series of challenges worldwide. The implementation of remote courses and training has led to a significant school dropout rate for Generation Z. Due to lack of interest, students tend to abandon their studies and thus end up without a diploma. It is observed that the unemployed are mostly those without diplomas, hence the importance given to higher education to ensure a professional career. Nevertheless, even after long studies, a high salary is not automatically guaranteed. Moreover, the challenges of financing and social segregation in elite schools make access to education even more difficult for disadvantaged students. Indeed, the high costs of university studies (whether school fees, rent, or groceries…) and the predominance of students from affluent backgrounds in elite institutions reinforce inequalities and limit opportunities for the less privileged.