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Since which year has public school been free in France?
Model-written, not yet read by a native reader.
Correct answer: Since 1881. Public school has been free since 1881. It becomes secular and compulsory in 1882, thanks to the laws of Jules Ferry. This comes from the IIIème République (Third Republic). Source: the Ministry of the Interior sheet “La IIIème République (1870-1940)” (in French).
Sources: Sheet “La IIIème République (1870-1940)” (French), read on 21 October 2026. Answer written by Hexaciv from this source. Hexaciv is an independent preparation tool. It is not an official website, is not linked to any government body and does not give legal advice. The authoritative source is the Ministry of the Interior's, cited on this page.
The four choices and why
- ✓ Since 1881Depuis 1881Correct answer. Public school has been free since 1881. It becomes secular and compulsory in 1882, thanks to the laws of Jules Ferry. This comes from the IIIème République (Third Republic).
- ✗ Since 1905Depuis 1905That year, the law separates the Churches and the State.
- ✗ Since 1958Depuis 1958The Fifth Republic begins that year.
- ✗ Since 1789Depuis 1789The French Revolution begins that year.
What the source says
« Elle généralise l’école publique gratuite en 1881 et l’école laïque et obligatoire en 1882, grâce aux lois de Jules Ferry. »
Sentence copied word for word from the source, in French, read on 21 October 2026.
How it reads on exam day
The exam is in French, so this is the question you will see: « Depuis quelle année l'école publique est-elle gratuite en France ? ». Learn the English idea above and the French words in the options.
This question is on the official list for the multi-year residence card (CSP) and on the naturalisation list (PDF read on 14 October 2026). The Ministry's wording: “Depuis quelle année l'école publique est-elle gratuite ?”.
Where the Ministry explains it
Sheet “La IIIème République (1870-1940)” (French).
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