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Who must go to school?
Model-written, not yet read by a native reader.
Correct answer: All children aged 3 to 16 who live in France. School is compulsory for all children aged 3 to 16 who live in France. Nationality does not matter. Source: the Ministry of the Interior sheet “Le système éducatif” (in French).
Sources: Sheet “Le système éducatif” (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
- ✓ All children aged 3 to 16 who live in FrancePour tous les enfants de 3 à 16 ans qui habitent en FranceCorrect answer. School is compulsory for all children aged 3 to 16 who live in France. Nationality does not matter.
- ✗ Only children who speak FrenchSeulement pour les enfants qui parlent françaisIt is compulsory for non-French-speaking children too.
- ✗ Only children over 6Seulement pour les enfants de plus de 6 ansIt is compulsory from age 3.
- ✗ Only children with French nationalitySeulement pour les enfants de nationalité françaiseIt is compulsory for foreign children too.
What the source says
« Français ou étrangers, tous les enfants âgés de 3 à 16 ans, qui habitent en France, doivent aller à l’école. »
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: « Pour qui l'école est-elle obligatoire ? ». 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). The Ministry's wording: “Pour qui l'école est-elle obligatoire ?”.
Where the Ministry explains it
Sheet “Le système éducatif” (French).
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