Can a child refuse to go to school for a religious reason?

Answer

Non, l’instruction est obligatoire de 3 à 16 ansNo, education is compulsory from age 3 to 16

Explanation

In France, education is compulsory for all children aged 3 to 16. Religion does not allow anyone to avoid it.

Source: Code de l’éducation, article L131-1Updated 13 October 2026.Official question · answer and translation written by Recite

What the law says

Official text, in French

Code de l’éducation, article L131-1

L'instruction est obligatoire pour chaque enfant dès l'âge de trois ans et jusqu'à l'âge de seize ans.
La présente disposition ne fait pas obstacle à l'application des prescriptions particulières imposant une scolarité plus longue.

Read the article on legifrance.gouv.fr

Official text (Légifrance), checked on 16 October 2026.

The 4 options, in French as at the exam

Oui, si les parents sont d’accordYes, if the parents agree
Oui, pendant les fêtes religieuses toute l’annéeYes, during religious festivals throughout the year
Non, l’instruction est obligatoire de 3 à 16 ansNo, education is compulsory from age 3 to 16 (Correct answer)
Oui, s’il est âgé de plus de 10 ansYes, if the child is over 10

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Multi-year residence cardFrench level A2 · Question 36 of 191

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Numbers to remember3 to 16 years old · Compulsory education, for all children

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Un enfant peut-il refuser d’aller à l’école pour une raison religieuse ?Can a child refuse to go to school for a religious reason?