Fourth-year primary French assessment goes ahead as normal

The Ministry of National Education said French assessment for fourth-year primary pupils will take place as normal in the first term of the 2026-2027 school year.

The Ministry of National Education issued a circular dated 3 November. The supplementary circular, sent to education directors, primary school inspectors and heads of public and private primary schools, adds a clarification to circular number 522 on assessment in the three school stages.

The ministry said the current method stays in use. These pupils had French lessons in their third year of primary school last school year.

For first-year primary pupils, progress will be assessed across the three terms through descriptive and qualitative notes and grades. These grades show the level of mastery of the targeted skills in each subject.

The process will use report forms on levels of mastery attached to the circular. The ministry said this aims to make assessment practice the same everywhere and match the official teaching arrangements.

The ministry also asked primary school inspectors to hold a study day for first-year teachers. The day will explain how to grade levels of mastery, so that grades reflect the real level of each pupil.

According to the ministry, teachers can use the results to identify what pupils have achieved and the difficulties recorded. They can then give the right teaching support.