The classroom revolt

Thousands of high schoolers in France’s suburbs take to the streets, protesting staff shortages, poor facilities and unequal opportunities.

1. Anti-riot police confront protesting students outside Le Corbusier secondary school in Aubervilliers, north of Paris. Students have been protesting since late September over timetables, overcrowded classes, teacher shortages and classrooms made unbearable by this year’s heatwaves.

2. Demonstrators holding a banner reading ‘High school blocked’ during student protests in Lyon. The protests began in the Ile-de-France region around Paris before spreading to cities across the country.

3. Protesters facing off with police near Kerichen High School in Brest. More than 1,200 high schools saw protests, with police using tear gas and rubber bullets in some cases.

4. A firefighter extinguishing burning bins and bicycles set alight by students at Cesar Baggio secondary school in Lille. Authorities say police and school staff have also been targeted with fireworks and other potentially dangerous projectiles.