Hundreds of French students have taken to the streets to protest conditions in the country’s public high schools, known as lycées. The French student protests began at a high school in the Paris suburb of Créteil on September 17.

The protests have since spread to Marseille, Lyon, Lille, Strasbourg and Tours. French students have blocked schools and joined street demonstrations. Some protests have also led to clashes with police.

The students are raising concerns about conditions in French schools. Their complaints include teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and deteriorating school buildings. Students have also criticised long school days.

Some students have highlighted shortages of nurses and other support staff. Teacher absences have added to the frustration. Students say schools often struggle to replace teachers who are absent.

Students in poorer areas have also raised concerns about the resources available at their schools. These concerns have become a major part of the wider French education debate.

The protests have also caused major disruption across France. Education Minister Édouard Geffray said lessons would stop at between 400 and 500 schools. He said schools could not guarantee adequate security conditions.

Geffray also said 24 schools had suffered burning or vandalism since the protests began. He added that 78 education staff members had suffered injuries.

French authorities have reported more than 5,000 arrests since the unrest began. Most of those arrested are minors.

Despite the disruption, French student unions are calling for further demonstrations. More protests are planned for Tuesday. The unions have called for another nationwide mobilisation.

The student unions say the French government has not announced concrete measures to address their concerns. They want action on the conditions affecting students and staff in public high schools.

The French student protests have now spread across several major cities. Authorities must manage security concerns while responding to students who are demanding improvements in their school environment.