Student protests in France continue across several cities as young people demonstrate against education policies and call for changes to the school system. Authorities reported 1,260 arrests in the Paris region as tensions surrounding the demonstrations continued.

Around 200 high schools were involved in the latest mobilizations ahead of a nationwide protest planned for Saturday. Demonstrations and school blockades were reported in Paris, Marseille and Lyon, while students at HEC Paris also took part in protests.

The France student protests come as Education Minister Edouard Geffray reviews the Parcoursup university admissions system. Measures related to the review are expected by the end of October. The government has also allocated two-thirds of the 3,000 substitute teachers it promised.

Meanwhile, the number of high schools experiencing difficulties has reportedly fallen from 114 to 47. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu criticized violence linked to the demonstrations and said regional councils would be consulted about school buildings.

Authorities have also taken steps to manage the protests. Officials in Lyon banned a planned demonstration, while police continued responding to unrest in the Paris region.

According to police figures, 1,260 people were arrested in the Paris region, with minors accounting for 86 per cent of those detained. The reported injuries included 286 police officers and gendarmes, along with 13 education staff members.

Separately, 71 members of the security forces were reportedly injured on October 13, with some officers requiring hospital treatment.

The France student protests have also raised concerns about police conduct. Staff at Paul-Eluard High School in Saint-Denis alleged that police used excessive force during the arrest of a student and that members of staff were struck during the incident.

Student representatives were scheduled to meet Education Minister Geffray on Thursday afternoon as the government continues reviewing education policies.

The demonstrations remain ongoing as authorities respond to school blockades and reports of injuries while discussions about possible reforms continue.