A quarter of teachers in French private schools report “dysfunction” in the delivery of sex education programs, according to a report released Monday by the Fep-CFDT, France’s leading union for private education.
The findings, based on a survey of 500 teachers, reveal concerns over the avoidance of certain topics, distortion of content, and stigmatization of students during mandated lessons on affective, relational, and sexual education (Evars), according to Valérie Ginet, the Fep-CFDT’s secretary general. Ginet described the issues as “a little more than isolated cases” during a broadcast on Franceinfo.
The Evars program, implemented across French schools, requires at least three sessions annually dedicated to affective and relational education in primary schools, and affective, relational, and sexual education in secondary schools. Though, Ginet alleges that some private institutions are circumventing the curriculum’s intent by outsourcing instruction to organizations lacking state accreditation.
“You can’t accept when subjects are avoided, when the content is distorted, when students are stigmatized, when you deviate from the framework,” Ginet stated. She specifically criticized the use of external groups offering “vague, ideological, and moralizing” interventions without proper oversight.
Currently, associations delivering Evars instruction are not required to be approved by the Ministry of National Education, a disparity Ginet argues allows for the introduction of “suspect” discourse or the omission of crucial topics. She expressed concern that some organizations fail to address issues of equality, respect, discrimination, and homophobia, potentially leaving students vulnerable.
The allegations come as Guillaume Prévost, secretary general of the Catholic Education system, asserted on Franceinfo that the Evars program is “perfectly respected” within their establishments. Franceinfo reported that several associations operating within Catholic education are under scrutiny for potentially failing to adhere to state guidelines regarding secularism and sex education.
Valérie Ginet was elected secretary general of the Fep-CFDT in April 2025, succeeding Laurent Lamberdière. She has consistently advocated for greater state oversight of private educational institutions, arguing that the “character propre” – the unique identity – of these schools should not supersede the demand for accountability. In July 2025, Ginet emphasized the state’s responsibility in private education, stating that a collective effort is needed to combat school violence, centered on the best interests of the child.
The Fep-CFDT’s concerns extend beyond secondary education. Ginet has previously highlighted issues within the private higher education sector, describing it as “a bit of a jungle” due to a lack of state control, according to a report from Charente Libre in October 2025.
