As France braces for another intense heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach 40°C in some areas, the country's education minister has proposed a fundamental shift in exam scheduling. Édouard Geffray, speaking on France Inter radio on 14 June, argued that future Baccalaureate exams should be held between 8:00 and 12:00 rather than the traditional afternoon slots, which often run from 14:00 to 18:00.
“We can no longer afford to have exams today in May or June… that take place between 2pm and 6pm, it’s not possible,” Geffray said. He also recommended ventilating exam rooms before students arrive. The proposal comes after an unprecedented heatwave in late May left students struggling through high school exams with inadequate shade, ventilation, and drinking water.
Heatwaves Disrupt Education Across Europe
France is not alone in grappling with the impact of extreme heat on education. In the United Kingdom, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) last year proposed moving GCSE and A Level exams, currently held between May and June, to cooler months. The CCC warned that sitting exams during extreme heat could hinder student performance. Its latest report, released in May, stated that the UK is “built for a climate that no longer exists,” and called for air conditioning to be installed in all schools within 25 years.
The CCC also highlighted the growing problem of “tropical nights”—nights with temperatures above 20°C—which can impair students’ ability to sleep before exams. A 2018 Harvard study found a significant link between higher temperatures and lower school achievement in the United States, while a 2025 study in Spanish autonomous regions showed that temperatures above 26.7°C negatively impact maths and science scores.
While the May heatwave did not prompt mass school closures in France, nearly 1,900 schools were shut last July when temperatures exceeded 40°C in some areas. The current heatwave, driven by a mass of hot air from North Africa passing over Spain, is expected to spread across France from Tuesday, with most regions experiencing temperatures between 32°C and 36°C by Wednesday. Only Brittany and coastal areas of the English Channel will remain relatively cooler, around 25°C.
After Europe experienced one of its hottest Mays on record, the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service warned that climate extremes are becoming the “new normal.” This trend has prompted broader discussions about adapting infrastructure and daily routines to a warming continent. For instance, Belgium, France, and Switzerland are planning a new high-speed rail link that could offer a more climate-resilient travel option, while France has expanded its protected forest area to help mitigate climate impacts.
Geffray’s proposal is likely to spark debate among educators, parents, and students. While morning exams could alleviate heat stress, they may also require adjustments to school schedules and transportation. The French education ministry has not yet announced a formal timeline for implementing the change, but the minister’s comments signal a growing recognition that Europe’s education systems must adapt to a hotter climate.
