France to Introduce Nationwide Physical Fitness Tests for 6th Graders in 2025

The initiative aims to address fitness disparities and promote physical activity in schools as part of President Macron's second-term agenda.

Starting in September 2025, all 6th-grade students in France will be encouraged to participate in physical fitness tests, though the program will not be mandatory.
The tests will assess basic physical abilities, such as speed, endurance, and long jump, to identify students' fitness levels and tailor physical education programs accordingly.
A 2024 pilot program involving 4,000 students revealed disparities in fitness levels, with girls and students from disadvantaged backgrounds performing worse.
The initiative builds on President Macron's broader push to combat sedentary lifestyles in schools, following the 2022 policy of daily 30-minute exercise, which faced inconsistent implementation.
Education Minister Élisabeth Borne and Sports Minister Marie Barsacq announced the expansion during an Olympic-themed event in Reims, emphasizing the importance of addressing health and social equity through education.