A pattern of extensive damage to school premises has been observed across France in recent years, with at least 15 incidents recorded in 2025 and a similar number in 2024. These incidents go beyond isolated acts of vandalism.
Primary schools are frequently targeted in these attacks. In many cases, the perpetrators are children of early secondary-school age, often returning to schools where their younger siblings are still taught.
One notable incident occurred on 19 June 2024, when two 13-year-old former pupils broke into Marcel Pagnol school in Lyon. They filmed themselves smashing computer equipment, setting off fire extinguishers, and starting fires. The resulting arson caused €1.9m in damage to the Meyzieu municipality, partly covered by insurance.
Following the attack, the 240 pupils of Marcel Pagnol were housed in prefab annexes for the subsequent academic year. Lunchtime arrangements were also disrupted, with younger children travelling by bus to one school site and older children walking to another.