Laâyoune Hosts French Baccalauréat Exams for the First Time: A Historic Milestone
A major step has just been taken in the educational cooperation between France and Morocco: for the first time ever, the French Baccalauréat exams are being held in Laâyoune, at the Paul Pascon French School, a member of the OSUI (Office Scolaire et Universitaire International) network.
Until now, high school students from Laâyoune had to travel several hundred kilometers to Agadir to sit for their exams. In 2025, that logistical challenge is a thing of the past. Students can now take their Baccalauréat exams in their own school—an important breakthrough that reflects the shared commitment of French and Moroccan authorities to adapt the educational offering to local realities.
This development echoes the pledge made by the President of the French Republic during his state visit to Morocco in October 2024, where he expressed support for a stronger educational presence in the southern regions of the Kingdom. It aligns with principles of proximity, equal opportunity, and family support.
To mark this first local exam session, Christophe Lecourtier, France’s Ambassador to Morocco, hailed the initiative as a powerful symbol:
“Opening an exam center at the Laâyoune high school, as envisioned by the President of the Republic, is a strong gesture. It reflects a clear ambition: to ensure every student has the same chance to succeed, without burdening families with long journeys.”
Yan Cordonnier, Principal of the Paul Pascon French School, shared this enthusiasm:
“This is a historic milestone for our school. For the first time, we are able to host the Baccalauréat and Brevet exams on-site. It relieves pressure on our students and greatly eases the logistical burden for families.”
Founded in 2012, the Paul Pascon School now welcomes nearly 250 students, from preschool to the final year of high school. It represents educational excellence in Morocco’s southern provinces, while also strengthening cultural, linguistic, and academic ties between France and Morocco.
Hosting the Baccalauréat in Laâyoune is more than just a logistical improvement—it symbolizes an ambitious and inclusive vision, grounded in a shared commitment to equitable access to education across all regions of Morocco. It also serves as a concrete recognition of the central role of youth in building the partnerships of tomorrow.
