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Quick Reference: French Grading Scale

Important Note: In France, grades of 18-20/20 are exceptionally rare. Most excellent students achieve 14-16/20. The French education system values rigor, and grade inflation is uncommon.

French Diploma Distinctions

The French Baccalauréat (national high school diploma) awards honors ("mentions") based on overall average scores. These distinctions are highly valued in French academia and can affect university admissions and scholarship eligibility:

University Benefits: Students with Mention Très Bien often gain priority admission to prestigious programs and may receive merit-based scholarships ("aide au mérite") throughout their university studies.

10/20 is Passing, Not Average

While 10/20 is the minimum passing grade, it should not be considered "average" in the colloquial sense. A 10/20 represents basic competency—the minimum acceptable understanding. Most successful students aim for 12-14/20 or higher. The true average for passing students typically falls around 11-13/20, depending on the institution and subject difficulty.

Grades Above 16/20 Are Rare

The French system is notably conservative in awarding high marks. Grades of 18-20/20 are exceptionally rare, reserved for near-perfect work. Even among top students, 16-17/20 is considered outstanding. Teachers believe that 20/20 represents absolute perfection (la perfection), which is theoretically unattainable. This differs markedly from systems with grade inflation where top marks are more readily distributed.

Weighted Coefficients Matter

French students don't calculate simple averages—they use weighted coefficients (coefficients). Each subject has a coefficient that multiplies the grade. For example, a major subject might have coefficient 3, while a minor subject has coefficient 1. To calculate your overall average: multiply each grade by its coefficient, sum all products, then divide by the sum of all coefficients. This weighted system means strong performance in high-coefficient subjects is crucial.

Half Points Are Common

French teachers frequently award half points (demi-points), such as 12.5/20 or 14.5/20, providing finer gradation than whole numbers alone. Some teachers even use quarter points (e.g., 13.25/20), though this is less common. This precision allows for nuanced evaluation of student work and reduces clustering around whole numbers.

University Grading is Stricter

Grading at French universities (especially in Licence and Master's programs) tends to be even more rigorous than at the lycée level. University averages of 12-13/20 are considered good, while 14+/20 is excellent. First-year university students often experience a "grade shock" when their averages drop compared to high school, which is normal and expected as academic rigor increases.

Contrôle Continu vs Terminal Exams

French education combines contrôle continu (continuous assessment throughout the year) with terminal exams (final exams at year-end). The Baccalauréat, for example, now includes both continuous assessment (40%) and terminal exams (60%). Understanding the weighting between these components is essential for calculating your final grade and targeting areas for improvement.