Changes to the 2026 Brevet: New Grading, Calculator-Free Math Exam, and More

The Brevet des collèges holds a special place in many memories as the first significant examination experience, characterized by silent classrooms and pristine answer sheets. However, for the students preparing to take the exams in June 2026, the atmosphere is set to shift dramatically. The French Ministry of National Education has announced significant reforms aimed at strengthening the diploma, focusing on foundational skills, a new grading system, and a mathematics test designed to revive essential mental calculation skills.

Mental Calculation Takes Center Stage

One of the most notable changes for the 2026 session lies within the mathematics exam. Students will now face a dedicated 20-minute segment focused solely on mental calculation. During this time, calculators will be prohibited, and students must quickly apply their knowledge. They are expected to demonstrate mastery of fundamental concepts vital for daily life and future studies.

The exercises will cover key topics such as mastering the squares of numbers from 1 to 12, calculating perimeters, percentages, and basic probabilities. This section will be graded out of 6 points, while the remaining portion of the exam, lasting one hour and forty minutes, will focus on traditional reasoning skills. For parents, this is an opportune moment to revisit mental calculation techniques during everyday activities like shopping or cooking, helping children develop these skills naturally and reduce anxiety on exam day.

Final Exam Gains Importance Over Continuous Assessment

In recent years, the Brevet has maintained a balance between continuous assessment and final exams. However, that era is coming to an end. Starting in 2026, the final exam will carry significantly more weight, accounting for 60% of the final grade, compared to 40% for continuous assessment. This shift symbolizes a renewed emphasis on the exam week, requiring students to manage their stress effectively during a condensed period and to organize their revision schedules more rigorously from spring onward.

The grading system will also simplify, moving away from the complex accumulation of 800 points to a more straightforward average out of 20. To pass, students must achieve at least a score of 10 out of 20. This change makes the goal clearer for families but also heightens the pressure on written exams in French, mathematics, sciences, and history-geography. Additionally, the grades for history-geography and moral and civic education will now be separate, necessitating equal effort in both subjects.

Written Expression Quality Becomes a Key Factor

If your child tends to rush their writing, it may be time to take notice. The Ministry has made it clear that an illegible paper filled with spelling, grammar, and syntax errors could face severe penalties. The stakes are higher now, as a lack of language proficiency can prevent a student from passing, even if their reasoning is sound. This serves as a firm reminder that proficiency in French is essential across all subjects, including the more technical ones.

To assist our teens, encouraging them to systematically review their work throughout the year with a focus on punctuation and repetition can be beneficial. This habit can be developed over time and will significantly impact how they perform in front of a grader managing hundreds of papers in a limited timeframe.

Free Resources Available for Stress-Free Preparation

There is no need to rush into expensive private tutoring in light of these reforms. Schools are implementing support systems that are accessible to all students, ensuring that no one falls behind. The Devoirs faits program allows students to progress in their revisions directly within the school environment, with assistance from teachers or educational aides.

For students who feel uncertain before the big day, success workshops organized during school holidays, particularly around Easter, are also available. These free sessions provide an opportunity to address gaps in knowledge in French and mathematics in a more relaxed setting than the usual classroom.