Last updated on November 1, 2025
No. French law prohibits public-school teachers from engaging in private, for-profit tutoring during their contracted hours. Teachers are bound by statutory obligations to fulfill their public service duties exclusively during these hours, and any outside activity that conflicts with these obligations is considered illegal.
Why This Rule Exists
Education in France is not just a profession—it’s a public mission. Teachers are civil servants entrusted with a role that goes beyond classroom instruction. Their contracted hours are dedicated to teaching, preparing lessons, and supporting students within the public system. Allowing them to divert this time to private tutoring for profit would undermine the integrity of public education and create conflicts of interest.
The principle is rooted in the Code de l’éducation and reinforced by decrees governing teachers’ status. These texts emphasize that teachers must devote their working hours entirely to their official duties. The law aims to prevent situations where public resources—time, expertise, and even reputation—are used for private gain.
The Legal Framework
Under Article L912-1 of the Code de l’éducation, teachers are responsible for all educational activities of their students and must operate within the framework of the school’s pedagogical project. Their service obligations are defined by decrees such as Décret n°92-1189, which stipulates weekly teaching hours and related duties. These obligations leave no room for external paid activities during contracted time.
Furthermore, French civil service ethics prohibit conflicts of interest. Engaging in private tutoring during official hours would not only breach contractual obligations but also violate principles of impartiality and integrity. Teachers may undertake secondary activities only under strict conditions, typically outside their official schedule and with prior authorization from their administration.
Why France Takes It Seriously
The restriction is not about limiting teachers’ freedom—it’s about safeguarding equality and trust in the education system. If teachers could prioritize private clients during school hours, public-school students would suffer, and educational equity would erode. France’s approach ensures that every child receives the attention and support promised by the public service.
What About After Hours?
Teachers can, under certain conditions, provide private tutoring outside their contracted hours. This requires compliance with rules on secondary employment, including declaring the activity and obtaining approval from the rectorat. Even then, the activity must not interfere with their primary duties or create ethical conflicts.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Running a tutoring business that uses public-school teachers during their official hours exposes both the organizer and the teachers to serious risks. Sanctions range from disciplinary measures to administrative penalties. In severe cases, it could lead to dismissal or legal proceedings for misuse of public time.
A Broader Perspective
France’s stance reflects a broader European principle: public servants must prioritize their official mission. Education is a cornerstone of social cohesion, and its integrity depends on clear boundaries between public duty and private enterprise.
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Sources
Code de l’éducation – Légifrance
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/texte_lc/LEGITEXT000006071191
Publication date: ongoing
Décret n°92-1189 du 6 novembre 1992 relatif au statut particulier des professeurs – Légifrance
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/id/LEGISCTA000034779774/
Publication date: ongoing