Planning to Educate Your Children Remotely During Your Expatriation?
The CNED (Centre National d’Enseignement à Distance) is the official French public institution for distance learning, offering academic programs from preschool to high school—and even beyond. It enables students to follow the official French national curriculum from anywhere in the world, making it an invaluable option for expatriate families who want to maintain strong ties with the French education system.
Before diving into the various options, it’s essential to understand who the CNED is intended for and how its use differs between France and abroad.
CNED in France: A Specialized Solution
In France, the CNED is typically used under specific circumstances, such as:
- Children with long-term illnesses or disabilities
- Families who homeschool
- Young athletes or artists with demanding schedules
- Students living in isolated or remote areas
Since the 2022 homeschooling reform, enrolling in CNED’s full-class “regulated” programs for children under 16 requires prior authorization from the DSDEN (Direction des Services Départementaux de l’Éducation Nationale, formerly known as DASEN).
CNED Abroad: More Accessible for Expatriate Families
For French or French-speaking families living outside France, CNED can be used in two ways:
- As a full-time remote schooling solution – often chosen when no local French school is available, or as a personal choice.
- As a supplement to local schooling – to maintain proficiency in French language and culture.
In an expatriate context, CNED is generally more accessible. Instead of DSDEN authorization, families need a recommendation from the Cultural Counsellor of the French Embassy in their country of residence to enroll in the regulated formula. Simply put, being an expatriate eases access to CNED, especially when there’s no French educational institution in the host country.
What You’ll Find in This Guide
This article provides a comprehensive educational guide to help you:
- Understand the different CNED formulas
- Learn about school-level-specific features
- Navigate the registration process
- Discover tips tailored for expatriate families
You’ll also find information on Axiom Academic, an organization offering personalized support for children enrolled in CNED programs.
What Is the CNED and Who Is It For?
The CNED (Centre National d’Enseignement à Distance) is France’s official public body for remote education. Since its founding in 1939, its mission has been to make quality education accessible to all—regardless of location or personal circumstances.
It offers courses aligned with the French national curriculum, from preschool (maternelle) to the baccalauréat, and even post-secondary programs such as BTS and vocational training.
Who Can Use the CNED?
Originally designed for students unable to attend physical schools due to:
- Health issues
- Disabilities
- Geographic isolation
- Travel or family constraints
- Professional commitments (sports, arts, etc.)
Today, CNED is also popular with:
- Homeschooling families in France
- Expatriate families worldwide who wish to maintain continuity in French education or prepare for reintegration into the French school system
Over 17,000 students worldwide currently pursue their education through CNED.
CNED: France vs. Abroad – Key Differences
In France:
- Free in specific cases (regulated enrollment with valid justification)
- Requires DSDEN authorization for children under 16 in full-class programs
- Subject to homeschooling regulations since 2022
Abroad:
- Generally fee-based, but justification for remote learning is not required
- Easier access to regulated enrollment with embassy certificate confirming residence abroad
- Scholarships available through AEFE for eligible French nationals enrolled in the international regulated formula
Which CNED Formula Should You Choose?
CNED offers a variety of programs to suit different needs and goals:
- Full-time (regulated or free) programs
- Supplementary courses to complement local schooling
- Flexible formats for independent or guided study
In the next section, we’ll break down each formula in detail so you can choose the one that best aligns with your family’s situation.