The French Ministry of Education announced on 5/9 that the student took the mathematics and physics-chemistry exam as an independent candidate.

To protect her privacy, the Ministry declined to provide further information. According to the Franceinfo radio and television channel, the student is a Grenadian national, born in France and currently studying in Dubai. At this age, she should be in CM1 (equivalent to 4th grade in the French education system).

This achievement breaks the previous record held by Arthur Ramiandrisoa, who passed the baccalaureate at 11 years and 11 months old in 1989.

Baccalaureate candidates view the exam room list on 13/6/2025, in Lyon. Photo: Franceinfo

Baccalaureate candidates view the exam room list on 13/6/2025, in Lyon. Photo: Franceinfo

Isoset, an educational organization that supported the student, said she used the Aleph method (accelerated learning), which has helped many students pass the baccalaureate at a young age (12-14 years old).

However, this achievement has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the psychological development of children.

Sophie Venetitay, an SES teacher and deputy general secretary of SNES-FSU (Education Federation), views the method as detrimental to students' well-being.

"The mission of education is to nurture a relationship with knowledge, to awaken children's desire to learn and experience. All of this takes time," said Sebastien Ponnou, professor of Educational Sciences at Paris 8 University.

According to the French Ministry of Education, this year's baccalaureate exam (high school diploma, technical, and vocational education) saw a 91.8% pass rate among more than 720,800 candidates, a slight increase of 0.4% compared to last year.

Huyen Trang (according to Franceinfo, Bfmtv)