Le Figaro presents the 2026 rankings of approximately 450 institutions preparing students for entrance exams to France's most prestigious grandes écoles. The article notes a surprising revival of interest in preparatory classes, which had previously seen a decline in enrollment due to the rise of selective university programs and bachelor's degrees. The article cites some of the top institutions, including Stanislas, Thiers, Ginette, Henri-IV, Janson, and Carnot, revealing their performance in 2025.

The piece highlights a personal anecdote from a mother, Virginie, who successfully placed her older child in a preparatory program at the Folie Saint-James high school, which eventually led to admission at EM Lyon business school. However, she expresses frustration over being unable to secure a place for her younger child, illustrating the heightened competition for spots in these programs. The demand appears to be exceeding supply, a reversal from previous years when Parisian preparatory classes struggled to fill vacancies.

The article implies that the renewed interest in preparatory classes may signify a shifting trend in French education, as families increasingly prioritize these pathways in hopes of gaining access to elite academic institutions. This trend could influence how educational resources are allocated and how institutions strategize to attract students, given the competitive landscape of post-secondary education in France.