Algeria is moving further towards English in its education system, with the government confirming changes that reduce the prominence of French in primary schools from the 2026-2027 academic year.
Under the new arrangement, English will be introduced from the third year of primary school, while French will begin a year later, from the fourth year. The move effectively makes English the first foreign language pupils encounter in the primary-school system.
English to Start Earlier in Primary Schools
Algeria’s Ministry of National Education said the new arrangement would take effect from the 2026-2027 school year.
The ministry explained that English would be introduced in the third year of primary education, while French would continue as a second foreign language from the fourth year.
Officials said the policy is designed to strengthen foreign-language education and prepare pupils for future academic, technological, economic and cultural demands.
The ministry also said the decision is consistent with Algeria’s education law, which provides for pupils to study at least two foreign languages.
French Still Remains in the Curriculum
The reform does not remove French entirely from Algeria’s primary-school system.
Instead, French instruction will start one year later than English, meaning pupils will study English first before adding French from the fourth year.
The change therefore represents a shift in the order and emphasis of foreign-language teaching rather than an immediate end to French-language education in schools.
Policy Sparks Debate
The decision has generated debate in Algeria, particularly among French-speaking sections of society.
Critics have raised concerns about the possible impact of the change on the quality of education and argued that French remains deeply embedded in parts of Algeria’s education system and economy.
Supporters, meanwhile, see English as increasingly important for science, technology, international communication and the modern economy. The debate reflects Algeria’s long-running linguistic and cultural tensions surrounding Arabic, French and, increasingly, English.
English Expansion Extends Beyond Primary Education
The shift is also part of a broader move towards English in Algeria’s education sector.
The country has already been increasing the use of English in higher education, including the gradual switch from French to English in medicine and science-related university programmes.
The latest primary-school policy therefore forms part of a wider effort to expand English across Algeria’s education system.
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