Riot police clashed with thousands of students across France on Friday as widespread protests over education standards disrupted over 700 schools. The demonstrations, which began last week in Paris, have escalated with fires lit in streets and significant damage reported at school facilities nationwide.

Students are protesting against a perceived lack of teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and deteriorating school buildings. The unrest comes at a critical juncture for French President Emmanuel Macron's government, with the presidential election scheduled for next year.

The education ministry reported that at least 65 staff members were injured during the unrest. In the Paris suburb of Pantin, police made arrests after projectiles were thrown at officers. In Strasbourg, tear gas was deployed as authorities anticipated escalating tensions. Police confiscated items including petrol bombs, an axe, and fireworks from demonstrators.

In Belfort, north-eastern France, a 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide after a police officer was targeted and severely beaten in footage authenticated by BBC Verify. The officer was seen being punched and kicked multiple times in the head. French justice minister Gerald Darmanin described the situation as having escalated from student demonstrations to public order disturbances.

Nelson Mandela high school in Nantes sustained over €2 million in damages after a fire destroyed its entrance and parts of the interior. The education ministry also noted attacks on school gates, entrances, and fences, contributing to significant damage to school facilities. The protests have highlighted issues such as excessively long school hours, hot classrooms, and staff shortages.

Lola, a 16-year-old protester in Brest, stated that the police actions had intensified their anger, asserting that officers had no right to use force or tear gas. She expressed a sentiment of victory among students, with their school closed due to the protests.

The protests have spread to numerous cities, including Montpellier, Nantes, and Marseille, impacting educational continuity and public order. The scale of the disruptions and the violence reported underscore deep-seated frustrations within the student population regarding the state of the French education system.

Authorities are now grappling with the dual challenge of addressing the students' grievances and restoring public order, while the government faces increased pressure ahead of the upcoming presidential elections. The full extent of the damage and the long-term impact on the education system remain to be seen.