Nearly 400 high schools across France have been closed as a week-long protest by students over long school hours, poor facilities and staff shortages spreads nationwide.

The protests, which began in the Paris region, have seen students block access to schools and clash with police, while some incidents have resulted in injuries, arrests and damage to public property.

The students have complained about excessively long school days, overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, overheated classrooms and shortages of teachers and other staff.

French Education Minister Édouard Geffray said nearly 400 of the country’s approximately 3,700 high schools were expected to remain closed on Friday, with some schools switching to remote lessons, particularly in Marseille.

He said the students’ initial grievances were legitimate but argued that the movement had been taken over by violent groups.

At least 65 education workers, including 40 high school principals, have been injured since the protests began, according to Geffray. About 2,000 people have also been taken into police custody, with the Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin saying about 90 per cent were minors.

The demonstrations escalated on Thursday, with fires reported at some schools, teachers reportedly coming into contact with petrol and clashes between police and youths in several cities.

Darmanin said prosecutors had been asked to pursue parents over damage allegedly caused by their children during the protests, including seeking payment for repairs.

The government has said it recognises the concerns raised by students but insists that violence and vandalism cannot be accepted.

Education authorities have also moved some classes online where blockades or damage have created safety concerns, while Geffray was scheduled to meet student and parent representatives to seek dialogue and address the grievances.

The protests have spread beyond the Paris region to cities across France, placing growing pressure on the government to respond to concerns over the state of the country’s education system.