A national network of second-chance schools
Problem / need / context
The Écoles de la Deuxième Chance (E2C) address early school leaving and social exclusion among young people aged 16–25 in France — particularly those at risk of exclusion who have left education without a qualification and are not in employment, education or training. Many come from disadvantaged backgrounds and face significant barriers to entering formal vocational education or the labour market, creating a need for alternative, flexible and highly supportive learning pathways.
Intervention
E2C is a network of second-chance schools offering individualised, full-time programmes of 4 to 18 months. The method combines basic-skills revision (literacy, numeracy, ICT), personalised guidance and work placements in partner companies — learners typically spend half their time on internships across different companies. Each learner follows a tailored plan supported by coaches and small-group learning, so teaching adapts to diverse starting points while remaining oriented towards re-entry into education or employment. The schools rely on a diverse team — education and training staff, social workers, people with business experience and pedagogy specialists — reflecting their focus on multidimensional support. The model is recognised by French public authorities and supported by the national E2C association, which networks schools, exchanges practice, helps new schools develop and advocates to policymakers and business.
Outcomes
E2C schools have expanded significantly, growing from 1,000 young people across 10 sites in 2003 to nearly 15,000 across more than 124 sites by 2017 (Cedefop, n.d.). Around 61% of young people are reported to find a sustainable solution in employment or training after completion. Participants also report improvements in confidence and social skills, even when they do not immediately enter the labour market. The programme strengthens transversal skills such as communication, teamwork and self-regulation through its competence-based approach, alternating periods in the centre with work experience and tailored guidance. E2C exemplifies inclusive, learner-centred vocational teaching by adapting learning to diverse starting points and supporting progression back into education, training or employment.