Lagrégation

Lagrégation, often written l’agrégation, is a national competitive examination in the French public education system. It serves to recruit teachers for the highest levels of secondary education and, in many disciplines, for university teaching. The holders of the title are called agrégés and acquire the status of professeur agrégé.

History and scope: The agrégation has its origins in the Ancien Régime and has been revised several times. It is organized by the Ministry of National Education and operates alongside other concours such as the CAPES. The competition is open as external (for candidates from outside the corps) or internal (for teachers already in the system).

Structure and process: The concours combines written tests and oral examinations specific to each discipline. Written components assess mastery of the subject and general analytical skills; oral exams typically include a teaching demonstration, an analysis of a text or problem, and an interview on methodology and pedagogy. The number of places is limited and varies by discipline and year.

Career implications: Success grants the title of agrégé and admission to the relevant teaching corps, primarily in lycées and classes préparatoires; many agrégés teach in these settings, while some pursue university teaching. The selection remains highly prestigious and historically associated with elite training, though reform has integrated it with broader changes to teacher education and career pathways.

Reform and contemporary status: In recent decades, reforms have sought to balance prestige with accessibility and to align teacher training with higher education reforms. The agrégation remains a key pathway for those aiming at top-tier secondary and university teaching in France.