Teacher Critically Injured in Knife Attack by Student at French School

A teacher was left in critical condition on Tuesday after being stabbed by a 14-year-old pupil at a secondary school in southern France, authorities said.

The attack took place at La Guicharde middle school in Sanary-sur-Mer, where a 60-year-old female art teacher was stabbed in the chest in front of around 20 students, according to media reports citing local officials.

Education Minister Édouard Geffray confirmed the incident in a post on X, saying a teacher had been the victim of a knife attack at the school. Emergency services rushed the injured teacher to hospital, while the student was taken into custody.

Toulon public prosecutor Raphaël Balland said preliminary information indicated there had been recent tensions between the teacher and the student, who was reportedly angry with her. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances and motive behind the attack.

Following the incident, the school was evacuated and classes scheduled for Wednesday were cancelled as a precautionary measure.

“My thoughts immediately go to the victim, her family and the entire educational community, whose deep shock I share,” the education minister said.

The stabbing has renewed concerns in France over violence in schools and student safety, as authorities continue to investigate the case.