Where to go in Nîmes
Use the official sites below to check the responsible service, application method and appointment requirements. Not every procedure is handled by the prefecture. Contact the association to discuss available support.
Key points in 30 seconds
- Gather birth certificate, APS, proof of address and vaccination record.
- For ages 3–11, get the certificat d'inscription at the town hall.
- Present it to the head teacher.
The procedure at a glance
Maternelle and élémentaire (ages 3–11)
Go to the school service of your town hall, which issues a certificat d'inscription naming your catchment school. Then present it to the head teacher, who completes admission. Maternelle from age 3, élémentaire from 6 (CP).
Advice from the association
Don't leave this procedure to the last minute — come and see us.
Collège and lycée through CASNAV (11+)
Non-French-speaking pupils are assessed by the CASNAV or CIO of the education district (home language, maths, French), then placed in a collège or lycée with a UPE2A class: a few hours of French a week and regular lessons otherwise. After 16, contact the CIO or MLDS.
Common mistake
Waiting for September — enrolment is open all year.
Canteen, after-school and insurance
The canteen and after-school care (garderie, centre de loisirs on Wednesdays and holidays) are charged by the town hall on an income-based social rate: bring a certificate or proof of income. School insurance (civil liability and personal accident) is required for trips and after-school care.
Common mistake
Not asking for the social canteen rate.
Vaccines and health checks
French mandatory vaccines (11 for children born since 2018) are required for group care. Bring the Ukrainian vaccination record: the PMI or a paediatrician transfers it into the carnet de santé and gives missing vaccines for free. School health checks take place at 3–4 and 6.
Common mistake
Going to the school without the town hall's certificat d'inscription.
Nursery under 3
Municipal crèches and childminders (assistantes maternelles): apply at the town hall or relais petite enfance as early as possible, places are scarce. covers part of the cost (CMG).
Step by step
- 1Gather birth certificate, APS, proof of address and vaccination record.
- 2For ages 3–11, get the certificat d'inscription at the town hall.
- 3Present it to the head teacher.
- 4For 11+, book an assessment at CASNAV or CIO.
- 5Ask the town hall for the social canteen and after-school rate.
- 6Take out school insurance.
- 7Have vaccines checked by the PMI or a paediatrician.
Documents needed
Collected: 0 / 6
- Child's birth certificate or passport
- Parent's and child's APS
- Proof of address or
- Vaccination record / carnet de santé
- certificate or proof of income
- Ukrainian school report (if available)
FAQ
Where do I get the certificat d'inscription?
From the school service of your town hall. It names your catchment school, where you then enrol the child with the head teacher.
Can my child also follow Ukrainian online school?
Yes, but French school remains compulsory from 3 to 16; online learning can be added on top.
What if the town hall refuses enrolment?
Refusing schooling is illegal. Write to the town hall and the DSDEN; our association can help draft the letter.
Steps and documents on one page — save as PDF and take it with you.