Let's not give in to the temptation to abandon it. The baccalauréat, extensively revised since its creation, can still be adapted and updated. This examination continues to serve many purposes in our society.
An undeniable social function ---------------------------------
Since it was established in its present form by Napoleon's decree of 17 March 1808, the baccalauréat has evolved from a "bourgeois qualification"—in the sense that earning it meant "joining the bourgeoisie"—into an essential basic qualification for pursuing higher education. It is also a rite of passage recognized as such by students themselves and, in a society that often lacks clear reference points, has symbolic value. Beyond this rite of passage, the baccalauréat represents equality for everyone who takes it: is the anonymity of examination papers not the best guarantee against discrimination? Whether they are girls or boys, Black, White, or of Arab descent, all such distinctions disappear in written examinations: the mark awarded carries the same weight regardless of the candidate's geographical, ethnic, family or social background.
The goal, set by the government in… 1985 (!), was for 80% of an age cohort to earn the baccalauréat. Much criticized and too often wrongly confused with the pass rate, which is far higher, this target was almost reached thirty years later: in June 2015, the figure stood at 77.2%. It reflects a determination to democratize education, a duty owed by the state to its citizens, a commitment by the Republic to its schools and progress towards greater equality and social justice. Admittedly, the entire operation—transporting examination papers, requiring teachers to travel, mobilizing premises and so on—comes at a cost, but in education, quality is sometimes priceless. Abolishing the baccalauréat would of course mean replacing it with another, more local form of assessment, making it more vulnerable to the social makeup of the area and the name of the school—a situation that would inevitably bring its own share of discrimination.