Gradebook · France
French Baccalauréat Rattrapage — Second Session Oral Exam Policy
The rattrapage is the Baccalauréat second session: candidates whose coefficient-weighted moyenne falls between 8.0 and 9.9 out of 20 earn one final opportunity to raise their moyenne above the 10.0 pass threshold through oral examinations in two chosen subjects. Understanding the eligibility bands, subject selection rules, and Mention outcomes is essential for French lycée administrators. OpenEduCat tracks rattrapage eligibility automatically from the written session moyenne.
Rattrapage Eligibility Bands
Three outcome zones based on the coefficient-weighted moyenne from the written first session. The 8.0–9.9 band is the rattrapage window.
| Coefficient-Weighted Moyenne | Status | Outcome | Oral Subjects |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≥ 10.0/20 | Admis — Bac Awarded | Baccalauréat awarded at written session. No rattrapage required. Mention assigned based on coefficient-weighted moyenne (Passable, Assez Bien, Bien, or Très Bien). | Rattrapage not applicable |
| 8.0 – 9.9/20 | Rattrapage Eligible | Candidate admitted to second session oral rattrapage. May choose two subjects to improve moyenne. If oral session raises moyenne to ≥10.0, Bac awarded with Mention Passable. | Two oral subjects selected by candidate |
| < 8.0/20 | Non Admis — Year Repeat | Candidate does not qualify for rattrapage. Must repeat the year (redoublement) or access terminal classes through other pathways. Cannot enter the second session. | Rattrapage not available |
Source: Ministère de l'Éducation nationale et de la Jeunesse — réglementation Baccalauréat général et technologique. Exact boundaries confirmed annually by arrêté ministériel.
The Rattrapage Process — Step by Step
From the first-session results to the final Bac award, the second session follows a strict timeline regulated by each académie.
1. Written Session Results
The first session written exams are held in June. Once results are published, the system computes each candidate's coefficient-weighted moyenne. Candidates falling in the 8.0–9.9 band are automatically flagged as rattrapage-eligible.
2. Subject Selection
Eligible candidates choose two subjects for the oral rattrapage from those offered in their Bac series. The choice is strategic: subjects with high coefficients give the greatest potential boost to the overall moyenne. Candidates submit subject choices to the établissement within the deadline set by the rectorat.
3. Oral Examination
The oral rattrapage takes place in late June or early July before a jury of two subject teachers. Each oral lasts 20 minutes, usually with a 20-minute preparation period. The jury grades the candidate on a 0–20 scale for each oral subject.
4. Moyenne Recalculation
The oral rattrapage grade replaces the written grade for that subject if it is higher — or is averaged with the written grade, depending on the rectorat's instructions. The coefficient-weighted moyenne is recalculated using the updated subject note. If the recalculated moyenne reaches ≥10.0, the Bac is awarded.
5. Final Result and Mention Assignment
Candidates who reach ≥10.0 after rattrapage receive the Baccalauréat with Mention Passable regardless of their final moyenne (since rattrapage candidates cannot achieve the higher mention thresholds of 12, 14, or 16 through the oral session). The result is recorded in the official Livret Scolaire.
How OpenEduCat Automates Rattrapage Tracking
Manual eligibility checks across hundreds of candidates are error-prone and time-consuming. OpenEduCat automates the entire rattrapage workflow using the computed coefficient-weighted moyenne.
Automatic Eligibility Identification
Once first-session written results are entered, OpenEduCat applies the configured fr_coeff for each subject and computes the coefficient-weighted fr_moyenne per candidate. Any candidate with a moyenne in the 8.0–9.9 band is automatically added to the rattrapage eligible list — no manual filtering required.
Subject Coefficient Optimisation View
The rattrapage subject selection interface shows candidates which subject combinations offer the highest potential moyenne improvement based on their current subject notes and coefficients. This supports informed decision-making without administrative overhead.
Oral Grade Entry and Moyenne Update
When oral rattrapage results are entered, OpenEduCat recalculates the candidate's coefficient-weighted moyenne using the updated subject note. The system applies the configured rule (oral replaces written if higher, or average) and updates the Bac status and Mention field automatically.
Bulletin de Notes and Transcript Updates
Final rattrapage results update the official Bulletin de Notes and Relevé de Notes Baccalauréat. Candidates who pass receive Mention Passable recorded on their diploma document. The full audit trail — written result, eligibility flag, oral grade, final moyenne — is retained in the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the French Baccalauréat rattrapage (second session) process.
Automate rattrapage eligibility for your lycée
OpenEduCat computes coefficient-weighted moyennes, flags rattrapage-eligible candidates automatically, and updates Bac status when oral results are entered — no manual calculation or spreadsheet filtering needed.