Located in Paris’s vibrant 18th arrondissement near Porte de Clignancourt, Collège Maurice Utrillo (known locally as College Utrillo Paris 18) is a public middle school with a rich history, recent renovations, and a mission centered on inclusion, academic opportunity, and community engagement. It serves students from diverse backgrounds and actively works to bridge educational gaps through specialized programs like ULIS and bilingual sections.
Overview of Collège Maurice Utrillo
Location and Status
This public collège is situated in the 18áµ arrondissement at Porte de Clignancourt, under the oversight of the Académie de Paris. It is part of the REP+ (priority education) network, indicating its commitment to supporting students from socially diverse and underserved backgrounds.
History and Renovation
Originally built in the 1970s, the school underwent a major restructuring starting in 2018 and reopened in 2020. The renovation, led by Bouygues Bâtiment ÃledeFrance and designed by TANK Architectes, included a striking wooden extension and improved facilities across 5,729 m².
Architecture and Facilities
Wooden Extension and Sustainable Design
A significant part of the upgrade was a 1,300 m² extension made entirely of certified sustainable wood (PEFCFSC). It includes a gymnasium, a new dining hall, classrooms, and two staff apartments on the roof. The entire site now features modern wooden facades and improved structural design.
Shared Community Spaces
The redesigned campus incorporates multi-use and communal areas, such as a library (CDI), sports hall, and dining facilities that are occasionally shared with neighbourhood associations. The renovation reflects a commitment to both educational and urban climate goals.
Academic Programs and Support
Bilangue and Ancient Languages
Collège Utrillo provides a range of linguistic options, including a bilangue program (EnglishGerman), optional Latin and Greek, and a general curriculum teaching German, Spanish, and English languages.
Inclusion Units ULIS and UPE2A
For students with special needs or newcomers learning French, dedicated ULIS and UPE2A units offer tailored support throughout the entire collège cycle (grades 6 to 3áµ).
Social Diversity and Inclusion
Community Mix and Engagement
Located in a working-class neighbourhood, the collège serves a diverse student body. Its emphasis on social mix is often highlighted by community groups and educational media, who note the benefits of inclusive learning environments and mutual peer support.
Student Voices
Students themselves often speak positively about their experience of inclusion and cooperation among classmates from different cultural and economic backgrounds, emphasizing mutual understanding and solidarity.
Academic Results and Brevet Exam Performance
Recent Brevet Scores
In the 2024 school year, the collège reported an 84.6 % success rate for the Diplôme National du Brevet, with 70.1 % of students earning mentions (honours). Specifically, 23.4 % received ‘Très Bien’, 19.5 % ‘Bien’, and 27.3 % ‘Assez Bien’. Nationally, the collège ranked 4,943rd out of over 7,200 schools.
Trends Over Time
Over the past decade, success rates have hovered between 75 % and 86 % with a gradual increase in mentions. While not among the top-performing Paris schools, these results reflect improved consistency and support.
ExtraCurricular Activities and Innovation Projects
Media Class and Cultural Projects
A notable innovation at Collège Utrillo was its media class in 5áµ, established to teach students about journalism and critical media literacy. Activities included visits to The Monde editorial office and France Info radio, helping students develop reporting and interview skills.
Sport and Citizenship Initiatives
In 2024, the collège hosted a MiniClub project relating to the Olympic and Paralympic Games called Power of the Games. Students engaged in adapted sports workshops, met para-athletes, and participated in civic and cultural events promoting sportsmanship and inclusion.
Strengths and Challenges
Key Strengths
- Strong inclusion policies through ULIS and UPE2A support
- Modern and sustainable facilities built with eco-friendly materials
- Language options and extracurricular projects enrich student experience
- Active support for diversity, inclusion and peer cooperation
Areas for Improvement
Despite the upgraded buildings, some tools such as shared labs or cafeteria systems may still face wear or require better maintenance. Academic outcomes remain modest and the school’s reputation can lag due to its location and pre-renovation history.
Suggestions for Families and Prospective Students
- Visit the collège in person to experience the facilities and atmosphere
- Talk with current students or parents to understand the community and support culture
- Ask about support programs for new or special-needs students
- Inquire about language classes and optional programs like media and sports workshops
- Review recent Brevet exam results to gauge academic environment and trends
Collège Maurice Utrillo in Paris 18 offers a strong example of an inclusive, community-minded collège undergoing transformation. Its wooden modernisation, programes for diverse learners, and emphasis on critical-minded, citizen-oriented education stand out. Its Brevet results show progress if not top-tier academic ranking, while special projects like the media class and Olympic-themed initiatives demonstrate creativity and engagement. Families seeking a collège with depth, cultural openness, and sustainable infrastructure will find plenty to appreciate at College Utrillo Paris 18.
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