Morocco's Ascendance in Preparatory Classes for French Grandes Ecoles
In a significant triumph for Moroccan education, the country has emerged as a powerhouse in the rankings of the best preparatory classes in Africa for the prestigious French Grandes Ecoles. According to the inaugural rankings published by Le Figaro, Moroccan institutions have consistently outperformed their African counterparts, establishing a stronghold in this competitive arena. With numerous schools leading the charge, Morocco's success is underscored by impressive results in the entrance examinations for these elite institutions.
At the forefront of this achievement is the Lycée Mohamed VI d’excellence in Benguérir, known colloquially as "Lydex." This institution has set a benchmark in the scientific preparatory category, boasting a remarkable success rate of over 17% of its students gaining admission to the prestigious École Polytechnique over the past three years. Such a figure is a testament to the high standards and rigorous academic environment that Lydex provides, making it a reference point not just within Morocco but across the continent.
Other notable Moroccan institutions making their mark include the Lycée Méditerranéen (Lymed) in Tétouan and the Lycée Al-Zarhawi in Rabat, which have achieved integration rates of 8.8% and 7% to the École Polytechnique, respectively. This clean sweep of the top spots in the scientific category emphasizes Morocco's dominant position in this field, with several other schools such as Lycée Moulay Driss in Fès and Lycée Ibn Timiya in Marrakech also showing significant success in 2026.
In the realm of commercial preparatory classes, Moroccan excellence is equally evident. The Groupe Scolaire La Résidence in Casablanca leads the rankings in the economic and commercial general pathway (ECG), followed closely by its branch in Bouskoura and Lycée Ibn Ghazi in Rabat. The technological stream (ECT) mirrors this success, with the ESTEM institution, also based in Casablanca, topping the rankings.
Strategic Investment in Education
This remarkable performance is not merely a coincidence; it is the result of a strategic investment in a demanding preparatory class system that enrolls approximately 10,000 of the kingdom's top baccalaureate graduates each year. Moroccan authorities have prioritized educational resources towards the development of CPGE programs that emphasize excellence and rigorous training, particularly in scientific and technical disciplines. With state-of-the-art facilities and a focus on experimental sciences and computer technology, these institutions are well-equipped to nurture talent.
Moreover, the Moroccan government views this educational investment as a long-term strategy to cultivate a globally competitive elite. The aim is to produce graduates who can excel internationally and contribute significantly to the Moroccan labor market upon their return from studies abroad. Notably, candidates from foreign preparatory classes are provided with a dedicated quota for admission to the École Polytechnique, although they must meet stringent academic requirements to qualify.
As the competition intensifies, Moroccan preparatory classes are set to continue their dominance in the landscape of African education, paving the way for future generations to access some of the world's most prestigious educational institutions.
As reported by h24info.ma.
