France, Oct. 27 -- Higher Education Minister Philippe Baptiste announced on Monday that the admissions system would undergo "substantial change" next year before being replaced in 2028.

The government also pledged smaller classes, additional teaching posts, higher student grants and billions of euros for school and university renovations.

The measures address grievances that sparked high school blockades in mid-September. But workers demanding relief from rising living costs have since joined the movement, broadening the challenge facing Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu's government.

Student representatives welcomed parts of the package after meeting Lecornu on Monday, while urging protesters to keep mobilising.

"We have managed to ad...