School grants in France have been increased by a thumping 25% from September.

The increase fulfils a promise President François Hollande made in his election campaign.

The level of the 'Allocation de Rentrée Scolaire (ARS)' varies according to the age of the child.

For next year the grant increases to €356,20 for a child from de 6 to 10 years, €375,85 for a child 11 to 14 years, and €388.87 for a child 15 to 18 years.

The increase means that parents with two children aged respectively 7 and 16 years will be entitled to €745 from their local Caisse d'allocations familiales (CAF). Previously they would have been entitled to €596..

The grant is means tested, but the test of resources is a generous one. If you have only one child then the maximum qualifying net income is €23,000; it rises to €28,554 for two children and €33,908 for three children.

These income thresholds are based on your income for 2010, as stated on your tax return made in 2011.

There are also a range of other grants and forms of assistance, who increased rates have yet to be published. The grants are cumulative but they are less generous than the ARS, and eligibility depends on family circumstances.

The grants are available to anyone resident in France who meets the eligibility criteria.

You can read more in our comprehensive Guide to French School Grants.