Do yours do a four day week? Yes, the eldest will have 4 1/2 day week, with the Wednesday afternoon optional (sports/activities)
Another weird French thing! OK I know it used to be Saturday mornings too, but that was even more inconvenient for parents!
(Not as inconvenient as the 'soutien scolaire' which has replaced the 1/2 days on either Wed or Sat. Each school is different, but it's difficult to schedule in ours and not child/parent-friendly hours)
While the UK system might have other shortcomings, I think the shorter holidays, shorter school days, and longer weeks are the way forward...
(Shorter days would be nice, especially when homework follows). Longer holidays at Christmas (they're always hyper and tired afterwards) and shorter in summer. The other holidays are fine!
Poor you, three kids, three schools... mind you, in our day, we had to head off on shanks' pony!
It's not the getting them there (buses for the older 2) just when there's appointments - I'm sure I'll be missing a few...