The chapter examines the role of elite groups in the transformation of the French education system. It explores how centralized bureaucratic structures, combined with influential networks of policymakers, shape educational reforms. These “programmatic elites” hold significant power within the Ministry of Education, advocating for reforms while navigating ideological conflicts between the Left and the Right. The chapter challenges views of education policy as incremental or ideologically fragmented, showing how elites impose their agenda through hierarchical authority, implementing policies such as New Public Management and accountability measures. Drawing on sociological methods, the chapter traces the professional paths and networks of these elites, revealing their role as agents of change who interpret international recommendations to fit domestic contexts. The analysis also discusses the tension between conservative and progressive movements in French education, emphasizing the elites’ control over policy debates. Ultimately, the chapter highlights the centralization of authority and the role of these elites in defining the trajectory of education reforms in France.