The PPTA says the popularity of school life skills and personal development classes reflects a shift in what students want from school - not just parents.

Ministry of Education figures reveal nearly 68 thousand students enrolled in courses in this field in 2025 - up from about 49 thousand in 2021. 

PPTA President, Chris Abercrombie, told Andrew Dickens that parents are more aware of their children's goals. 

He says students are less likely to take subjects because they’re told to - and more likely to choose courses matching their own aspirations.

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