Importance of School Climate for Student Development and Analysis of Its Determinants in a Non-Skills-Focused Education System

Introduction: The article analyses the differences between developmental and career-oriented climates of students in different types of schools. The theoretical analysis integrates psychological, sociological, neuroscientific and educational theories to show that school climate is an important factor influencing students’ future career success. Research Aim: The objective of this article is to present school climate as a pivotal factor influencing comprehensive student development and to underscore the significance of climate in the context of their prospective careers. Method: The survey was conducted among students in the final years of primary school in three different types of schools. Quantitative analysis (ANOVA and Spearman correlation) was used for the analysis. Results: The research shows that school climate is the factor that most differentiates between private and public school. The research also shows the key role of teachers and the school climate in shaping students’ attitudes and behaviour and in strengthening students’ aspirations for their future careers. The results of the study highlight the possibility of creating different developmental incentives within the same education system, showing that the effectiveness of the system can be increased by incremental changes rather than only by systemic changes. Conclusions: The article proposes the implementation of an educational policy that adopts a holistic approach to education, aligning pedagogical strategies with the goal of increasing students’ career readiness and aspirations.