Reforms provide blueprint for changes

Regional education reforms that give priority to personal development boost student happiness and satisfaction with life, and also promote educational fairness, a survey has found.

The survey was conducted by Shangcheng district in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, in conjunction with Beijing Normal University. Reforms in the district have explored a new educational model that includes reduced administrative work and increased school autonomy.

"After the reform, students are happier and more satisfied with their lives. They also show a more positive attitude toward studies and society ... while negative emotions, including students' loneliness, anxiety and depression, have decreased," said Xiang Haigang, head of the Shangcheng district education commission.