This volume of PISA examines the readiness of students to engage with learning strategies, to be motivated to learn and to be confident in their abilities and in their capacity to improve their skills and knowledge. Countries like Korea have reduced mathematics anxiety, Portugal excels in critical thinking, and more low-performing students in Costa Rica and the United States can effectively assess online information. However, many students across PISA countries and economies still face issues with motivation, anxiety, and confidence in their self-directed learning skills. Socio-economic disparities persist, affecting both learning strategies and self-confidence. These findings emphasise the need for targeted interventions to foster motivation and lifelong learning skills for all students, particularly among disadvantaged and low-performing students.