THE state opposition has dumped its promise to remove ethics classes from NSW public schools if it is elected, as 57 schools prepare to start teaching the new course within weeks.

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In November the opposition education spokesman, Adrian Piccoli, said a Coalition government would remove the classes being offered in schools as an alternative to special religious education, or scripture classes.

The announcement prompted the government, with the support of the Greens in the upper house, to enshrine the right to the classes in legislation, meaning the Coalition would be forced to legislate to remove them.

Mr Piccoli told the Herald the Coalition has decided against that course of action if it is elected next month.