How to Support Student and Staff Wellbeing in Australian Schools

Wellbeing has become one of the defining priorities in Australian education over the past few years. The disruptions of the pandemic highlighted just how closely mental, emotional and social health are tied to learning, and schools have been reshaping their practices to reflect this. Today, wellbeing is seen as an essential part of a successful school environment, not an optional extra.

In 2024 we wrote an article, asking what you are doing to ensure staff and student wellbeing. A lot has changed since then, so we thought it was time for an update.

Here’s what you can do and some places you might find support.

A New National Direction

The introduction of the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement (2025–2034) has set a new national framework for supporting students and teachers. This agreement replaces the former National School Reform Agreement and places a stronger emphasis on ensuring schools are properly funded and equipped to respond to the wellbeing needs of their communities.

The agreement acknowledges the challenges many young people continue to face, such as rising anxiety, inconsistent attendance, and the lingering effects of disrupted learning. It also recognises the pressure placed on teachers, who have been managing heavier workloads and increasingly complex student needs. Under the new framework, schools are encouraged to design wellbeing initiatives that reflect their local context and to draw on evidence based approaches.

Supporting the Teaching Workforce

Teacher wellbeing remains a central focus of national reform. The National Teacher Workforce Action Plan continues to guide efforts to reduce administrative load, strengthen mentoring for early‑career teachers, and improve pathways into the profession. With 27 actions in place, the plan aims to create more sustainable working conditions and help teachers maintain a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives.

Wellbeing Programs in Schools

Schools across Australia are increasingly incorporating structured wellbeing programs into their daily routines. Mindfulness activities, resilience‑building lessons and social-emotional learning programs are now common in both primary and secondary settings.

These programs help students:

• develop emotional awareness
• manage stress and uncertainty
• build positive relationships
• strengthen their sense of identity and belonging

Research continues to show that students who feel safe, connected and supported are more engaged in their learning and more confident in tackling challenges. Schools are also tailoring their wellbeing approaches to reflect the cultural and social backgrounds of their students, ensuring support is meaningful and inclusive.

How Createl Can Help

Our Building Character and Resilience Program is a comprehensive and flexible character education program designed to help students flourish in and out of the classroom. Based on the principles of positive psychology and written in partnership with experts in that area, Building Character and Resilience is proven to increase self-awareness in students and reduce common challenges in classrooms and on the playground. You can learn more about the BCR Program here.

Using Evidence to Guide Practice

The Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) plays an important role in helping schools understand emerging trends. AERO’s recent work has focused on attendance patterns, learning recovery and the factors that contribute to persistent underperformance in assessments such as NAPLAN.

By analysing large scale datasets, including PISA, AERO provides practical guidance that schools can use to support students who may be at risk of disengagement. This evidence based approach helps school leaders make informed decisions about where to direct their wellbeing efforts.

Government Commitment to Mental Health

The Australian Government continues to place mental health at the centre of education policy. The review led by Dr Lisa O’Brien, commissioned by Education Minister Jason Clare, has now been completed and has informed the wellbeing priorities within the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement. The review highlighted the need for consistent national standards, better access to mental health support and stronger collaboration between schools, families and health services.

These recommendations are shaping future reforms and funding decisions, ensuring wellbeing remains a long‑term focus rather than a short‑term response.

Looking Ahead

Australian schools are navigating a period of significant change, but the growing emphasis on wellbeing represents a positive shift. Schools are increasingly seen as communities where students develop resilience, empathy and confidence, and where teachers must feel supported in order to do their best work.

As reforms continue to roll out, the most effective wellbeing initiatives will be those that:

• reflect the needs of each school community
• draw on strong evidence
• support both students and staff
• build long‑term habits that help young people thrive

At Createl Publishing, we are committed to supporting this work. That’s why we created our Building Character and Resilience Program: to help schools embed wellbeing into everyday learning and foster the skills students need to flourish.