Presented at AGM  October 2026

Belonging and connection have been at the heart of Adolescent Success throughout 2026. Across our webinars, events, partnerships and recognition programs, we have brought educators together to share practice, strengthen professional relationships and explore how middle years communities can help young adolescents feel known, supported and ready to excel.

This report reflects a year of practical action and collective commitment: celebrating exemplary schools, connecting Australian educators with leading voices through AMLE, extending professional learning, and recognising the people whose leadership sustains our work. Each initiative has reinforced the value of a strong and connected middle years community and our shared responsibility to keep the needs, experiences and potential of young adolescents at the centre of all we do.

MIDDLE YEARS SCHOOL DIAGNOSTIC AND IMPROVEMENT TOOL AND MIDDLE YEARS SCHOOLS OF EXCELLENCE (MYSOE)

Adolescent Success continues to champion exemplary middle years practice through the Middle Years School Diagnostic and Improvement Tool and the Middle Years Schools of Excellence (MYSOE) program. This work is strengthened by the Association’s valued connections with its ambassadors, researchers and educators, whose expertise continues to inform and advance our shared understanding of effective middle years education.

The MYSOE program is grounded in the principles of the Association’s Position Paper: The Education of Young Adolescents, which provides a clear, evidence-informed foundation for understanding and responding to the distinctive developmental and learning needs of young adolescents. Its emphasis on purposeful relationships, engaging and responsive curriculum, student agency, wellbeing, belonging and developmentally appropriate practice continues to shape the Middle Years School Diagnostic and Improvement Tool and the recognition of Middle Years Schools of Excellence. These principles are further strengthened by the influential work of Professors Donna Pendergast, Katherine Main and Nan Bahr. The new edition of Teaching Middle Years: Rethinking Curriculum, Pedagogy, and Assessment provides a timely opportunity to engage with contemporary research and thinking that underpin quality middle years practice. The Association values its ongoing connection with these leading researchers and ambassadors, whose work continues to guide and inspire schools in developing responsive curriculum, strong pastoral care and learning environments shaped by a deep understanding of adolescent development.

Adolescent Success continues to endorse and support recognised MYSOE schools while warmly welcoming new schools to engage with the diagnostic and improvement process. By becoming a Middle Years School of Excellence, schools join a connected community committed to reflecting on practice, sharing expertise and strengthening outcomes for young adolescents.

Through this growing network, the Association continues to celebrate excellence, encourage ongoing improvement and build national recognition of quality middle years education.

2022 – 2026 Middle Years Schools of Excellence

• Redlands College – Wellington Point (QLD)
• St Francis Catholic College – Edmondson Park (NSW)

2024 – 2026 Middle Years Schools of Excellence

• Hillcrest Christian College - Reedy Park (QLD)
• Padua College – Kedron (QLD)

2025 – 2027 Middle Years Schools of Excellence

• St Lukes Catholic College – Marsden Park (NSW)
• Santa Sophia Catholic College – Gables (NSW)

2026 – 2028 Middle Years Schools of Excellence

• Bacchus Marsh Grammar – Aintree/Bachus Marsh (VIC)
• Heights College – Rockhampton (QLD)

Our recognised Middle Years Schools of Excellence have contributed to the wider middle years community by sharing the thinking and practice behind their success. Through articles in the Australian Journal of Middle Schooling, these schools have offered practical examples of how thoughtful program design, supportive structures, engaging curriculum and a strong focus on wellbeing can enhance the experiences of young adolescents. Their contributions encourage professional learning across the MYSOE network and provide valuable insights for schools seeking to strengthen their own practice. To explore some of these articles please click on this link. 

We especially acknowledge Debra Evans for her valued leadership of the MYSOE Acknowledgement program and the Diagnostic tool, and the guidance she provides to participating schools throughout the recognition process. Her commitment continues to strengthen the program and support schools as they reflect on and develop their middle years practice. With applications for the 2027–2029 Middle Years Schools of Excellence opening in November, we look forward to welcoming new schools into this connected community of practice.

EVENTS

2026 Online Webinar Series: Belonging – Building Middle Years Communities that Thrive

In 2026, the Online Webinar Series: Belonging – Building Middle Years Communities that Thrive brought educators and leaders together to explore how middle years schools can create communities in which young adolescents feel connected, supported and empowered to grow. Across the series, presenters examined the cultures and climates that foster belonging, authentic student leadership, the prevention of mental ill-health, practical responses to the adolescent dip, emotional regulation, brain breaks that support engagement, and current thinking about successful middle schools.

Together, these themes reflected the series title by highlighting the relationships, practices and whole-school approaches that help middle years communities thrive. The Association sincerely thanks each presenter for sharing practical, evidence-informed insights, and acknowledges Anj Dillon’s outstanding moderation, expertise and professionalism. We also thank participants for their engagement and commitment to strengthening learning, wellbeing and belonging for young adolescents.

We thank our webinar presenters: 

• Laurie Barron (AMLE)
• Luke McKenna
• Dr Tom Nehmy
• Amanda Bourgeois
• Glen Chippendale & Isaiah Maccicou
• Liz Benson & Sue Mullen
• Katie Powell (AMLE)

Adolescent Success welcomes nominations for future webinar topics from colleagues, agency professionals and other individuals.

2026 NSW Study Tour

Held in Sydney on 5–6 March, the 2026 NSW Study Tour provided middle years teachers and leaders with the opportunity to visit St Francis Catholic College, Santa Sophia Catholic College, St Luke’s Catholic College, The Scots College and Kincoppal–Rose Bay. Across the two-day professional learning experience, participants explored innovative middle years practices and diverse learning environments, engaged with leading educators, and gathered practical ideas to strengthen student engagement and wellbeing in their own schools.

We look forward to the 2027 South Australian Study Tour, featuring visits to Redeemer Lutheran School, Wilderness School, St Michael’s College, Hills Christian Community School and Woodcroft College. Further information will be provided soon, highlighting the key programs and practices each school uses to support young adolescents.

2026 International Conference

The 2026 Adolescent Success International Conference, The Middle Grounds: Navigating the Adolescent Journey, was held at Lourdes Hill College in Brisbane on 26–27 June. The conference brought together educators, researchers and practitioners from Australia and overseas to strengthen middle years practice and deepen understanding of the adolescent journey.

Keynote presenters Donna Pendergast AM, Katherine Main, Liv Pennie, Daniel Principe, James Anderson and Juanita Wheeler shared research, expertise and practical insights across the four key areas of the Adolescent Success Position Paper: Adolescents, Educators, Place and Pedagogy. Through keynote presentations, panels, workshops and concurrent sessions, delegates explored themes including teaching and learning, wellbeing, artificial intelligence, learning environments, student growth and the creation of school communities in which young adolescents can thrive.

We sincerely thank Lourdes Hill College for hosting the conference and creating a welcoming setting for connection, collaboration and professional learning across the middle years’ community. We also recognise Oliver Cawse, Michelle Dopson and the extended Conference Committee members – Luke Ralph, Michael Ha, Jason Hasaard, Kirsty Hansen, Braydon Giles and Debra Evans whose oversight, planning and coordination were central to delivering a successful and engaging event for presenters and delegates.

COMMUNICATION

Throughout 2026, our communication platforms have strengthened the way we connect with educators and share the work of the Association. The monthly Succeed e-newsletter and our presence across Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn have provided timely updates, promoted professional learning opportunities and celebrated middle years practice. Together, these channels have broadened our reach, encouraged greater engagement and supported continued membership growth.

MEMBERSHIP

In 2026, membership continued to grow steadily, reflecting the ongoing relevance and value of Adolescent Success within the education sector. Strengthening membership, particularly Institutional and Pre-Service Teacher memberships, remains a key strategic priority. Professional connections and collaboration are central to our mission of supporting excellence in middle years education. These networks enhance professional learning and shared practice while strengthening our collective voice in advocating for the needs and aspirations of young adolescents.

AMBASSADORS

We sincerely thank our ambassadors, Donna Pendergast, Andrew Fuller, Katherine Main and Stephanie Simpson, for the expertise, advocacy and support they have provided for Adolescent Success.

COMMITTEE

The progress shared in this report has been made possible by the collective efforts of our Executive and Management Committee, ambassadors, presenters, partners and members. I am deeply grateful for the expertise, energy and commitment you continue to bring to Adolescent Success to strengthen the reach and impact of the Association.

As we move into 2027, our focus will remain on creating meaningful opportunities for educators to connect, learn and share effective practice. By working together, we can strengthen the experiences of young adolescents and ensure their learning reflects who they are, what they need and the potential they bring.

I look forward to building on this year’s momentum with our middle years community. I also acknowledge the following outgoing General Committee members, whose service and commitment to Adolescent Success have been greatly valued:

• Candice Bowen
• Deborah Cottle
• Oliver Cawse

Thank you for your continued support for Adolescent Success and for the difference you make in the lives of young people. As we look ahead, may we remember: the influence we have today can shape the confidence, belonging and possibilities a young person carries into tomorrow.

Thank you

Kia Sheidow - President