Empowering Young Women Through Wellbeing: Loreto College Marryatville’s SEAD Program Earns National Recognition for the Third Time

Loreto College’s SEAD Program has been named one of Australia’s top student wellbeing programs for the third time at the 2025 Australian Education Awards.

Loreto College Marryatville has bolstered its recognition as a national leader in girls’ education, named an Excellence Awardee in the Best Student Wellbeing Program category at the 2025 Australian Education Awards.

This marks the third time Loreto College Marryatville’s Social, Emotional and Academic Development (SEAD) Program has received national recognition – having also been awarded in 2022 and 2023. The repeat nominations highlight the continued impact and evolution of the SEAD Program, designed specifically to support the wellbeing and development of girls.

Loreto College Marryatville Principal, Kylie McCullah says the recognition reflects the school’s unwavering commitment to delivering holistic, evidence-based education that nurtures confident, strong and capable young women:

“At Loreto College Marryatville, we understand that wellbeing and learning are deeply interconnected. Our SEAD Program ensures every girl is seen, supported, and empowered – and to be recognised a third time at the national level is a testament to the enduring strength, innovation, and impact of this program.”

Developed in 2019, our SEAD Program is embedded into the curriculum and school culture, offering dedicated weekly lessons, daily check-ins, and access to a wide range of evidence-based resources through the school’s online portal. It addresses key areas such as emotional regulation, identity, respectful relationships, consent, and academic self-concept, all tailored to the unique needs of girls.

The success of Loreto College’s SEAD Program is underpinned by ongoing data collection, including Student Pulse check-ins and national wellbeing surveys, which guide program improvements based on real-time student and parent feedback. Between 2021 and 2024, the College reported improved student outcomes across all key wellbeing domains, including a 6-point increase in cognitive engagement and academic self-concept.

A standout feature of SEAD is its holistic approach, engaging students, parents, and staff in a collaborative effort to enhance student wellbeing. Student leadership also plays a central role, with students co-leading initiatives like Wellness Week, peer monitoring and academic focused workshops.

“SEAD is more than a program – it’s a commitment to every student’s growth and potential. By teaching these skills explicitly and consistently, we are building a foundation for success that extends far beyond the school gates,” Ms McCullah said.

Loreto College’s SEAD framework has been showcased on the global stage, including at the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools (ICGS) conferences in 2023 and 2024, with a presentation delivered in Sydney in April, 2025.

Winners for the 2025 Australian Education Awards will be announced on Friday, 8th August at the Star Event Centre in Sydney.