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School-wide Positive Behaviour Support

Creating positive school environments to boost student success and engagement.

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What is SWPBS

School-wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) is a globally recognised, evidence-based framework that helps schools create safe, positive, and inclusive environments where students and staff can thrive.

SWPBS supports the Education State priorities and the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0 by helping schools build consistent, whole-school systems that promote positive behaviour, wellbeing, and inclusion—creating the right conditions for effective teaching, learning, and leadership across the school.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/854261947?autoplay=0

Introduction to School-wide Positive Behaviour Support

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This document provides school leaders with an overview of SWPBS and practical guidance for its implementation.

This document outlines the 7 essential features a school commits to implementing as part of the SWPBS framework.

Features and benefits of SWPBS

SWPBS helps schools to:

Schools implementing SWPBS:

How SWPBS supports all students

SWPBS is built around four key elements

These elements are delivered through a multi-tiered system of support

Image of the three tiers. Tier 1 - Universal is green and representing all students, tier 2 - targeted is orange representing some students and tier 3 - intensive is green representing few students.

SWPBS in Victoria

Since 2018, more than 700 Victorian government schools have participated in SWPBS.

Building on a $37.5 million investment since 2018, the Victorian Government has committed an additional $10.4 million over four years in the 2025–26 Budget.

Schools joining the SWPBS initiative receive the following supports:

Evaluation and outcomes

An external evaluation (November 2023) found a positive relationship between effective SWPBS implementation and improved school outcomes:

Read the full evaluation of the Victorian SWPBS initiative (PPT, 3.5MB)

Case studies of SWPBS in action

Three case study videos provide insight into the practical benefits of School-wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) across different settings.

Each case aligns with the five FISO 2.0 core elements:

St Albans Heights Primary School

St. Albans Heights Primary School shares how implementing SWPBS transformed their school by teaching expected behaviours, building strong values, and creating a safer, more inclusive environment. Staff and students highlight the positive impact on safety, relationships, and learning.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/877321515?autoplay=0

SWPBS - St Albans Heights Primary School

View transcript

Cranbourne Secondary College

Shows the role of clear expectations, encouragement, and strategic data use in improving behaviour and respect.

Cranbourne Secondary College shows how SWPBS has transformed their school through clear behaviour expectations, encouragement of positive interactions, and strategic use of data. This approach has created a safer, more respectful environment, improving behaviour and student success.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/877320879?autoplay=0

SWPBS - Cranbourne Secondary College

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Yarra Ranges Special Development School

Yarra Ranges Special Development School uses SWPBS to help students with disabilities thrive. With clear expectations — be safe, responsible, and respectful — tiered supports, and tools like the MeTV program, the school fosters positive behaviour across all settings.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/877320223?autoplay=0

SWPBS - Yarra Ranges SDS

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SWPBS acknowledgement awards

Participating schools are encouraged to apply for the annual acknowledgment awards, which highlight outstanding examples of SWPBS in primary, secondary and specialist schools. Awards are open to any school active in the initiative that meets the criteria.

To apply, schools submit detailed evidence of their implementation. The award criteria is updated annually in Term 1 and listed below, along with the previous year’s award-winning schools.

Apply to join

Applications for the 2026 intake have closed.

Schools can apply to join through an annual process in Term 3. Applications to join SWPBS in 2026 have closed.

Online information briefing sessions are held in early Term 3 to provide an overview of the initiative and how to submit an application.

Following the information briefings, schools submit an application by the end of Term 3.

Schools joining SWPBS will commence implementation in Term 1, 2027. For further information or support please see contact details below.

Find out more

For further information about SWPBS, visit the Department’s Policy and Advisory Library behaviour page or contact the SWPBS central team:

Education & training

Updated 26 March 2026

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