PERMA-V well-being framework relaunched

With today’s children and adolescents growing up in a world marked by complexity, pressure, and rapid change, the need for a clear and coherent well-being framework which supports students effectively and guides their practice has perhaps never been more important.

Seven years ago, St Andrew’s committed to the research-informed and globally recognised, PERMA-V as its well-being framework, which has been relaunched in 2026 as part of the College’s new Strategic Direction, says Head of Well-being, Kerry Larby.

“During the Strategic Planning process, PERMA-V was identified as playing a central role in shaping the College’s future direction,” she shares. “Earlier this year, staff across our Preparatory School, Secondary School, and support teams, came together for the reintroduction of PERMA‑V, and received a guide covering how we will bring each pillar to life. They left the session energised and aligned, ready to take this refreshed, unified approach forward.”

By giving staff a shared language and simple, practical tools, PERMA‑V helps weave well-being through everyday school life – across classrooms, year levels, and co‑curricular programmes, explains Kerry.

Having a shared framework helps us to speak a common language with our ākonga and whānau, avoiding fragmented or reactive responses. It builds consistency across all areas of the College.

PERMA originates from Professor Martin Seligman, whose ground-breaking research helps us to understand what enables people to flourish. He developed the PERMA model including five pillars, positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. A sixth pillar, vitality, was later added by positive psychology practitioners.

“PERMA‑V brings these elements together in a way that is easy to teach, easy to talk about, and easy to apply in daily school life,” says Kerry. “The pillars also mirror the heart of great teaching – meaningful engagement, strong relationships, and purposeful growth.”

It is also valuable to understand the ideas which sit beneath the framework, including how well-being is a skill which can grow, adds Kerry.

“We believe well-being is more than what happens to us; it’s something we can build. This belief gives young people confidence – no matter where they start, they can learn skills which shape how they think, feel, and act, and take meaningful steps toward greater well-being.”

The importance of connection, students understanding their character strengths and agency, and building resilience so they can flourish even when they are facing challenges, are other key ideas, shares Kerry.

“As we bring PERMA‑V to life this year, the framework and ideas will guide our decisions, strengthen our shared language, and help our students flourish in ways which are real, grounded, and long‑lasting.”