The Alice Springs Declaration is the foundational national policy statement on Australian schooling, signed by all state and territory education ministers in December 2019. It sets two overarching goals: an education system that promotes excellence and equity, and one that supports all young Australians to become confident and creative individuals, successful lifelong learners, and active and informed community members. Of particular relevance to this hub is its explicit recognition that the middle years carry the greatest risk of disengagement, and its commitment to schools being responsive to students’ developmental, emotional and social needs during this period. The Declaration also emphasises student voice, personalised learning, wellbeing, and the importance of real-world, relevant learning experiences. As the overarching national framework within which all Australian schooling policy sits, it provides the official mandate for the kind of engagement-focused reform this hub explores.