This context note synthesises Learning Creates Australia’s body of work on learner agency since 2020, drawing on research, student voice and school case studies. It argues that agency — defined by young people themselves as “voice, choice and ownership in our learning” — is a core driver of engagement, wellbeing and learning success. The note documents how embedding genuine agency into everyday practice, rather than treating it as an add-on, strengthens identity and belonging. School-level evidence is included: Plumpton High School’s focus on agency and pathways resulted in 97% of graduates in work, education or training, suspensions halved, and the school’s strongest HSC results in 20 years.