A study conducted by the Australian National University has demonstrated that mental wellbeing of a student is a strong predictor of academic success. The study, led by Diana Cardenas showed that though depression is a strong predictor of poorer academic outcomes, anxiety in certain cases can improve student outcomes. The study examined numeracy and reading scores of National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assessments for Year 9 students from the year 2017 to 2019 and matched their results to corresponding self-reports of their wellbeing in Year 8 from the year 2016 to 2018; Year 7 NAPLAN results were also examined as a proxy for prior achievements. Results for NAPLAN and student wellbeing are then matched to the individual if possible, or at the school level if not, resulting in 3,400 student matches from 19 high schools. NAPLAN is an annual national assessment for all Australian students in Years 3, …