NAPLAN in Australia: what parents need to know about school assessments
What is NAPLAN?
NAPLAN (National Assessment Program — Literacy and Numeracy) is a national standardised test administered to all Australian students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 during a single test week each year.
Tests cover:
- Writing
- Reading
- Conventions of Language (grammar, spelling, punctuation)
- Numeracy (mathematics)
Since 2023, NAPLAN is conducted entirely online (replacing pen-and-paper testing). Schools in remote areas with limited internet access may still use paper-based testing under special arrangements.
Does NAPLAN affect promotion or graduation?
No. NAPLAN is a diagnostic assessment, not a pass/fail examination.
Results do not:
- Determine whether a student progresses to the next year level.
- Contribute to official school grades or report cards.
- Affect a student’s eligibility to graduate from Year 12.
The primary purpose is to provide information to teachers, schools, parents and governments about how students are developing compared to national benchmarks.
Understanding NAPLAN results
From 2023, NAPLAN uses four proficiency levels (replacing the previous 10-band system):
| Level | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Exceeding | Well above the national standard |
| Strong | Achieving the national standard |
| Developing | Working towards the standard |
| Needs additional support | Requires extra help |
Parents receive an individual student report from the school. The report also compares your child’s results against:
- The national minimum standard for the year level.
- National and state averages.
Comparing schools on myschool.edu.au
myschool.edu.au publishes average NAPLAN results for each school, allowing parents to compare schools. Important caveats:
- Schools with students from more disadvantaged backgrounds often have lower average scores — this reflects the student intake, not necessarily teaching quality.
- The site shows each school’s ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) — use this to compare schools with similar student profiles rather than comparing raw scores across very different schools.
- A school showing consistent improvement in results over several years is often a stronger signal of quality teaching than a single year’s result.
If your child does not meet the minimum standard
The school will notify you and arrange additional support. Options include:
- Speaking with the class teacher and the EAL/D teacher (if English is a factor).
- Accessing free learning resources: Khan Academy (khanacademy.org), Reading Eggs, and various state education department materials.
- Engaging a private tutor for targeted support outside school hours.
Is NAPLAN compulsory?
NAPLAN is not legally mandatory — parents may withdraw their child by informing the school in writing before the test week. However, the vast majority of students participate. Exemptions are available for students with significant disabilities or special needs that prevent meaningful participation even with adjustments.
Practice materials and full test information: nap.edu.au/naplan/test-materials