NAPLAN: Why It’s Done — and What It Means for Students and Schools
By Caroline Fielding, Ba P. Ed
Masters of Education Research Project – Cluey Learning
At least twice during primary school, and again in high school, Australian students face a major national test: NAPLAN. For some, it’s just another week in the school calendar. For others, it’s a source of stress, excitement, or even confusion about its real purpose.
But beyond the pencils, screens, and test papers, what is NAPLAN really for? How does it help students, schools, and the education system — and what can parents do to help their children navigate it?
What is NAPLAN?
NAPLAN stands for National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy. It’s a nationwide test held annually in March for students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9.
The assessment covers four main areas:
- Reading
- Writing
- Language Conventions (spelling, grammar, punctuation)
- Mathematics
The goal is not to “pass” or “fail,” but to measure skills at a specific point in time — giving schools, parents, and governments a snapshot of how students are tracking against national benchmarks.
Who Oversees NAPLAN?
NAPLAN is designed and delivered by ACARA — the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority.
Each state and territory has its own test administration authority responsible for implementing the test locally, ensuring everything runs smoothly and securely.
Why Do We Have NAPLAN?
NAPLAN exists for several key reasons:
- Public Accountability – It gives a transparent picture of how schools and states are performing.
- Student Progress Tracking – Parents can see how their child’s literacy and numeracy skills compare to national standards.
- Policy Guidance – Results help governments identify gaps and create targeted improvement strategies.
- School Improvement – Teachers can see where students need extra support and adjust their teaching plans.
Essentially, NAPLAN acts like a national “health check” for education — measuring not only individual achievement but also the system’s performance over time.
The Impact on Students — The Good and the Bad
Research in Australia and internationally shows that national testing has both positive and negative effects.
Potential Negatives
- Anxiety & Stress – Some students report sleeplessness, restlessness, irritability, and appetite changes in the lead-up to the test.
- Relationship Strain – In certain studies, students felt their relationships with teachers, peers, and even parents were negatively affected during “NAPLAN season.”
- Pressure Over Time – A small number of students, especially in WA research, reported anxiety lasting months before the test.
Potential Positives
- Targeted Support – Results help teachers and parents identify specific skill gaps and address them.
- Access to Tutoring – Many families seek extra help in the areas highlighted by NAPLAN reports.
- Accountability – Schools are required to publish results on the MySchool website, creating motivation for ongoing improvement.
- Policy Changes – State and federal governments use the data to improve curriculum focus in struggling areas.
How Parents Can Support Their Child Before, During, and After NAPLAN
Before the Test
- Keep It Positive – Your attitude matters. Hong Kong studies show that children whose parents spoke negatively about national testing felt more anxious.
- Explain the Purpose – Let them know NAPLAN isn’t about judgment, but about finding ways to help all students learn better.
- Practice Smartly – Short, low-pressure practice sessions help students feel familiar with the format without overwhelming them.
During the Test Week
- Prioritise Rest & Routine – Good sleep, healthy meals, and calm mornings can make a big difference.
- Stay Encouraging – Remind them that one test doesn’t define their worth or intelligence.
After the Test
- Manage the Wait – Results usually arrive between mid-August and mid-September, depending on your state.
- Put Results in Perspective – Emphasise that NAPLAN is just one snapshot, taken under very specific conditions.
- Use the Data Wisely – If the results show skill gaps, consider talking to their teacher or exploring extra learning support.
Final Word
NAPLAN isn’t perfect — but it can be a useful tool when approached with perspective. For students, it’s a chance to show what they know. For parents and schools, it’s valuable feedback to guide learning priorities. And for the education system, it’s a nationwide pulse check.
The key is to make NAPLAN less about pressure and more about progress. With the right support, it can be one stepping stone — not a stumbling block — in a child’s learning journey.
