More than 1.3 million students will begin sitting the 2026 NAPLAN tests in schools across Australia from today.
NAPLAN tests students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 on the fundamental literacy and numeracy skills that every child needs.
It is a nationally consistent measure to determine whether or not students are meeting important educational outcomes, and it helps schools and school systems to monitor and evaluate how education systems are working.
In 2023, Education Ministers made the most sweeping reforms to NAPLAN since it started in 2008, including bringing forward the test from May to March and putting the results in teachers' and parents' hands sooner.
The 2025 NAPLAN results showed encouraging signs of progress, including improvements in numeracy across Years 5, 7 and 9, as well as gains in reading. This is good news but there is more to do to further strengthen outcomes for students.
That's what the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement is all about - it is the biggest new investment by an Australian Government ever in public schools, with every state and territory agreeing to put all public schools on a path to full and fair funding
This additional funding is tied to practical reforms to identify students who need additional support for literacy and numeracy, and help students who fall behind to catch up, keep up and finish school.
These reforms include the Year 1 phonics and numeracy checks, evidence-based teaching practices, and more individualised support for students who need it. This includes one on one and small group tutoring.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:
"We've made the most sweeping reforms to NAPLAN since it started in 2008.
"The turnaround time in NAPLAN results is faster than ever. What used to take months is now back in teachers' hands within weeks.
"This helps us identify kids earlier who may be struggling and help give them the support they need.
"NAPLAN results also provide valuable data to inform national reform.
"The 2025 NAPLAN results showed encouraging signs, but there is more work to do.
"That's what the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement is all about - helping more kids keep up, catch up and finish school."
