Programs and initiatives

National Assessment Program—Literacy and Numeracy

The National Assessment Program—Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a nationwide assessment for all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. NAPLAN tests are undertaken online in Term 1 each year and provide information on how students are performing in:

  • reading
  • writing
  • language—spelling, grammar and punctuation
  • numeracy.

The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) is responsible for the overall management of the Australian National Assessment Program, in collaboration with representatives from all states and territories and non-government school sectors.

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority coordinates the administration, marking and reporting of the NAPLAN tests in Queensland.

The NAPLAN Online public demonstration site is available for students, parents and carers and teachers. It shows the types of questions that will be asked and shows the functionalities available in NAPLAN tests. Further information about the tools and navigation in the tests can be found on the understanding online assessment page.

Results

Test results are reported to:

  • individual students—in a report on how they performed
  • schools—in a report on how their students performed
  • the public—in published summary and national reports
  • the public—on the My School website, where average school results are shown.

Australian Curriculum

The Australian Curriculum focuses on literacy and numeracy as 2 of the 7 'general capabilities' embedded in each subject area.

Read more about the Australian Curriculum.

Accessibility information

If your child has a disability, they may qualify for adjustments so they can participate in NAPLAN. Adjustments are the same as, or similar to, the support your child normally gets in the classroom. Students with temporary injuries may also qualify. Some students may be granted a formal exemption from sitting the NAPLAN tests.

Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority's NAPLAN accessibility page includes a series of accessibility videos highlighting the adjustments available to students with diverse needs and may be helpful for you if your child has a disability.

Contact your school to find out what arrangements can be made.

For more information:

Last updated:
17 July 2024