📚 NAPLAN 2026: Everything You Need to Know (Key Dates & Preparation Tips)

NAPLAN is one of the most important assessments for Australian school students — and NAPLAN 2026 will be no exception. Whether your child is in Year 3, 5, 7 or 9, knowing exactly what to expect is the first step toward success. In this blog, we’ll break down everything parents and students need to know about the 2026 NAPLAN tests — including key dates, test format, changes introduced in recent years, and how to prepare effectively.

What is NAPLAN?

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a standardised test that assesses students’ reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar, punctuation) and numeracy skills. It helps schools, parents and governments gauge how students are progressing in these foundational areas.

NAPLAN is not a pass or fail test, but it provides valuable insight into your child’s strengths and areas for improvement.

What is NAPLAN and why is it important?

We’ve all heard of it - NAPLAN - the ‘National Assessment Program: Literacy and Numeracy’. While the NAPLAN tests are often dreaded, it is important to understand what exactly they are and why they offer an important tool for students, parents and schools alike.

KIS Academics BlogManoj Arachige

NAPLAN 2026 Key Dates

NAPLAN is now held earlier in the school year to better support teaching and learning. Here are the expected dates for NAPLAN 2026:

📅 NAPLAN Testing Window:
Wednesday 11 March – Friday 20 March 2026

These dates apply across Australia for all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.

Year 3 NAPLAN writing: How to help your child develop writing skills and score TOP bands

Writing is a difficult yet important skill for your child to master. This article will explain the writing component of the exam, and guide you on how to help your child improve their writing skills for NAPLAN.

KIS Academics BlogManoj Arachige

NAPLAN Test Format in 2026

Since 2022, NAPLAN has been delivered online (except for Year 3 writing, which is still paper-based). This digital format means:

• Tests are adaptive, adjusting difficulty based on student responses
• Students get a unique test experience, more tailored to their ability level
• Results are processed faster and more accurately

Here’s a breakdown of what each student will sit:

Learn more about the NAPLAN test format from ACARA.

NAPLAN Practice Papers to help you prepare for NAPLAN 2025 and 2026

The NAPLAN may seem daunting, but a little preparation goes a long way. Use these free NAPLAN practice tests & past papers to get you or your child exam ready!

KIS Academics BlogManoj Arachige

How is the NAPLAN Scored in 2026?

In 2023, NAPLAN shifted from 10-band scores to a 4-proficiency scale:

1. Exceeding
2. Strong
3. Developing
4. Needs additional support

This makes it easier for parents and teachers to understand where students are in their learning journey and how best to support them.

Read the official NAPLAN Results FAQs here.

🔍 Explore top-tier tutors by subject and state at KIS Academics.

🥇 How to read the NAPLAN Results?

All students who participate in NAPLAN receive an individual report of their results. NAPLAN individual student reports (ISRs) are provided to schools by the state or territory test administration authority.

From 2023, NAPLAN individual student results are reported against proficiency standards to provide parents and carers with clear information on student achievement.

Here is what is in the individual report:

• The front page of the student report provides general information about the tests and an explanation of how to read the report.
• The second and third pages show the student’s result in each assessment area. The results are classified into one of 4 proficiency levels: Exceeding, Strong, Developing and Needs additional support.
• The report shows the student’s achievement against the national average for their year and the range of achievement for the middle 60% of students in their year level.
• The final page of the report provides a brief summary of the skills typically demonstrated by students at each proficiency level.

How to Interpret Your Child’s NAPLAN Results

The NAPLAN is a nationwide exam given in Australian schools that will provide a progress report on your child’s learning development in numeracy and literacy. This blog will walk you through how to interpret your child’s NAPLAN results and how it can help your child’s learning journey.

KIS Academics BlogManoj Arachige

👩‍🏫 What does it mean if my child "Needs Additional Support?

The ‘Needs additional support’ proficiency level is intended to identify students who are at risk of not progressing satisfactorily at school. Students with results in other levels may also need support in particular areas.

If your child requires additional support, it is beneficial to have a chat with their teacher to see what can be done to better support your child in school and at home.

How to Prepare for NAPLAN 2026

While students are not expected to ‘study’ for NAPLAN, a little targeted preparation goes a long way in boosting confidence and performance.

✅ Practice Past Papers
Familiarity with question types reduces stress and improves accuracy. You can access sample NAPLAN questions online.

✅ Build Core Skills
Focus on spelling, grammar, reading comprehension, basic arithmetic, and problem-solving. These are the backbone of NAPLAN success.

✅ Manage Time and Stress
Teach your child how to manage time during tests, and reduce anxiety through positive reinforcement and practice sessions.

✅ Consider a Tutor
Working with a tutor from KIS Academics can provide personalised support and structured learning plans tailored to your child’s needs.

10 Best Ways to Prepare for the NAPLAN

The NAPLAN is a test that all Australian grade 3, 5, 7, and 9 students have to sit to assess their abilities on a scale of 10 bands. This article walks you through exactly how to prepare and ace the NAPLAN.

KIS Academics BlogManoj Arachige

Conclusion

With these details in hand, you’re ready to navigate NAPLAN 2026. Encourage your child to view the NAPLAN as an opportunity to show what they’ve learned, and remember to stay engaged with their school for updates and support. If your child is struggling in school, a little support from a private tutor can give them the confidence boost they need!

Book a free consultation with a KIS Academics tutor today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does NAPLAN content change every year?

Yes, NAPLAN content is updated each year to ensure the test reflects current educational standards. However, the core skills assessed—reading, writing, language conventions, and numeracy—remain consistent.

How do Teachers prepare the students for NAPLAN?

Teachers usually begin NAPLAN preparation at least one to two months before the testing window opens. This preparation focuses on familiarizing students with the test format and reinforcing key literacy and numeracy concepts.

Should my child be studying for the NAPLAN?

It is not necessary to study for the NAPLAN. The main purpose of the test is to see how well students are learning these fundamental techniques in school. The best way to prepare for the test is to know what is going to be tested and regularly pay attention in class!

Looking for some extra help to guide your child through school? Look no further, KIS Academics has many brilliant tutors that can help you achieve your academic goals.