As 2025 approaches, it’s time to start thinking about NAPLAN. The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a significant event in the Australian school year, assessing the literacy and numeracy skills of students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9. This blog post will cover everything you need to know to prepare your child for NAPLAN in 2025, from key dates to what they’ll experience during the assessments.
If you need more of an explanation about what NAPLAN is and what the exam is like, be sure to check out our other articles;
Key Dates for NAPLAN 2025
Mark your calendars! The NAPLAN test window for 2025 is scheduled from the 12th of March to the the 24th of March 2025. Schools will have nine days within this period to complete the assessments for all participating year groups. Be sure to stay updated with your child’s school communications for specific scheduling details (National Assessment Program).
What’s New for NAPLAN in 2025?
In recent years, the Australian government has made strides to improve the NAPLAN experience and its relevance to students’ educational growth. Here are a few new expectations and changes for 2025:
- Digital Transition: NAPLAN is now fully online, except for the Year 3 writing test, which remains paper-based. This shift aims to make the assessments more adaptive and personalised to student performance levels.
- Faster Results: Thanks to the digital format, results are expected to be available sooner in 2025, allowing teachers and parents to provide timely support where needed.
- Government Announcements: In 2025, the government has emphasised the need for a deeper understanding of students' progress in literacy and numeracy, particularly in the wake of disruptions caused by previous years. Schools are expected to focus on providing targeted feedback and intervention for students identified as below the national standard.
What Will Students Experience During NAPLAN 2025?
For students, NAPLAN in 2025 will feel like a familiar test environment. Here’s what they’ll experience:
- Online Testing: Students in Years 5, 7, and 9 will complete the NAPLAN tests online. This includes the areas of Reading, Writing, Language Conventions (spelling, grammar, punctuation), and Numeracy.
- Proficiency Bands: After the tests, students will receive scores within proficiency bands. These bands will help you understand whether your child is meeting the national standard for their year level.
- Adaptive Testing: NAPLAN’s online format means the tests are adaptive, providing questions based on how well students are performing as they progress through the test.
It’s important to remind your child that NAPLAN is just one tool to measure their learning. It doesn’t determine their future success and is not something to be stressed over.
FAQs
How many months out from NAPLAN do they start preparing in class?
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.
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 I interpret results when they come out?
Results are presented using proficiency bands that indicate how your child performed relative to the national standard. You can compare their results to the national average and see whether they are on track, above, or below the expected level for their year group.
With these details in hand, you’re ready to navigate NAPLAN 2025. Encourage your child to view NAPLAN as an opportunity to show what they’ve learned, and remember to stay engaged with their school for updates and support.
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Written by KIS Academics Tutor for HSC Mathematics, Chemistry, and Economics, Jonathan Gnanseelan. Jonathan is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce/Actuarial Studies double degree at the University of New South Wales and has received countless stellar reviews from his current and past KIS Academics students. You can view Jonathan’s profile here and request him as a tutor.
