A third of Australian students are failing to meet expected literacy and numeracy standards, according to the latest NAPLAN results released today.
The report shows that while some improvements have been made, significant educational gaps remain. Approximately 10 per cent of students are falling so far behind that they require urgent, targeted support, while an additional 20 per cent are still in the “developing” phase—struggling to meet minimum proficiency standards.
NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) provides an annual snapshot of how students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 are performing nationwide.
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) reported that overall results are “broadly stable,” but there are emerging signs of progress. Students in Years 5, 7, and 9 recorded higher average scores in numeracy, with notable gains among higher-performing students.
Encouragingly, the percentage of Indigenous students achieving the top category—“Exceeding”—has increased in writing and numeracy in both Years 7 and 9 compared to 2023.
However, over 60 per cent of Indigenous students still do not meet expected standards in reading and numeracy, indicating that significant inequities persist. Students from remote and regional areas, as well as those from disadvantaged backgrounds, remain most at risk.
ACARA CEO Stephen Gniel called for continued national attention:
“These results remind us that while we are making progress in some areas, we must do more to support the students who are being left behind.”
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said the improvements validate recent government reforms:
“We’ve signed new agreements with every state and territory that not only fix school funding but also tie funding to practical reforms—like phonics and numeracy checks, evidence-based teaching, and catch-up tutoring. There’s still a lot to do, but we’re on the right track.”
