Does NAPLAN Matter? A Deep Dive Into What It Means for Students and Parents

For parents and students across Australia, the term NAPLAN sparks questions every year — Is it important? Should we prepare for it? Does it affect report cards or high school placements?

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what NAPLAN really means, how it impacts your child’s education (if at all), and why understanding its purpose can ease a lot of unnecessary stress.

What Is NAPLAN and Why Is It Conducted?

NAPLAN stands for the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy. It’s a set of standardised tests administered annually to students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 across Australian schools.

These tests cover:

• Reading
• Writing
• Language Conventions (spelling, grammar, punctuation)
• Numeracy

NAPLAN was designed to:

• Measure how well students are developing foundational skills.
• Track student progress nationally.
• Help schools and education departments identify strengths and weaknesses.

It’s not a competition. It’s not pass or fail. It’s a tool — for both schools and families.

Does NAPLAN Affect Your School Grades?

Let’s clear this up:

No, NAPLAN does not directly affect your child’s school grades or classroom placement in most schools.

Your child’s NAPLAN result:

• Will not appear on their school report card
• Won’t impact their subject scores
• Isn’t used to fail or pass a year

However, the results may indirectly guide:

• How schools group students for support or extension
• Which areas teachers focus on in class
• Conversations between parents and teachers around learning needs

So while it doesn’t affect grades, it can influence how a school supports your child.

Does NAPLAN Matter?

The answer depends on your perspective.

It matters because:

• It helps track how your child is progressing in core literacy and numeracy skills.
• It shows whether they’re meeting national expectations for their year level.
• It can highlight learning gaps early — before they become bigger problems later.
• Schools and governments use the data to improve educational support systems.

But it doesn't matter in the way people fear:

• It won’t determine if your child moves to the next year.
• It won’t be used for selective entry into high schools (with a few exceptions).
• It doesn’t define your child’s intelligence, potential, or work ethic.

Is NAPLAN a Good Measure of a Student’s Ability?

NAPLAN offers a snapshot of student achievement — not the whole picture.

It measures:

• Literacy and numeracy skills on a specific day
• Under timed, test-like conditions
• In a standardised format

What it doesn't measure:

• Creativity, critical thinking, teamwork
• Personal progress over the year
• Emotional intelligence or resilience
• Strength in other subjects like science, art, or languages

Can NAPLAN Results Affect High School or University Entry?

Generally, no — NAPLAN isn’t used as a formal entry requirement.

However:

• Some selective high schools may consider NAPLAN results as part of a broader application process (though rarely as the main factor).
• Some Year 10 subject streaming decisions might look at NAPLAN alongside other assessments.
• In the future, if major gaps are seen in Year 7 or 9 NAPLAN results, schools might recommend extra support or tutoring — especially before tackling subjects like algebra or essay writing in senior years.

So while it’s not a gatekeeper, it can flag areas that need attention — and that matters long-term.

How Do Teachers Use NAPLAN Results?

Teachers often use NAPLAN in two main ways:

• To track class progress: Comparing results year on year shows whether teaching strategies are effective.
• To personalise support: A student who performs below the national average in spelling or number sense might get additional help in that area.

But remember: teachers already assess students in many other ways throughout the year. NAPLAN is one of many data points.

What About Parents? Should We Be Concerned?

It’s completely normal for parents to feel unsure about NAPLAN — especially with the growing pressure kids feel around testing.

Here’s the truth:

• NAPLAN isn’t a high-stakes exam, and treating it like one often causes more harm than good.
• What matters more is how your child feels about learning — their curiosity, their effort, and their ability to bounce back from challenges.
• If your child scores lower than expected, it’s not a failure — it’s a prompt for a conversation, not a punishment.

Should Students Prepare for NAPLAN?

This is one of the most debated questions. Here’s a balanced answer:

Over-preparing (drills, cramming, pressure) — not helpful. It can cause test anxiety and lead to burnout.

Gentle preparation — absolutely useful:

• Familiarity with the format boosts confidence.
• Learning strategies for time management, comprehension, or mental maths can make a real difference.
• It ensures students aren’t caught off guard by how questions are worded.

At Jaya’s Academy, we believe in support, not stress. We help students develop the underlying skills NAPLAN tests — not just rehearse answers.

Common Questions from Parents

1. What’s a “good” NAPLAN score?

   NAPLAN uses Bands (Years 3 & 5) and Scales (Years 7 & 9). There’s no pass or fail — only whether a child is meeting, exceeding, or working toward the national standard.

   What’s more important is whether your child’s progress is steady over time — not their rank compared to others.

2. Should I show my child their NAPLAN result?

   This depends on your child’s personality. For some, it’s motivating. For others, it’s overwhelming. If you do share, frame it as:

   “This shows how you were doing in a few areas at that time. It helps us know where to grow — not what you’re worth.”

3. My child scored low. What now?

   Don’t panic. Consider:

   • Meeting with their teacher for insights
   • Exploring tutoring to close specific gaps
   • Focusing on progress, not just scores

What Does This Mean for You and Your Child?

Here’s the key takeaway:

NAPLAN matters — but not in the way people often think.

It won’t define your child’s future. But it can offer insights to help guide it. With the right mindset and support, your child can approach NAPLAN with calm, clarity, and confidence.

How Jaya’s Academy Can Help

At Jaya’s Academy, we support students across all year levels — not just with NAPLAN prep, but with developing lifelong skills in literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking.

Our tailored sessions:

• Focus on building real understanding
• Offer gentle guidance in test strategy without pressure
• Help students feel empowered, not overwhelmed

Book a free consultation today to discuss your child’s strengths, challenges, and how we can support their learning journey — with or without NAPLAN.