Naplan Results 2025: Reading and Writing Decline, One in Three 2026

Naplan results 2025 reveal a troubling decline in reading and writing scores across Australian schools, with one in three students failing to meet national benchmarks. The latest national standardised tests, taken by 1.2 million students in years 3, 5, 7, and 9, show that reading and writing proficiency is slipping for almost every age group, raising concerns among educators and parents alike.

Key Findings from Naplan 2025

The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (Acara) released the results on Wednesday, highlighting that average reading scores in years 5, 7, and 9 went backwards compared to 2025. Year 3 reading scores remained stable, but the overall proportion of students achieving "strong" or "exceeding" in reading dropped to 66.3%, down from 68.2% last year. Writing scores stayed similar to 2025, but Acara noted a caveat due to technical issues on the first day of testing for writing papers in years 5, 7, and 9.

One in three students still fail to meet benchmarks in reading, numeracy, and writing, a figure that has not improved since 2025. Furthermore, one in ten students require "additional support", meaning they are not working towards expectations and need extra help to progress. The number of students needing additional support in reading and writing has increased, signaling a worrying trend in literacy skills.

Numeracy Shows Some Improvement

Despite the setbacks in literacy, there were positive signs in numeracy. Since the tests were reset in 2023, national numeracy levels have improved for years 5, 7, and 9, with 67% of students meeting benchmarks and 29,000 more students achieving "exceeding" compared to previous years. Gains were also evident among Indigenous students, with more achieving "exceeding" in years 7 and 9, and average scores improving for year 5 students.

Participation and Disruptions

Participation in the 2025 tests was lower than last year due to industrial action in Tasmania and flooding in the Northern Territory. As a result, Acara did not report Tasmanian state-level results, as they lagged "far below" the body's data standards for accurate reporting. Additionally, a technical issue on the first day disrupted writing tests for students in years 5, 7, and 9, which may have impacted some results.

Comparison of Naplan 2025 vs. 2023 (Reading and Writing)

What This Means for Australian Education

The decline in reading and writing scores is a red flag for educators and policymakers. It suggests that current teaching methods may not be effectively addressing literacy gaps, especially in the post-pandemic era. The increase in students needing additional support highlights the need for targeted interventions and early learning programs.

While numeracy improvements are encouraging, the persistent failure of one in three students to meet benchmarks in any domain indicates systemic challenges. Schools may need to re-evaluate their literacy curricula and invest in professional development for teachers. Parents can also play a role by encouraging reading at home and monitoring their child's progress.

Key Takeaways from Naplan 2025

• Reading scores declined in years 5, 7, and 9; stable in year 3.
• Writing scores remained similar, but with data caveats due to technical issues.
• One in three students fail to meet benchmarks in reading, numeracy, or writing.
• Numeracy improved, with 67% meeting benchmarks and 29,000 more students exceeding.
• Indigenous students showed gains in numeracy, but literacy gaps persist.
• Participation was affected by industrial action and flooding, with Tasmania's results withheld.

FAQ

In conclusion, the Naplan 2025 results serve as a wake-up call for Australian education. While numeracy gains are promising, the decline in reading and writing cannot be ignored. Schools, parents, and policymakers must collaborate to reverse this trend and ensure every student meets essential benchmarks.

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