Your child’s NAPLAN report says Strong. Many parents worry this means “average”, but it doesn’t. Strong means your child met the expected standard for their year level. Here’s what strong means in NAPLAN and what to focus on next.
What Strong means in NAPLAN
ACARA describes Strong as a result that meets challenging but reasonable expectations at the time of testing. The standard is deliberately set at a demanding level, so reaching it is a genuine achievement.
How Strong compares to the other levels
| Level | What it means (ACARA) |
|---|---|
| Exceeding | Your child’s result is above expectations at the time of testing. |
| Strong | Your child’s result meets challenging but reasonable expectations at the time of testing. |
| Developing | Your child’s result shows they are working towards expectations at the time of testing. |
| Needs additional support | Your child is not yet achieving the expected learning outcomes and is likely to need additional support to progress satisfactorily. |
Strong and Exceeding together mean your child met the proficiency standard. Strong sits above Developing and below Exceeding.
Reading the report
Your child’s individual report shows their result as a dot on a scale for each test area, with a triangle marking the national average for their year level and a shaded box showing where the middle 60% of students landed. Some states also show the school average. The last page describes the skills typical of each level.
What to focus on next
- Tell your child the result is a good one.
- Check where the dot sits within Strong. Near the top means Exceeding is within reach.
- Ask the teacher which skills would lift your child further.
- Keep regular reading and writing habits going at home.
Frequently asked questions
Is Strong a good NAPLAN result?
Yes. It means your child met the expected standard for their year level.
Is Strong the same as average?
No. It means meeting a set standard, not landing in the middle of a ranking.
How can my child move from Strong to Exceeding?
Focus on the specific skills the teacher identifies, plus wide reading and regular writing practice.
Related guides
- NAPLAN Proficiency Levels Explained
- What Does Exceeding Mean in NAPLAN?
- What Does Developing Mean in NAPLAN?
- NAPLAN Results Explained for Parents
Information current for NAPLAN 2026, based on published guidance from ACARA and state test authorities.