A Developing result can be worrying to see, but it is not a fail and it is very common. It means your child is working towards the expected standard for their year level. This guide explains what developing means in NAPLAN and the practical next steps that help most.
What Developing means in NAPLAN
ACARA describes Developing as a result showing your child is working towards expectations at the time of testing. They have some of the expected skills and are still building others.
How Developing 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. |
Developing sits between Strong and Needs additional support. Look at where the dot falls: a result near the top of Developing is close to the standard.
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.
How to help at home
- Talk to your child’s teacher about which skills to focus on and how the school can help.
- Pick one or two skills to work on, rather than everything at once.
- Make practice short and regular: 10 to 15 minutes, a few times a week.
- For writing, use our Year 5 writing guide. For numeracy and reading, try the Year 5 practice tests.
- Keep it low-stress. Confidence affects how children perform.
Frequently asked questions
Is Developing a fail in NAPLAN?
No. NAPLAN has no pass or fail. Developing means working towards the expected standard.
Should I be worried about a Developing result?
It’s worth acting on, not panicking about. Talk with the teacher and focus on a few skills.
Can my child improve from Developing to Strong?
Yes. Targeted, regular practice in the right skills makes a real difference.
Related guides
- NAPLAN Proficiency Levels Explained
- What Does Strong Mean in NAPLAN?
- NAPLAN Needs Additional Support: What It Means
- NAPLAN Results Explained for Parents
Information current for NAPLAN 2026, based on published guidance from ACARA and state test authorities.