NAPLAN results arrive as an individual student report showing how your child went in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy. Since 2023 each result is shown as one of four proficiency levels, which makes the report easier to read than the old 10-band system. This guide explains when NAPLAN results come out, what the levels mean, how to read the report, and what to do next.
When NAPLAN results come out
Schools receive results first, then pass each student’s report on to families. In recent years families have received reports from the start of Term 3 (July to August), with exact timing set by each state or territory test authority. Reports usually come home in your child’s bag or through the school’s parent app. If you haven’t received one by mid Term 3, ask the school.
ACARA cannot send reports to parents directly. For NAPLAN 2027 test dates, see NAPLAN test dates 2027.
The four NAPLAN proficiency levels
| Level | What it means | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Exceeding | Your child’s result is above expectations at the time of testing. | Exceeding |
| Strong | Meets challenging but reasonable expectations. A good result, not an average one. | Strong |
| Developing | Working towards expectations, with some skills still to build. | Developing |
| Needs additional support | Not yet achieving expected outcomes and likely to need extra help to progress. | Needs additional support |
Strong and Exceeding together mean your child has met the national proficiency standard for their year level in that area. For more detail, see NAPLAN proficiency levels explained.
How to read your child’s NAPLAN report
Each test area has its own scale on the report. On each one you’ll see:
- A black dot: your child’s result.
- A black triangle: the national average for students in the same year level.
- A shaded box: the range where the middle 60% of students in that year level scored.
- School average: some states and territories also show the average for your child’s school.
The final page of the report describes the skills students typically show at each level, which is a useful guide to what your child can already do and what comes next.
Results for 2026 writing
A technical outage on 11 March 2026 disrupted the online writing test for some students. Reports for Years 5, 7 and 9 include a note that results should be interpreted with care. If your child’s 2026 writing result surprised you, talk to their teacher, who can compare it with classwork.
Reading results across areas
It’s very common to be Strong in one area and Developing in another. Look at each result separately, and remember NAPLAN is a snapshot of one test on one day. Your child’s teacher sees their work all year.
What to do after NAPLAN results
- Talk to your child calmly. Focus on effort and what they’re proud of, not the levels.
- Talk to the teacher. Ask whether the result matches what they see in class and what the next learning focus is.
- Pick one area to support. If writing was Developing, try one short writing prompt a fortnight. For numeracy, use our practice tests.
- Ask about support. For a Needs additional support result, ask what extra help the school offers. Many schools run small-group or tutoring programs.
- Keep it in perspective. NAPLAN doesn’t affect school reports or progression, and results can change a lot in two years.
NAPLAN results FAQs
Can I compare my child’s results with the old NAPLAN bands?
Not directly. The reporting scale was reset in 2023, so results from 2023 onwards can’t be compared with 2008 to 2022 bands.
Does NAPLAN affect my child’s school report?
No. NAPLAN is separate from school reports and doesn’t affect progression to the next year.
What if my child was absent or withdrawn?
Students who don’t sit a test don’t receive a result for that area. The report will show they were absent, withdrawn or exempt.
Related guides
- NAPLAN Proficiency Levels Explained
- What Does Exceeding Mean in NAPLAN?
- What Does Strong Mean in NAPLAN?
- What Does Developing Mean in NAPLAN?
- NAPLAN Needs Additional Support: What It Means
- NAPLAN Writing: A Parent’s Guide to the Writing Test
Information current for NAPLAN 2026, based on published guidance from ACARA.