NAPLAN Results 2025 | What to Do Next

NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) tests all Australian students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 each year, assessing reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy. In 2025, the NAPLAN tests were held in March (the new national schedule) and Individual student reports (with scaled scores and proficiency levels) will be sent home around the start of Term 3. These reports compare your child’s result to the national average and to the proficiency standards for their year level. NAPLAN no longer uses a simple pass/fail, instead students are placed in four proficiency bands (Exceeding, Strong, Developing or Needs Additional Support) for each assessment area.

It’s natural to feel anxious when NAPLAN results come out. However, remember that NAPLAN is just one snapshot of performance on one day. Research shows that many students have an off day or face test nerves, and scores can fluctuate year to year. NAPLAN is just one test, and it doesn’t define your child’s intelligence, capabilities or potential. If your child’s results are below expectations, try not to panic. Instead emphasise their strengths and explain that the results will help you support their learning moving forward.

Understanding NAPLAN Results

Go through the report together. Look at which areas your child did well in (e.g. strong reading score) and which need work (e.g. numeracy). The report shows how many students nationally fell in each band. If your child is in the lowest band (Needs Additional Support), consider this a clear sign to intervene early. For example, a recent study found nearly one-third of students scored in the lower two proficiency bands, indicating many children need extra help. Don’t interpret a low NAPLAN result as a final verdict, instead you can use it as a useful view on where your child is at and a tool to support them going forwards.

NAPLAN Next Steps

Together with your child, set some learning goals. For instance, if writing was weak, plan weekly writing exercises or reading practice. Develop a regular study routine, even small daily activities help, like reading a short story each evening or using maths apps for a few minutes. Schedule regular practice, try new revision methods, and work on past NAPLAN-style questions to build confidence.

If you’re uncertain what to do, the best plan of action is to seek professional support. Kip McGrath offers free assessments and small group tutoring in English and maths. Our tutors can identify specific skill gaps and deliver personalised lessons to address them. This kind of focused help can boost confidence and improve skills ahead of future tests.

Encourage and Support

Positive reinforcement goes a long way. Praise your child for their effort and progress, even small improvements. Celebrate milestones, for example, if practice tests show a higher score or if homework is completed well, acknowledge that success, create a sense of pride in their achievements. Try your best to make learning engaging, incorporate games, apps or real-world projects related to their weak areas. Foster curiosity by connecting study topics to your child’s interests. Educational research shows that when children feel supported and interested, their motivation and learning improve.

Finally, remember that low NAPLAN results are very common and solvable. As education experts warn, falling behind in literacy or numeracy early on can make later learning harder. The important thing is to take action now. Even short-term tutoring or extra practice can close gaps quickly. Kip McGrath centres specialise in preparing students for school assessments: if you have concerns, you can book a free assessment to identify your child’s needs.

With a clear plan and support, your child can not only recover from a disappointing NAPLAN result, but build stronger skills for the future. Remember NAPLAN is just one measure. By encouraging learning and accessing the right help, you can turn the results into an opportunity for growth.

Book a free assessment with Kip McGrath today to talk through your child’s NAPLAN report and get tailored guidance on English and Maths support.