NAPLAN 2026 Dates, FAQs & Practice Tests

NAPLAN 2026 will be held from Wednesday 11 March to Monday 23 March 2026 for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 across Australia. The assessments will be completed online (except Year 3 Writing) and will test reading, writing, language conventions and numeracy, all aligned with the Australian Curriculum. For parents, NAPLAN 2026 is best understood as an early-year diagnostic tool that can highlight learning gaps, build familiarity with key concepts and support stronger outcomes at school.

🚨 NAPLAN test dates 2026: 11 - 22 March

▶️ Read more about the 2026 NAPLAN year

Table of Contents

About NAPLAN 2026

What is NAPLAN and why does it matter?

NAPLAN stands for the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy. It is a nationwide assessment overseen by ACARA and delivered through NAPLAN.

NAPLAN is designed to:

• Assess essential literacy and numeracy skills

• Provide a national snapshot of student progress

• Help schools and parents identify strengths and learning gaps

  
  

Importantly, NAPLAN is not a pass-or-fail test. While the results do not affect grades or academic pathways, they can provide valuable insight when used constructively.

Which year levels sit NAPLAN in 2026?

NAPLAN 2026 is compulsory for students in:

• Year 3

• Year 5

• Year 7

• Year 9

Each year level is assessed against year-specific Australian Curriculum expectations, with increasing complexity as students progress.

NAPLAN 2026 Key Dates

NAPLAN is held earlier in the school year, which is an important consideration for families planning preparation.

NAPLAN 2026 test window (confirmed)

• Wednesday 11 March 2026 – Monday 23 March 2026

• Schools select specific testing days within this window

• Catch-up sessions are available for students who are absent

Although the window spans nearly two weeks, most students will complete their tests over several days rather than the entire period.

Why was NAPLAN moved earlier from May to March?

In recent years, NAPLAN was moved earlier in the school year. From 2008 to 2022, the tests were held in May, but from 2023 onwards, education ministers agreed that NAPLAN would be held in March.

The main reason for this change is practical: running NAPLAN in Term 1 helps schools and teachers receive results earlier in the year, so they can use the data to inform teaching and learning programs sooner—rather than getting results when much of the school year has already passed.

For parents, this earlier timing matters because students have less learning time in the year before the test compared to when it was held in May. That’s why preparation often works best when it focuses on familiarity with question types and year-level curriculum skills, rather than last-minute cramming.

What will my child be tested on in NAPLAN 2026?

About each NAPLAN section

NAPLAN 2026 assesses four key areas. Understanding these can help parents better support their child.

See the NAPLAN 2026 Test Window Infographic here.

1) Writing (Paper/Online) ✏️

Year 3 students complete the writing test on paper on Day 1 of the nine-day test window. Students in Years 5, 7 and 9 must also begin their writing test on Day 1, with schools prioritising completion on that day. Day 2 is only used if technical or logistical issues prevent completion on Day 1.

Students complete one writing task during the test window. While the test is on paper for Year 3 NAPLAN students, the Writing test is completed online for Year 5, 7 and 9 NAPLAN students.

• Common writing prompts: Narrative or persuasive.

• Assessment areas: Understanding of text structure, structure of ideas, language conventions (spelling, punctuation and grammar), creativity and the ability to engage the reader.

Parents often ask: Is NAPLAN 2026 narrative or persuasive writing? While the genre has not yet been officially confirmed, recent years suggest persuasive writing is likely. Preparing for both genres is recommended, as core writing skills apply to each.

2) Reading & Comprehension (Online) 📖

This test is to be completed after the writing test.

• Common reading texts: short narratives, information texts, poetry and persuasive texts.

• Assessment areas: identify the main ideas, find specific information, making inferences and understand the author's purpose.

The reading test measures comprehension across a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, focusing on literal understanding, inference, interpretation and vocabulary in context.

3) Language Conventions (Online) 🔠

This test is to be completed after the reading test and assesses spelling, grammar and punctuation.

• Spelling: correctly spell words from misspelled words within sentences (circled and not circled)

• Grammar & punctuation: answer multiple-choice and short-answer questions to complete sentences correctly and identify errors in sentences

  
  

The focus is on applying rules accurately rather than rote memorisation.

4) Numeracy (Online) 📐

This test is to be completed after the conventions of language test and assesses number and algebra, measurement and geometry and statistics and probability.

• Number & algebra: simple arithmetic operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, patterns, and algebraic reasoning

• Measurement & geometry: units of measurement, interpreting and drawing geometric figures and spatial relationships.

• Statistics & probability: data interpretation, chance experiments and using statistical measures (e.g. mean, median and mode).

The numeracy test covers core curriculum areas and is split into Calculator and Non-Calculator sections for Year 7 and 9. Many questions test application and reasoning, such as interpreting diagrams or solving multi-step word problems.

Are there any changes planned for NAPLAN 2026?

At this stage, no major changes to NAPLAN 2026 have been announced.

Parents can expect:

• Online adaptive testing

• Shorter, focused test sessions

• Greater emphasis on problem-solving and applied understanding

• 
  

This makes familiarity with digital test formats particularly important.

How to prepare for NAPLAN 2026

To prepare your child for sitting the NAPLAN, it's important to remember that there are strategies and techniques they can practice before the exam to maximise their results and confidence with questions.

1) Focus on familiarity, not cramming

Becoming familiar with question styles, online navigation and timing reduces anxiety and improves performance.

2) Identify learning gaps early

Many parents choose NAPLAN tutoring because working through practice NAPLAN papers reveal learning gaps that regular homework may not.

For example, your child may confidently know their multiplication facts up to 12x12:

However,

• They might struggle when asked to visualise multiplication in a 3D model

• They might struggle to apply these facts to real-life problems (e.g. 12kg of potatoes at $6/kg)

These gaps often relate to application, not understanding.

3) Align preparation with the Australian Curriculum

Because NAPLAN aligns with the Australian Curriculum:

• Preparation reinforces classroom learning

• Skills practised for NAPLAN often improve school results

4) Start earlier because the test is earlier

With NAPLAN held in March, some assessed concepts may appear before they are fully taught in class. Early exposure helps students feel confident rather than caught off-guard.

Are NAPLAN practice tests useful?

When used correctly, NAPLAN practice tests are extremely valuable.

They help students:

• Experience real test conditions

• Improve time management

• Build confidence

• Learn from mistakes in a low-pressure environment

Practice tests should be used as learning tools, not performance judgements.

Understanding your child's NAPLAN 2026 results

What is a good NAPLAN score?

A “good” NAPLAN score depends on what you’re using it for. For most families, a good result simply means your child is meeting or exceeding the proficiency standard for their year level in each test area (reading, writing, language conventions and numeracy). Since 2023, NAPLAN reports have been designed to make this easier to understand by showing achievement against four proficiency levels: Exceeding, Strong, Developing, and Needs additional support.

A simple way to think about “Good”

• ✅ Exceeding / Strong: Generally considered “good” outcomes — your child is at or above the expected standard for this point in schooling.

• 👍 Developing: Often means your child is progressing, but may benefit from extra practice in specific skills.

• 📘 Needs additional support: A useful early flag that targeted help could make a real difference — especially when acted on early in the year.

How to read the NAPLAN Student Report (the “Black Circle” explained)

On the example student report below, the black circle (⚫) shows your child’s result in that test domain. It’s plotted on a scale so you can see where they sit compared to other students. The national average marker (often shown as a black triangle/arrow) indicates how the average student in Australia performed at that year level.

A helpful way to interpret it:

• If the ⚫ is around or above the national average marker, your child is generally tracking well nationally.

• If the ⚫ is below, it doesn’t mean they’re “behind for life” — it usually points to specific skills that need attention.

Why the “Proficiency Level” matters more than comparing numbers

Parents often get stuck on whether the score is “high” or “low”, but the most useful question is:What skills does this result suggest my child is ready for next — and what should we practise now?

That’s where mock papers and targeted practice can help: they don’t just predict a score, they reveal which concepts your child knows and which ones they struggle to apply under test-style questions.

What happens if my child does poorly in NAPLAN?

There is no such thing as failing NAPLAN.

NAPLAN results:

• Do not affect school grades or ATAR scores

• Are not used for senior certification or university entry

• Do not define a child’s intelligence or ability

  
  

Instead, results can highlight learning gaps and areas where additional support may be helpful.

If your child performs below the national standard, it's helpful to use their NAPLAN results as a guide for what skills they may need support in as these skills often translate to classroom (e.g. learning gaps in worded problems, organisation of ideas in writing).

What to do next based on your Child’s NAPLAN Results in 2026

NAPLAN results are most useful when they guide what to focus on next, rather than simply being filed away. Below is a practical way parents can respond based on the proficiency level shown in the report.

✅ If your child Is “Exceeding” or “Strong”

This means your child is meeting or performing above expectations for their year level.

What parents can do:

• Encourage continued challenge through extension-style questions

• Focus on application, not speed (e.g. multi-step word problems, deeper reading inference)

• Use the result as reassurance, not pressure — consistency matters more than pushing ahead too fast

  
  

👍 If your child Is “Developing”

This is a very common result and usually means your child understands core concepts but may struggle to apply them consistently, especially under test conditions.

Helpful next steps:

• Review questions your child found difficult and identify patterns (e.g. worded problems, persuasive structure, grammar rules in context)

• Practise NAPLAN-style questions to build familiarity

• Focus on one skill area at a time rather than everything at once

Many students in this band make strong progress with targeted support and confidence-building practice.

📘 If your child “Needs Additional Support”

This result is best viewed as early information, not a label.

What helps most:

• Start with foundational skills (number sense, sentence structure, reading comprehension basics)

• Break learning into small, achievable steps

• Use short, regular practice sessions rather than long, stressful ones

Because NAPLAN is held early in the year, acting on this information sooner can make a meaningful difference to classroom learning and confidence.

Where can I find FREE NAPLAN test papers and resources?

Practice tests and past papers are available on public demonstration sites and various educational resources online (e.g. ACARA). These tools help students familiarise themselves with the test format and types of questions.

• Public demonstration site (NAP) - Online sample questions and tasks availble for all year levels

• NAPLAN Practice tests for Year 3, 5, 7 & 9 (ACARA) - Past papers for NAPLAN 2012-2016 with answers

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the NAPLAN dates for 2026?

NAPLAN 2026 is expected to take place between March 11-26, with schools selecting specific days within the official testing window.

When will NAPLAN 2026 results be released?

NAPLAN 2026 results are typically released several months after the March testing window, once they have been processed and verified by ACARA. Because NAPLAN is now conducted online, reporting is generally faster than in previous years. Schools usually receive results first, followed by individual student reports being sent home to parents. Education authorities will confirm the exact 2026 release timeline closer to the date.

Where can I find NAPLAN results for schools?

You can view school-level NAPLAN results on the My School website.

This platform provides publicly available information about Australian schools, including:

• NAPLAN performance trends

• Comparisons with similar schools

• Student background data

Parents can search for a specific school to see how it performs in reading, writing, language conventions and numeracy. However, it’s important to view this data in context, as results can vary from year to year and reflect many different factors.

Are there any changes planned for NAPLAN 2026?

No major changes have been announced. The test will remain online and aligned with the Australian Curriculum.

What happens if my child performs poorly in NAPLAN?

NAPLAN results are primarily used to:

• Monitor student progress in literacy and numeracy

• Identify areas where additional support may be needed

• Inform teaching programs and curriculum planning

  
  

At a system level, results help education authorities track national performance trends.

Importantly, NAPLAN results do not affect ATAR scores, school grades, or university entry pathways. They are diagnostic tools rather than high-stakes assessment so we recommend not getting discouraged if your child performs below your expectations.

Is NAPLAN 2026 narrative or persuasive writing?

The genre has not yet been confirmed. We encourage students to prepare for both narrative and persuasive writing styles.

How should parents help their child prepare?

We strongly recommend focusing on topic familiarity, confidence, curriculum-aligned practice and addressing learning gaps early.

Does NAPLAN help with getting into selective schools or receiving scholarships?

In some cases, yes.

While NAPLAN results are rarely the sole selection criterion, certain schools may consider them as supporting evidence of academic ability, particularly in literacy and numeracy.

For example, Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology has indicated that NAPLAN results may be reviewed during the admissions process. This highlights that strong NAPLAN performance can sometimes strengthen an application — especially when combined with entrance exams, interviews, and school reports.

That said, policies vary widely between states and schools. Parents should always check directly with the specific school or scholarship provider for current criteria.

Considering additional support?

If your child is preparing for NAPLAN 2026, or if their results have highlighted areas that need attention, structured support can make a meaningful difference.

📘 Year 2-12 English Tutoring

If reading comprehension, writing structure, grammar or persuasive techniques are areas of concern, targeted English support can help your child:

• Strengthen writing clarity and structure

• Improve reading inference skills

• Build vocabulary and sentence control

• Develop confidence in exam-style questions

  
  

Our English tutoring programs are aligned with the Australian Curriculum and tailored by year level, so your child receives support that matches exactly where they are in school.

➗ Year 2-12 Maths Tutoring

If your child is facing challenges with problem-solving, multi-step questions or applying concepts in unfamiliar ways, Maths tutoring can help your child:

• Build strong number sense foundations

• Improve worded problem strategies

• Develop algebra and reasoning skills

• Gain confidence with test-style numeracy questions

  
  

Our Maths tutoring programs focus on both understanding and application — which is often where NAPLAN gaps appear.