The 2025 NAPLAN results have been released, and they paint a clear picture: many students across Australia are still struggling with core literacy and numeracy skills. According to national data, one in three students failed to meet the expected proficiency standards in at least one of the NAPLAN testing areas.

This trend has remained consistent over the past few years and is raising concerns among educators, policymakers, and parents alike.

What Does It Mean to Not Meet the NAPLAN Benchmark?

NAPLAN uses four categories to report student achievement:

• Exceeding
• Strong
• Developing
• Needs Additional Support

Students who fall into the bottom two bands, especially those in the "Needs Additional Support" category, are considered to be performing below the expected level for their year group. In 2025, around 10% of students were placed in this category, highlighting an urgent need for extra help and intervention.

Key Findings from the 2025 NAPLAN Results

• One in three students across Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 did not meet the expected benchmarks in reading, writing, spelling, numeracy, or grammar.
• Results in grammar and punctuation were particularly low, with almost 40% of students falling short.
• Students in remote or disadvantaged communities were overrepresented in the lower proficiency bands.
• Only one in five students in very remote schools met national benchmarks, compared to around 70% in major cities.

Are the Results Getting Better?

The 2025 outcomes are very similar to the 2023 and 2024 results. While some schools are improving student outcomes, the overall national data shows limited change year-on-year. This consistency suggests the need for stronger support structures, early intervention, and more accessible resources both in the classroom and at home.

Why Are So Many Students Falling Behind?

There are many factors that contribute to underperformance in NAPLAN, including:

• Gaps in foundational literacy and numeracy skills early in primary school
• Limited access to educational support in remote or lower socioeconomic areas
• Disruptions to learning, especially in the early years, which can affect long-term confidence and results
• Lack of consistent preparation or familiarity with the online format and question types
  

Looking Ahead

The federal government has introduced the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement to help address these issues, including more funding for targeted support, earlier assessments, and evidence-based teaching methods.

But change takes time, and many students need help now.

By staying informed about national results like these, parents can better understand the current challenges in education and play an active role in supporting their child’s learning journey.