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Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 · 10–22 March 2027National

NAPLAN: the national tests in 2027

NAPLAN is the National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy. Every student in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 takes four tests in March: writing, reading, conventions of language and numeracy. The tests are online, except Year 3 writing. Results come as one of four proficiency levels. NAPLAN does not decide school places.

Practise reading freeWhat do the levels mean?
Updated on Sources

When is NAPLAN in 2027?

Schools schedule the four tests within a national window, as early as they can.

  1. Wednesday 10 March 2027

    Writing

    Year 3 writing is scheduled on day 1. Years 5, 7 and 9 start on day 1; day 2 is used only for technical or logistical limitations.

  2. Within 10–22 March 2027

    Reading, conventions of language, numeracy

    Reading follows writing, then conventions of language and numeracy. Schools schedule sessions within the national window.

  3. April 2027 (indicative; check locally)

    First results to schools

    Schools receive preliminary results early, so teachers can plan.

  4. Term 3 2027 (indicative; check locally)

    Reports to parents

    Your child's individual report. Timing differs by state and territory.

What is in NAPLAN?

  • Reading

    • Understanding and interpreting texts
    • Finding information and working out meaning
    • Stories, reports and persuasive texts

  • Conventions of language

    • Spelling
    • Grammar
    • Punctuation

  • Numeracy

    • Number and algebra
    • Measurement and geometry
    • Statistics and probability

  • Writing

    • One writing task: a story or a persuasive text
    • Marked on ideas, structure, vocabulary, spelling and punctuation

What do the proficiency levels mean?

Your child's report shows one of four levels for each test. The levels are set at a challenging but reasonable standard for that point in the school year, based mainly on what was taught in earlier years.

Above expectationsNeeds more help

  1. Exceeding

    Your child's result is above what is expected at this point in the year.

  2. Strong

    Your child meets challenging but reasonable expectations for their year level.

  3. Developing

    Your child is working towards expectations. NAPLAN is early in the year, so there is time to grow.

  4. Needs additional support

    Your child is likely to need extra help to make progress. Ask the school what support it will offer.

More test guides

Sources

Updated on 12 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.