NAPLAN 2026: Two-Thirds Meet Benchmarks, But Equity Gaps Persist
The latest NAPLAN results for 2026 reveal a mixed picture for Australian students. Nationally, around two in three students achieved ‘Strong’ or ‘Exceeding’ proficiency in reading, numeracy, and writing. However, one in ten students still require additional support across every year group and domain, highlighting ongoing challenges in the education system.
Equity gaps remain a significant concern. According to education officials, persistent disparities for regional, remote, Indigenous, and disadvantaged students are the system’s toughest challenge. Notably, the data shows that no significant differences between cohorts have been observed since 2023, which is remarkable given the large sample sizes. This suggests that while some progress has been made, the gaps are not closing quickly enough.
Tracking student progress is a key goal of NAPLAN, and the results indicate that reading outcomes in Year 3 have remained stable, while Year 5 reading scores have trended downwards by 8 points. This decline underscores the importance of continuous monitoring to ensure students do not fall behind. The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) noted that writing scores were similar to last year, but they have included a caveat regarding marking adjustments.
Education Minister Jason Clare described the results as showing ‘real challenges’ and pointed to an ongoing numeracy review in primary schools, initiated by ACARA based on previous data. State-level performance varied, with Victoria achieving the highest average scores across year levels and domains, followed by the ACT and New South Wales—states that have backed explicit teaching methods. These results highlight the need for targeted interventions to address equity and ensure all students receive the support they need to succeed.
Shimanta Das 
