NAPLAN is a national check-in on literacy and numeracy, not a pass/fail exam. Used well, it can highlight strengths, uncover gaps and help you plan your learning — with or without NAPLAN tutoring.
This guide breaks down the test, provides useful tips and tricks, and explores the shift to online testing – all with the aim of building confidence in both students and parents.
What is NAPLAN?
NAPLAN is a standardised test introduced in 2008 that assesses essential skills every student needs to progress through school and life – including reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy. It is administered annually to students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9, with all content informed by the Australian Curriculum.
Writing
This section assesses accurate, fluent and purposeful writing in Standard Australian English. Students are given a concept or prompt and asked to respond in either a narrative or persuasive format.
Reading
Students are presented with a variety of texts written in different styles. They are then asked questions that assess their ability to interpret and understand meaning in context, in line with the English curriculum.
Conventions of Language
This section focuses on spelling, grammar and punctuation. It is split into two parts: spelling, followed by grammar and punctuation.
Numeracy
This section assesses mathematical knowledge, problem-solving, and reasoning across different strands of the curriculum.
What's in each test (and typical timings)
- Year 3: Writing 40 min (paper), Reading 45 min, Conventions 45 min, Numeracy 45 min.
- Year 5: Writing 42 min, Reading 50 min, Conventions 45 min, Numeracy 50 min.
- Years 7 & 9: Writing 42 min, Reading 65 min, Conventions 45 min, Numeracy 65 min.
Schools schedule tests in the order: Writing → Reading → Conventions of Language → Numeracy within the national window.
When is NAPLAN in 2026?
NAPLAN was historically held in Term 2, but now takes place in March (Term 1). For example, the 2026 NAPLAN window is due to run from Wednesday 11 March to Monday 23 March (national window; schools test early within that period).
How NAPLAN is reported (since 2023)
Student reports use four proficiency levels: Exceeding, Strong, Developing, Needs Additional Support — a clearer view of progress over time.
What does NAPLAN mean for students?
NAPLAN is not something to fear – it’s a tool that provides valuable insights into a student’s current literacy and numeracy skills. It helps identify strengths and areas for growth, guiding students, parents and teachers alike.
Importantly, NAPLAN results are not a one-off snapshot. They offer a longitudinal perspective, showing progress over multiple years. Each student’s report highlights how they’re tracking compared to national averages and previous performances. This can be highly motivating, as it shows not just what needs improvement but how far a student has come.
NAPLAN is not a measure of potential. It’s a guide to support learning needs.
NAPLAN online: what students should expect
In 2023, NAPLAN became fully digital. The move to March testing allowed results to be released earlier, giving schools more time to act on the data within the same school year.
Online testing has several benefits:
- Adaptive (tailored) testing: question difficulty adjusts to responses.
- Built-in tools: on-screen calculator (when allowed), ruler and protractor; Years 7 & 9 numeracy start with non-calculator questions before the calculator unlocks.
- Year 3 Writing is completed on paper; all other tests are online.
- Try the official Public demonstration site to practise the interface and tools.
This modernisation ensures NAPLAN is better aligned with contemporary digital learning environments.
Our top tips for preparing for NAPLAN
A holistic and informed approach is the most effective way to tackle NAPLAN. Below are our top preparation tips, compiled from trusted educators and resources:
- Get familiar with the test format
Understanding the structure, timing and requirements of each section can significantly reduce anxiety. Practice using timers, flagging tools and navigating the online interface. - Use realistic online practice tests
Official NAPLAN materials from ACARA, as well as platforms like Selectivetrial, are excellent for building familiarity with the format and improving both speed and accuracy. - Strengthen core skills
Regular reading, vocabulary-building, writing exercises and numeracy practice go a long way. Tools like word games, puzzles and quick mental maths tasks can support skill retention. - Create a calm routine
A consistent routine reduces stress. Prioritise sleep, maintain regular meals and morning habits, and study in a quiet, organised space. - Manage stress and keep perspective
NAPLAN is just one set of data. Parents play a key role in helping students understand that mistakes are part of learning. Focusing on improvement over perfection makes the experience more constructive. - Use explicit teaching and tailored feedback
Clear, structured teaching leads to improved outcomes. Schools like Canley Vale High have achieved strong NAPLAN results through explicit instruction and targeted support. - Embrace Learnmate
Learnmate offers one-on-one online tutoring to reinforce difficult concepts, practise specific skills and support students in a personalised way. It’s a great complement to school and home learning. - Reflect on past results
If your child has taken NAPLAN before, use previous results to identify focus areas. Working to improve these can boost both skills and confidence. - Encourage peer learning
Learning with others reduces isolation and builds confidence. Study groups or peer discussion can help reinforce concepts through collaboration.
NAPLAN tutoring & coaching: when it helps (Sydney, Melbourne & online)
Short-term “coaching” can boost familiarity ahead of the exam, but ongoing NAPLAN tutoring will build the underlying literacy and numeracy that sticks beyond test day and that can help make up for any shortfalls identified in the test. Here’s how support typically looks:
- Year 3 NAPLAN tutoring: gentle confidence building, phonics/spelling, sentence basics, early number facts.
- Year 5 NAPLAN tutoring: paragraphing and persuasive structure, reading stamina, fractions/decimals.
- Year 7 NAPLAN tutoring: text analysis, grammar accuracy, non-calculator numeracy strategies.
- Year 9 NAPLAN tutoring: concise, high-impact writing, synthesis across texts, algebra/data fluency.
Parents often search “NAPLAN tutoring Sydney”, “NAPLAN tutoring Melbourne”, or “NAPLAN tutoring near me.” Learnmate lets you compare profiles and choose an expert who fits your child — in Sydney, Melbourne or online with a top tutor anywhere in Australia.
Choosing the right NAPLAN tutor
- Start by looking at NAPLAN tutor profiles online and near you on Learnmate.
- Read tutor's biographies and look for recent results and reviews in the relevant year level.
- Prioritise tailored lessons that work on identified weaknesses with written feedback over generic worksheets.
- Check for a verified Working with Children Check and, where relevant, teaching qualifications.
FAQs
The 2026 test window runs 11–23 March nationally; schools aim to schedule early within that period.
Yes. From 2023, NAPLAN moved fully online, with Year 3 Writing on paper and all other tests online.
By year level: Year 3 (40–45 mins), Year 5 (42–50 mins), Years 7–9 (42–65 mins). Schools follow the order Writing → Reading → Conventions → Numeracy.
Reports show Exceeding, Strong, Developing or Needs Additional Support.
Yes — an on-screen calculator appears midway through the numeracy test. Students start with a non-calculator section and can’t go back once the calculator unlocks.
Many parents search “Kaplan tutoring” by mistake. NAPLAN is the national literacy/numeracy assessment; Kaplan is a separate education company not connected to NAPLAN. (If you meant NAPLAN tutoring, you’re in the right place.)
All eligible students are expected to participate. Adjustments are available for students with disability; there are also processes for exemption or withdrawal in particular circumstances. Speak with your school if unsure.
Conclusion
Preparing for NAPLAN effectively requires a blend of familiarity with the test, skill-building, and a positive mindset. The most important thing is not the score itself, but the growth and confidence that can come from the process.
Strategic steps include:
- Knowing what to expect (format, tools, timing)
- Building skills through consistent and engaging practice
- Maintaining healthy routines and calm environments
- Using tailored support such as Learnmate
- Keeping perspective: the goal is long-term learning, not short-term scores
Ultimately, NAPLAN success is less about test day and more about building the tools and confidence students need for lifelong learning. With the right approach, parents and students can work together to navigate the NAPLAN journey with clarity and calm.
If you found these tips helpful, I’d personally love to support you as your tutor this year. You can view my profile here on Learnmate and contact me to discuss tutoring.
Alternatively, you can also engage other tutors on Learnmate to help you prepare for NAPLAN. Connect with an expert NAPLAN tutor on Learnmate and take your approach to the next level!
