Understanding NAPLAN and Its Role in Australian Education
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a nationwide standardized test administered annually to Australian students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9. Introduced in 2008 by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), NAPLAN assesses core skills in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy. These tests provide a snapshot of student achievement, helping educators, parents, and policymakers identify strengths and areas for improvement across the education system.
Since 2023, NAPLAN reporting has shifted from the traditional 10-band scale and National Minimum Standard to four proficiency levels: Exceeding, Strong, Developing, and Needs Additional Support. This change offers clearer insights into whether students are meeting, exceeding, or falling short of expected benchmarks for their year level. Results are publicly available on the My School website, allowing comparisons at school, sector, and national levels.
In the context of school choice, NAPLAN data often sparks debate about performance differences between government (public) schools, Catholic schools, and independent schools. With over 1.3 million students participating in the 2025 NAPLAN tests, the latest results offer fresh evidence on this ongoing discussion.
Recent NAPLAN Trends: A National Overview
The 2025 NAPLAN results, released in December 2025, show broad stability in national proficiency levels compared to 2024. For instance, around 66% of Year 3 students achieved Strong or above in reading, while numeracy hovered at 63-67% across year levels. Writing remains a challenge, with Year 9 at 61% Strong or above.
Participation rates exceeded 96% for primary years, though Year 9 dipped to 92.6%. Catholic systemic schools reported 98.4% participation, surpassing the national average by 4.6 percentage points. Attendance also plays a role, with Catholic schools averaging 90.1%, 1.8% above the national figure.
ACARA's 'Schools Which Are Making a Difference' list for 2025 highlighted over 50 Catholic schools for exceptional student growth across multiple domains and year levels, demonstrating progress regardless of starting points. Examples include Cerdon College in Merrylands, NSW, and St Joseph’s School in Springvale, VIC.
Raw Score Comparisons: Catholic vs Public Schools
When examining unadjusted average scale scores, non-government schools, including Catholic, typically outperform government schools. Historical data from pre-2023 scales showed Catholic schools scoring 20-40 points higher in key domains. For 2024, national reports indicate similar patterns, though exact sector averages are derived from aggregated My School data.
In top 100 Year 9 NAPLAN performers for 2025, independent schools dominated with 65 spots, followed by 29 selective public schools and just 6 Catholic institutions. However, Catholic schools feature prominently in growth metrics rather than absolute tops.
| Domain/Year | Government (% Strong+) | Catholic (% Strong+) | Independent (% Strong+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 5 Reading (2024 est.) | 68% | 74% | 78% |
| Year 9 Numeracy (2024 est.) | 60% | 66% | 70% |
Note: Percentages are illustrative based on sector trends from ACARA data portals and analyses; exact 2025 sector breakdowns pending full national report.
The Socio-Economic Factor: Leveling the Playing Field
A critical caveat in sector comparisons is the Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA), which measures student background including parental occupation, education, and Indigenous status. Government schools often serve lower ICSEA communities, with 22% in the top socio-economic quartile compared to higher proportions in Catholic (around 30%) and independent sectors.
Studies, including a 2022 analysis of NAPLAN data, found no meaningful difference in student learning growth rates across sectors after ICSEA adjustment. Public schools match or exceed non-government peers when backgrounds are similar. For disadvantaged students, Catholic schools sometimes show added value, with higher retention and graduation rates reported in some research. This Conversation article details how SES explains much of the gap.
What Drives Catholic School Performance?
Several factors contribute to Catholic schools' solid NAPLAN showings. Smaller class sizes, enabled by community funding, allow targeted teaching. Strong emphasis on evidence-based practices, like explicit phonics instruction, has led to jumps in primary maths results in Victoria's Catholic sector.
- High attendance and participation foster consistent learning.
- Professional development programs, such as Tasmania's 'Insight into Learning', build teacher expertise.
- Values-based education promotes discipline and motivation.
- Parental involvement is bolstered by affordable fees (average $4,000-$6,000/year vs independents' $20,000+).
Diocesan networks enable resource sharing, unlike many standalone public schools.
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
Public Schools' Strengths and Success Stories
Government schools educate 65% of Australian students and excel in equity, serving diverse populations. Selective public schools like Melbourne High (top Year 9 scorer 2025 at 717.8) and Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology rival elites.
Innovations like targeted interventions in low-ICSEA areas yield growth. For example, many public primaries improved post-phonics reforms. Grattan Institute notes public sectors' stability in 2025 results despite broader challenges like teacher shortages.
Case Studies: Standout Catholic Schools
Our Lady of Mercy College, Parramatta, featured on ACARA's growth list, showed significant gains in reading and numeracy. In Queensland, San Sisto College, Carina, advanced across years 7-9. These successes stem from data-driven teaching adjustments and community partnerships. NCEC highlights over 50 such schools nationwide.
Conversely, public standouts like Carlingford West Public in NSW top primary lists, proving excellence is achievable across sectors.
Challenges Facing Both Sectors
Declining Year 9 writing proficiency affects all, linked to screen time and curriculum shifts. Teacher shortages hit public schools harder, while Catholic face funding pressures amid enrollment growth (Catholic numbers up 2.1% 2014-2024).
COVID disruptions lingered into 2025, but recovery is evident. Broader issues like student wellbeing impact scores, prompting holistic approaches.
Implications for Parents and Educators
For parents choosing schools, NAPLAN is one metric—consider ICSEA, extracurriculars, and fit. High-performing Catholic schools offer value for middle-income families, while public provide accessibility.
Educators can leverage NAPLAN for targeted support. Public teachers benefit from state resources; Catholic from diocesan expertise.
Future Outlook: Phonics, Tech, and Equity
With phonics check expansion and digital NAPLAN fully online, expect refined teaching. Government investments aim to close gaps, while Catholic emphasize growth mindsets.
Equity remains key—Catholic contribute positively for disadvantaged, per recent briefs. By 2030, balanced sectors could drive national gains if collaborations increase.
Photo by Jen Vazquez on Unsplash
Actionable Insights for School Leaders
- Implement high-impact tutoring for Developing students.
- Boost attendance via family engagement.
- Use data dashboards for real-time interventions.
- Collaborate across sectors for best practices.
Ultimately, NAPLAN reveals no 'smarter' sector outright—success hinges on context, effort, and support.
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