The 2025 NAPLAN window is approaching, with the first test scheduled for Wednesday the 12th of March, followed by the remaining tests in the days after.

Preparation will begin this week as Year 3 and Year 5 students participate in the Coordinated Practice Test.

Below is information about the practice test, NAPLAN participation (including adjustments for students with disabilities), and how to support your child in the lead-up to NAPLAN.

Participation in NAPLAN

NAPLAN is for all Year 3, 5, 7, and 9 students. ACARA supports inclusive testing to ensure all students can participate.

Students with disabilities can receive adjustments to support their participation in NAPLAN while ensuring a fair testing experience. These adjustments, outlined in the NAPLAN national protocols, should provide access to the tests and be consistent with the support the student typically receives in class, as detailed in their learning plan or NCCD evidence. However, to maintain test integrity, some supports, such as reading questions aloud in the reading test, are not permitted.

In exceptional circumstances, a student with a disability that severely limits their capacity to participate in the assessment, or a student who has recently arrived in Australia and has a non-English speaking background, may be granted a formal exemption.

Practice Test

On Tuesday the 25th of February, Year 3 and Year 5 students will take part in the Nationally Coordinated Practice Test. Students will access the testing platform to ensure the school’s technical readiness and confirm that all processes are in place for the testing window.

In preparation for the March tests, students will become familiar with all test types. This week, they will complete an ‘Omnibus’ test, which includes a mix of Reading, Conventions of Language, Spelling, and Numeracy questions within the NAPLAN online testing environment.

If you would like to see the types of questions in each test, visit the Public Demonstration Site.

Headphones and Devices

Students will complete all tests using school-owned iPads.

We ask that Year 3 and Year 5 students bring a set of 3.5mm or Lightning wired headphones (not USB-C) for NAPLAN and the practice test, as some questions include audio components. Please ensure the headphones are clearly labelled.

While it is preferable for students to bring their own, single-use in-ear headphones will be available for those who need them.

How can I support my child?

Students are not expected to study for NAPLAN. You can support your child by letting them know that NAPLAN is a part of their school program and reminding them to simply do their best. Some explanation of NAPLAN is useful to help students understand and be comfortable with the format of the tests; however, it is not necessary for parents/carers to do this. Teachers will ensure students are familiar with the types of questions in the tests and will provide appropriate support and guidance.

ACARA does not recommend excessive preparation or the use of coaching services.

To see sample questions and tools available in the online NAPLAN assessments, visit the public demonstration site for Year 3 and Year 5..

More Information

For more information, refer to the NAPLAN 2025 Information for Parents and Carers factsheet or visit the NAPLAN website. If you have any questions or would like to discuss adjustments for your child, please reach out to their teacher.