NAPLAN – participation

For individual students who are absent at the time of testing, schools can organise to complete missed tests at another time during the test window.

ACARA and all Australian governments have committed to promoting maximum participation of students in the national assessment process. To ensure this can take place, ACARA has developed a range of adjustments to support students with disability and those with diverse learning needs. These adjustments are generally identified in the student’s personalised learning plan and reflect the support normally provided in the classroom. Students who have a temporary injury may also be reasonably accommodated.

Additional information about these adjustments is available, including examples illustrating the application of adjustments permitted for students with disability.

For more information, see Student participation.

Withdrawals are intended to address issues such as religious beliefs and philosophical objections to testing. Participation by all students is expected, however, in certain circumstances students may be withdrawn from the testing program by their parent/carer. Ultimately, this is a decision for parents/carers but is best done in collaboration with the school. A formal application must be received by the principal prior to the testing. Your principal can provide further information about the withdrawal process, or visit Student participation.

Students who are in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are expected to participate in the testing. A decision to withdraw a student from the NAPLAN tests is the responsibility of the student’s parent/carer, and not the school. We recommend that you discuss your concerns with your child’s teacher or school principal in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with your school’s response, you can contact the test administration authority in your state or territory. Test administration authorities are responsible for the administration of the NAPLAN tests, including withdrawals. Relevant contact details are available under the Test administration authorities contacts section.

Parents/carers are encouraged to visit the Adjustments for students with disability to determine if the adjustments schools can apply for are appropriate for their child's participation in NAPLAN.

No, NAPLAN tests can only be sat within Australia.

Literacy and numeracy are critical elements of learning and it is important to understand how each student is progressing in establishing these foundations. The NAPLAN tests provide valuable information to all schools about the performance of their students, and support the ability of schools to focus teaching on areas of need. The tests also help parents see how their child is progressing against national standards.

All students are encouraged to participate in NAPLAN. A school will, where possible, organise for individual students who are absent at the time of testing to sit the tests at another time during the school’s test schedule.

Schools that are closed for Eid celebrations during testing days and that need to vary their NAPLAN test schedule must request permission from their state or territory test administration authority (TAA). Scheduling options will vary depending on the assessment domain(s) affected and the mode of assessment (paper or online). TAAs will advise schools accordingly.

To identify appropriate measures, parents and carers may wish to discuss with their child’s school any concerns regarding their child observing Ramadan and participating in NAPLAN. Schools with Muslim students can schedule NAPLAN tests first thing in the morning to ensure fasting students’ energy levels are at their highest. State or territory test administration authorities are best placed to support schools that require further advice.