Student participation

All students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are expected to sit the NAPLAN tests.

However, in some situations, students may be:

  • marked absent

  • exempted

  • withdrawn.

Students may be absent or exempt from one or more of the tests.

The NAPLAN national protocols for test administration provide guidance on how schools manage student participation.

 

Absences

Students are considered absent if they are: 

  • not present at the school in which they are enrolled when the test is held and they cannot attend the school’s catch-up session, or

  • at school but they are unable to take a test due to an accident or mishap prior to the scheduled test session, and they are also unable to attend a catch-up session.

Principals are encouraged to support the participation of students who were absent on a test day but who return to school within the NAPLAN test window. 

 

Exemptions

Students may be exempt from one or more NAPLAN tests on the basis of English language proficiency or significant disability.

Parent/carer consent

For any exemption, schools must:

  • consult with the parent/carer and, where appropriate, the student

  • obtain signed consent from the parent/carer before testing begins

  • collect and record this information before testing begins as specified by their state/territory test administration authority. 

English language proficiency

Students may be considered for an exemption if they:

  • have a language background other than English, and

  • have been in Australia for less than one year.

These students are not automatically exempt and should be given the opportunity to participate. Students may be exempt from one test, such as reading, but participate in other tests, such as numeracy. 

Students with disability

Adjustments are available to support students with disability to access the tests. However, exemption may be appropriate for students with:

  • significant intellectual disability and/or

  • significant co-existing conditions which severely limit their capacity to participate. 

The decision to exempt a student is made after consultation between the principal, the student and their parent/carer, and if it is decided that the student is not able to access the tests with adjustments.

Read more about Adjustments for students with disability.

 

Withdrawals

NAPLAN tests are a routine part of the school calendar. However, parents/carers may withdraw their child for reasons such as:

  • religious beliefs, or

  • philosophical objections to testing.

This is a matter for consideration by individual parents/carers in consultation with their child’s school. To withdraw a student:

  • a formal request must be provided to the principal before testing, and

  • the request must follow the process set by the state/territory test administration authority.

 

More information