You've probably heard plenty about NAPLAN, but you may not always have clear answers. Some parents believe the impact persists through high school, while others are concerned that missing a test could hinder university or future opportunities.
The truth is, NAPLAN is designed as a checkpoint, not a final exam. It only takes place in four-year levels, and understanding when (and why) it happens can take a lot of pressure off both you and your child.
But that doesn't mean it's too late to help your child build the core skills. NAPLAN focuses on reading, writing, and numeracy. In fact, knowing when the tests are held (and who takes them) can help you figure out what kind of support might still be helpful now.
This blog breaks down exactly which year levels participate in NAPLAN and what that means for your child's learning journey.
Let's first take a closer look at what the NAPLAN actually covers and which students participate in.
Key Takeaways
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NAPLAN is only for Years 3, 5, 7, and 9, not Year 11.
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The tests check progress in reading, writing, spelling, grammar, and numeracy.
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Year 9 is the final NAPLAN year, usually taken in Term 2.
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By Year 11, students are focused on senior subjects and school assessments.
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Even without NAPLAN, strong literacy and thinking skills remain essential in senior school.
What Is NAPLAN?
NAPLAN stands for the National Assessment Program, Literacy and Numeracy. It's a national skills check that provides schools and parents with insight into how students are progressing in reading, writing, language, and mathematics.
The tests measure how well children are grasping the basics at different stages of their learning.
The results give:
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Schools insight into how well students are meeting national benchmarks.
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Parents need a clearer picture of where their child may need extra support.
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Education authorities use data to track national learning trends.
It's one of many tools in a child's learning journey, and for most students, it becomes familiar by the time they reach high school.
With that in mind, let's look at who actually takes the test and when it happens.
Also Read: Why NAPLAN is Important in Education
Who Takes NAPLAN and When?
NAPLAN is only administered in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9; no other year levels participate. That means children take the test just four times during their entire school journey.
Here's how it's structured:
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Year 3 –First introduction to NAPLAN
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Year 5 – Builds on earlier skills
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Year 7 – First NAPLAN test in high school
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Year 9 – Final NAPLAN check before senior years
Each test cycle happens in Term 2 and focuses on key skills: reading, writing, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and numeracy.
If your child is preparing for one of these NAPLAN year levels, FunFox also offers short-term booster classes for students who need targeted support before the test. These small-group sessions focus on key writing and reading strategies, so children feel confident and well-prepared on assessment day.
Understanding when NAPLAN ends helps families focus on what comes next, whether that's catching up, moving ahead, or simply building confidence in the classroom.
Read: Is NAPLAN Compulsory for Students?
Why Doesn't NAPLAN Continue in Year 11?
By Year 11, students' learning looks very different. Instead of broad national check-ins like NAPLAN, the focus shifts to senior secondary curriculum and school-based assessments, preparing them for qualifications such as:
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HSC (NSW)
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VCE (Victoria)
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QCE (Queensland)
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Or other state-based certificates.
In short:
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NAPLAN is about foundations.
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Year 11 is about depth and specialization.
By this stage, students are:
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Writing structured essays and extended reports.
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Tackling advanced reading and analysis.
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Solving subject-specific math and science problems.
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Preparing for final exams or pathways into university, apprenticeships, or work.
Schools use ongoing assessments rather than NAPLAN to track progress.
When is NAPLAN Held?
Schools conduct NAPLAN testing every year in March. Students only participate if they are in Years 3, 5, 7, or 9 during that year.
One advantage of the online format is that schools have a 9-day assessment window. This means if a student is unwell or misses a test, they usually have the chance to catch up later within that period.
However, once the assessment window has closed, no individual student can sit the NAPLAN outside of those dates. It also helps to understand in advance how these tests are structured. Read ahead.
How Are the NAPLAN Tests Structured?
NAPLAN is spread across several days, with each test focusing on a different skill area. The timing and format vary slightly depending on the year level, but here's what families can expect:
Day 1: Language Skills & Writing
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Language Conventions
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Years 3 & 5: About 40 minutes
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Years 7 & 9: About 45 minutes
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Students answer questions on grammar, punctuation, and spelling. The tasks are usually multiple-choice or short written responses.
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Writing
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All year levels: About 40 minutes
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Students respond to a writing prompt (e.g., persuasive or imaginative). They're encouraged to plan first, then write a structured, original piece.
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Day 2: Reading
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Years 3 & 5: Around 45–50 minutes
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Years 7 & 9: Around 65 minutes
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Students read a booklet of short texts (stories, articles, ads, information pieces) and answer comprehension questions. These can be multiple-choice or short written responses, designed to check both understanding and interpretation.
Day 3: Numeracy
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Years 3 & 5: Around 45–50 minutes
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Years 7 & 9: Two parts- 40 minutes with a calculator, and 40 minutes without.
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Students solve a range of math problems, including arithmetic, measurement, algebra, and problem-solving tasks. Questions may be multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, or short written solutions.
Build Skills That Last Beyond the Test
By Year 11, students have moved beyond national testing and into more complex learning. But if your teen is still finding reading or writing challenging, it's not too late to help them build confidence.
Many older students carry quiet gaps from earlier years, especially in core areas like written expression or reading comprehension. These skills matter just as much now as they did in primary school.
FunFox's Readers and Writers Club is designed for students of all levels, whether they're building fluency, sharpening structure, or learning to think critically about what they read and write. It's not about test prep, it's about real progress.
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Small-group sessions
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Strategy-based, skill-building instruction
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Taught by experienced teachers who know how to meet students where they are
Try a free session and see how FunFox helps students grow beyond the basics, at every age and stage.
FAQs
Q: Do you do NAPLAN in Year 11?
No, NAPLAN is only taken in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9. By Year 11, students focus on senior subjects and school-based assessments.
Q: What happens if my child missed a NAPLAN year?
Missing a NAPLAN test won't affect graduation or future studies, but it may leave gaps in key skills. You can still support your child with reading, writing, and numeracy to build their confidence.
Q: Is NAPLAN mandatory?
NAPLAN is a national assessment, but parents can choose to withdraw their child. Schools may also exempt students in certain circumstances.
Q: How can I support my child before their NAPLAN year?
Focus on everyday skills like reading at home, encouraging writing, and practicing basic math. If your child needs extra help, FunFox offers short-term booster classes designed to target the core skills assessed in NAPLAN.
Q: Are the results necessary for high school?
NAPLAN isn't used for grades or placement, but the results can highlight where students need support. These insights can help guide learning at home and in school, especially as your child moves into more complex subjects.
