Queensland students gear up to hit their stride as NAPLAN begins

• Around 280,000 Queensland students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 expected to sit literacy and numeracy tests from tomorrow.
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering a new NAPLAN readiness plan to prepare students, staff and schools.
• Labor actively talked down NAPLAN during their decade of decline, while the Crisafulli Government lifted participation rates to a six-year high. 

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future, supporting around 280,000 Queensland students participating in NAPLAN tests from tomorrow.

After months of preparation under the Crisafulli Government’s readiness plan, students from years 3,5,7 and 9 will be quizzed on literacy and numeracy during the annual tests which take place between 11-23 March 2026.

Queensland will be aiming to build on last year’s momentum after an additional 1,800 students took the tests compared to the previous year, achieving a record high participation rate of 89.7 per cent, the highest since 2019.

NAPLAN is an important tool for understanding student progress and identifying areas where additional support may be needed – a resource that was belittled by the former Labor government during a decade of decline which saw participation rates fall and Queensland students left behind.

As part of a record $21.9 billion Education Budget, the Crisafulli Government is investing more than $32.3 million in early intervention, monitoring and assessment to lift literacy and numeracy skills across the state.

Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek visited Yeppoon State High School today, which comfortably exceeded the statewide result with a NAPLAN participation rate of 96 per cent, up four per cent from 2024.

“The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for Queensland’s future and that includes a statewide readiness plan which focuses on ensuring students are equipped with the digital skills needed for the national test,” Minister Langbroek said.

“State school staff are highly engaged with the new targeted training and clear guidance, with a five-fold increase in their use of NAPLAN online resources compared to last year.

“The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future and we believe all children deserve access to a world-class education system, no matter where they live.”

Yeppoon State High School Principal James O’Neill said he put some of the school’s NAPLAN participation success down to an intensive focus on building a sense of belonging among students.

“Forging positive relationships between staff and students was also a central focus of the school,” Principal O’Neill said.

“When you have that relationship, you build trust. When students know their teachers believe in them, they want to perform at their best.

“Success builds success. It also helps to demystify NAPLAN among parents, explaining that the tests have streams and putting out the message that there’s a path for every child to have success.”

Parents and carers can access information and resources to support their child to be relaxed and ready for NAPLAN by visiting the Queensland Education website.

ENDS