Ranked: How every SA primary and secondary school performed in the 2025 NAPLAN results

We’ve analysed the latest NAPLAN test results for more than 700 schools across the state – see how each performed and which came top of the class.

Lauren Novak and Shashi Baltutis

2 min read

December 3, 2025 - 5:08PM

SA Education

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SA’s overachievers revealed

All-girls schools have risen up the ranks in the latest NAPLAN test results, and one of the state’s most prestigious female colleges has taken top spot among secondary students.

Wilderness School year 9 girls have edged out previous leaders Southern Montessori School and Glenunga International High School, based on 2025 results released on Wednesday.

The Advertiser has analysed the average NAPLAN scores of students in years 5 and 9 at South Australian public and private schools, published online by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) on Wednesday.

Other all-girls schools to feature in the top 20 secondary campuses include St Peter’s Collegiate Girls’ School (third), Seymour College (12th), Walford Anglican School for Girls (14th) and Loreto College (18th).

There is just one government school among the top 20 secondary schools (Glenunga International High School) and seven among the top 20 primary campuses.

Year 9 Wilderness School students Isabella Dolan and Matilda Burns, both 15, sat NAPLAN tests earlier this year. Picture: Emma Brasier

The analysis also shows:

DARA School, in Morphetville has topped the primary school rankings again, and risen to fourth among secondary schools – however that secondary ranking is based on an average score in only one subject area (627 for writing). Data was not available for the other subject areas of spelling, reading, grammar and numeracy.

THREE schools recorded an identical average overall score for year 9 results – St John’s Grammar School in Belair, Garden College in Parafield Gardens and OneSchool Global SA in Aberfoyle Park (605.4) which is attended by youth members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church.

THREE schools also recorded the same result (527.4) for year 5 results – Magill School, Pulteney Grammar School and Scotch College.

YEAR 5s at another two schools – Wilderness School and Emmaus Christian College – both recorded an average score of 529.4.

Wilderness School year 9 girls achieved an average score of 639.4 to rise to the top of the secondary school list.

Just two years ago, Wilderness stood outside that top 10.

This year its year 5 students also ranked 14th among primary school results.

Wilderness School principal Belinda Arnfield said the school’s results “reflect the academic rigour and dedication of our students and staff”.

“Our girls flourish academically because they are supported to think critically, collaborate and lead with confidence,” Mrs Arnfield said.

Wilderness School principal Belinda Arnfield.

Education Minister Blair Boyer used the release of the data to announce that his government would introduce an extra literacy check for young learners if re-elected at the March state election.

Currently all year 1 students undertake a phonics check to see how many words they can correctly read, with a benchmark set at 28 words out of 40.

Next year, students who did not reach that benchmark in 2025 will undertake a year 2 phonics check.

From 2027 all year 1 and 2 students will participate.

“This screening allows us to find out who needs extra help and deliver support early,” Mr Boyer said.

However, opposition education spokeswoman Heidi Girolamo said year 3 NAPLAN results were “going backwards” in reading and writing.

“We support a second (phonics) check but also need to see further supports to ensure our children have every chance of succeeding.”

Adelaide High School students Yanni, Lauren, Katie and Rudra – their school ranked 36th in the state for year 9 NAPLAN results. Picture: Emma Brasier

NAPLAN data was not available for some schools in 2025, while other schools did not have enough students take part in the testing in certain year levels or subjects.

Students sat NAPLAN tests in March.

Data released at the end of July showed SA students had improved, or maintained, their ranking against peers in the other mainland states in every subject and year level.