'Does NAPLAN truly assess kids, or is it just another parent stress test?'

"When a test claims to measure their abilities, we feel like we should do something - and the first thing is panic."

NAPLAN season is here, and if you listen closely, you can hear the sound of parents across the country frantically Googling “does NAPLAN actually matter?”

For a test designed to assess kids’ literacy and numeracy skills, it sure seems to trigger an existential crisis in a lot of adults.

The sweaty-palmed anxiety, the whispered debates at school drop-off, the well-meaning but wildly unnecessary NAPLAN tutoring - it’s all part of the annual circus.

But here’s the thing: NAPLAN isn’t a pass-or-fail situation, and despite the urban legends, it won’t determine your child’s entire future.

So, let’s take a deep breath, unroll our shoulders, and get some perspective.

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What is NAPLAN and why does it matter?

NAPLAN (National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy) is an annual assessment for students in years 3, 5, 7, and 9.

It measures reading, writing, spelling, grammar, and numeracy skills, providing a nationwide snapshot of student progress.

It’s not a pass-or-fail exam, nor does it determine school grades or university entrance.

Instead, it helps schools identify areas needing support.

The parent panic cycle: why do we care so much?

It’s natural to want the best for our kids, and when a test claims to measure their abilities, we feel like we should do something.

We worry: what if they bomb? What if they struggle? What if this test somehow determines their entire future?

Enter the classic panic cycle:

• You hear NAPLAN is coming up
• You start casually researching
• You read one too many articles about school rankings
• You consider hiring a tutor
• You momentarily forget that your child is, in fact, eight years old
• You stress, they stress, nobody wins

But here’s the kicker: teachers don’t want kids over-prepared for NAPLAN. They just want them to show up, do their best, and then get back to regular learning.

Image: Supplied

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 What NAPLAN doesn’t do

Despite what some may think, NAPLAN doesn’t:

• Affect your child’s academic record or their ability to progress to the next grade
• Determine university entrance or job prospects
• Magically summarise your child’s intelligence, creativity, or potential

What it does do is give schools insight into where students might need extra support.

It helps identify trends and gaps, but it’s just one part of a much bigger picture.

How to support your child (without losing your mind)

If your child is sitting NAPLAN in 2025, the best thing you can do is keep it casual. Talk about it like it’s no big deal. Avoid building it up as a “huge test” and instead treat it like any other school activity.

Keep up the usual learning habits. Reading books, playing number games, and having everyday learning conversations are more valuable than drilling practice exams.

Manage your own stress levels. Kids pick up on parental anxiety faster than a seagull spots a hot chip.

If you’re relaxed, they’re more likely to be too.

Older kids might get swept up in the hype, it’s best to reassure them that there is no pressure.

Let them know it’s okay to get things wrong. This isn’t about perfection. It’s about giving it a go.

Image: Supplied

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What to do if they struggle

Every child is different - some thrive in standardised testing environments, while others shine in creative thinking, problem-solving, or hands-on learning.

NAPLAN measures certain skills, but it doesn’t capture the full picture of your child’s abilities, strengths, and potential.

If your child finds NAPLAN challenging, that’s okay. It doesn’t mean they’re behind, failing, or doomed to a future of spelling “definitely” as “definately” forevermore.

It just means they might need some extra help in certain areas - and that’s exactly what the test is designed to highlight.

Schools use NAPLAN results to support kids, not to judge them.

If they come home feeling upset, remind them that one test doesn’t define their abilities.

Ask them how they felt about it, what parts were easy, and what parts were tricky. And then? Move on. Go for ice cream. Watch Bluey.

Do literally anything other than fixate on it.

The takeaway: keep calm and parent on

NAPLAN is just one tiny blip in your child’s education journey.

It’s not a defining moment, it’s not a verdict on their brilliance, and it’s certainly not worth a household meltdown.

So, to all the parents currently stress-scrolling through online forums or wondering if they should squeeze in some last-minute prep - deep breaths.

Your kid is going to be fine. You are going to be fine.

And in a few weeks, NAPLAN will be nothing more than a fleeting memory, right next to the time you worried about tummy time and whether they’d ever eat a vegetable.

They turned out okay then, and they’ll turn out okay now.

Promise.

Originally published as 'Does NAPLAN truly assess kids, or is it just another parent stress test?'