Student performance across Australia has remained broadly stable compared to 2023 according to the data released by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority in the 2024 NAPLAN national results. Results show divisions between genders, Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and between students of varying socioeconomic backgrounds.

Almost 1.3 million students across more than 9,400 Australians schools and campuses took the national assessment program for those in years 3, 5, 7 and 9. The results underscore both the resilience of the education system and the ongoing challenges faced by certain student groups.

Authors of the commentary urge caution in interpreting these results as they are only the second set of data assessed under the new proficiency standards introduced in 2023. Under the revised standards, students are assessed against 4 levels of proficiency based on previous years of schooling: Exceeding, Strong, Developing and Needs additional support. 

Key findings

• One in three children are not proficient in numeracy or literacy.
• Girls consistently performed better in literacy and boys did better in numeracy.
• There were significant differences across states and territories, with students from New South Wales and Victoria routinely outperforming students from the rest of the country.
• Across age groups and states, Indigenous students scored lower in literacy subjects.
• The data highlights areas needing improvement, particularly for students requiring additional support. The 2024 report shows that around 10% of students fall into the “Needs additional support” category in both literacy and numeracy, with rates slightly increasing in the higher year levels.
• The data also underscores persistent disparities among students from different socio-economic backgrounds, non-urban areas, and Indigenous communities.