The disappointing 2025 NAPLAN results demonstrate that Australia’s education system continues to let our children down when it comes to equipping them with the reading, writing and numeracy skills they will need throughout their life.
One in three children across the country are struggling with basic literacy and numeracy, while a concerning gap continues to widen as students from rural, regional and remote areas, Indigenous students, and those from low-income households more likely to fall below proficiency standards.
Shadow Education Minister Jonno Duniam says that while some results have held stable, there is still no cause for celebration.
“Australian kids deserve the best possible start in life. These results sadly point out that the system is failing them,” Senator Duniam said.
“Nationwide, there has been no improvement in 8 of 20 domains since 2023. This is not good enough.”
“We should be aiming for excellence with these NAPLAN results. No one, not least the Albanese Government, should be content with results that flatline below an acceptable standard.”
“The Albanese Government must explain how their policies are actually delivering a high-quality education for all Australian children.”
“We must do whatever it takes to improve educational outcomes. Everything should be on the table.”
“A high-quality education that focuses on the foundational levels, delivered by a workforce that is supported and empowered, is a basic first step that we know will move the needle.”
“The Coalition takes these results seriously. We want the best for our kids. They are the priority. It is in the national interest that we turn this around.”