15 Dec 2021
NSW has performed above the national average in every test domain across all years, according to the latest NAPLAN data.
NSW students have performed above the national average in this year’s NAPLAN despite the disruption, the 2021 NAPLAN National Report has revealed.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said today’s release of 2021 NAPLAN results was cause to celebrate education in NSW, which had overcome tremendous challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“NSW mean scores were above the national average in every test domain in all years,” Ms Mitchell said.
NSW ranked in the top three jurisdictions by mean scores in all domains, for all year levels, except in Year 9 reading, according to the report. NSW also had the highest mean score in Writing for Years 3 and 5, in numeracy for Years 3 and 7 and in grammar and punctuation for Year 3.
“NSW students continue to be Australia’s best spellers, achieving the highest or equal highest mean score of all jurisdictions, for all year levels, as it has throughout the history of NAPLAN,” Ms Mitchell said.
“This is a testament to the quality of teaching throughout our state.”
Reflecting efforts to close the gap in education outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, the latest NAPLAN results showed positive results in primary schools.
“I’m delighted to report that Indigenous students have shown a significant improvement in Year 3 reading and Year 5 reading, spelling, grammar and punctuation,” Ms Mitchell said.
Despite lockdowns and remote learning across many regions due to COVID-19, the 2021 NAPLAN National Report found the performance of NSW schools was as strong in 2021 as it was in 2019, when the last NAPLAN was conducted.
“This is not only a tribute to the great work of our teachers, but it once again demonstrates the incredible resilience of our students and our parents during a difficult learning from home period,” Ms Mitchell said.
In July this year, education ministers from around Australia agreed to progress work on several recommendations from a review into NAPLAN commissioned by the NSW Government. The review set out to ensure NAPLAN is a robust and modern diagnostic test that is fit-for-purpose.