Reading and writing scores are going backwards for almost every age group in Australia’s national standardised school tests, with one in three students still failing to meet Naplan benchmarks. Acara said national average scores in writing remained similar to last year but it has included a caveat for results, instead of implementing marking adjustments. Average reading scores in years 5, 7 and 9 went backwards compared with 2025, and more students were needing additional support in both reading and writing. Average reading scores were stable for year 3 students. But for year 3 students, the average national numeracy score was the lowest it had been since 2023.