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NAPLAN 2027: test dates, results timing and what to do before March

Checked 19 October 2026 by XReady

A pocket diary and pencil in warm amber light.

In short

The NAPLAN 2027 test window is Wednesday 10 March to Monday 22 March 2027, nine school days, and your school sets the exact days. ACARA does not expect students to study for NAPLAN, so the best run-up is calm and ordinary. Results timing for 2027 is not confirmed, but reports usually reach schools from early Term 3.

The dates, day by day

The national site lists the 2027 test window as 10 to 22 March (external link). The 2027 national protocols (external link) that schools must follow set out how those nine school days work:

  • Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 March. Preparation only. No tests are allowed.
  • Day 1, Wednesday 10 March. Writing for every year level. Year 3 writes on paper. Reading follows, but only after writing.
  • Day 2, Thursday 11 March. Reading, conventions of language and numeracy. Writing for Years 5, 7 and 9 can move here only when a technical or logistical problem outside the school's control stopped it on day 1. Camps, excursions and sport do not count as reasons.
  • Days 3 to 9, Friday 12 to Monday 22 March. The remaining tests and catch-up sessions.

The tests are always sat in the same order: writing, reading, conventions of language, then numeracy, with at least a 20 minute break between sessions. Because the writing test must be on day 1, a child who is unwell that morning is the one most likely to need a catch-up. Year 3 writing catch-ups can run to the close of school on Monday 15 March, and catch-ups for every other test to the close of Monday 22 March.

A short extra period after the window, the test security period, ends on Thursday 25 March. Schools may use it only with written permission from their state or territory test authority and for serious reasons beyond their control, such as a local public holiday or major technology problems.

Eid al-Fitr in 2027

ACARA notes that the 2027 window falls at the end of Ramadan, with Eid al-Fitr expected on 10 March (external link). Schools that plan to close must talk to their test authority first, schools can arrange catch-ups for absent students, and tests are encouraged first thing in the morning for students who are fasting. If this affects your family, raise it with the school early.

What is not confirmed yet

Results timing for 2027 has not been published. ACARA's reporting key dates (external link) show that for the 2026 tests, preliminary summaries went to schools in April, final summaries from mid-June, individual student reports to schools from the start of Term 3, and national results were published in August. Expect a similar rhythm, but treat it as likely rather than fixed. Your state or territory decides when reports reach families.

Between now and the test

This is our suggestion, not a set schedule. ACARA says students are not asked to study for NAPLAN (external link), and its FAQ (external link) adds that the best help is to tell your child it is part of school and to do their best. So the aim is a calm run-up.

  • November and December 2026. Nothing to do. Keep reading together and enjoy the holidays.
  • January 2027. Read, talk and play maths games. If your child likes puzzles, the free 5-question quiz and the NAPLAN-style papers on the samples page show what questions can look like, with no pressure.
  • February 2027. Check that your child is comfortable typing and using a device, since most tests are online. Year 3 writes on paper. XType (external link), a typing trainer by XTutio, can help with keyboard comfort. ACARA's public demonstration site (external link) lets children try the question types and tools.
  • Early March 2027. Ask the school for its timetable. Keep bedtimes steady and breakfast ordinary.
  • 10 to 22 March 2027. Test window. Keep mornings calm, and let the school know early if your child is unwell.
  • Term 3 and August 2027. Look for the report. Our guide to reading the report and results timing explains what you will see.

Related guides

NAPLAN for parents covers the format and minutes by year level, and which test, which year shows how NAPLAN sits beside the OC and Selective tests.

Checked 19 October 2026. The 2027 test window is confirmed; the 2027 results dates are not.

Common questions

What are the NAPLAN 2027 dates?
The test window opens on Wednesday 10 March 2027 and closes on Monday 22 March 2027, which is nine school days. Your school chooses the days inside it.
Which year levels sit NAPLAN in 2027?
Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. A child in Year 2, 4, 6 or 8 in 2026 will usually be in the next of those years in 2027.
Can my child sit NAPLAN on a day of their choice?
No. All students in a year level sit together on the school's schedule, and the writing test is on the first day of the window. A missed test can be made up in a catch-up session.
When will 2027 results arrive?
Not confirmed. In 2026 individual reports went to schools from the start of Term 3 and national results were released on 5 August, so a similar pattern is expected.
Should we start preparing now?
ACARA does not expect students to study for NAPLAN. A few relaxed sessions to see the format are plenty.

Keep reading

Sources, checked 19 October 2026

Not affiliated with ACARA or the NSW Department of Education.