Despite the extraordinary efforts of teachers and the hard work of students, the 2025 NAPLAN results show that we are not turning the tide on educational outcomes for children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The latest NAPLAN results found 1 in 10 students throughout Australia need additional support to meet minimum numeracy and literacy standards, depending on the year level and subject.
However, that number increases to 3 out of 10 for students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, while only 3 in 100 students from high socioeconomic backgrounds need additional support.
The Smith Family Chief Executive, Doug Taylor, says the results are concerning.
“While these results are broadly stable and there are some improvements for higher performing students, the results for children and young people that are experiencing disadvantage continue to concern us,” Mr Taylor says.
“These latest NAPLAN results highlight the ongoing divide between students from low and high socioeconomic backgrounds, young people in the country and Indigenous students.
“The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program helps more than 71,000 students nationwide from disadvantaged backgrounds to make the most of their educational opportunities through evidence-based programs and long-term support.
The latest gaps between students from low and high socioeconomic backgrounds were similar to those reported in 2023 and 2024.
Mr Taylor says the home environment of students plays an important role in their child’s educational outcomes.
“Parents are their child’s first and continuing educators, “Mr Taylor says.
“Positive connections between home and school learning environments can make a key difference in the confidence of parents who may not have had a positive educational experience themselves, to support their children’s learning.
“We also know that good school community partnerships can support families who struggle to access essential services such as housing and healthcare, and don’t have access to the support networks needed to thrive and can directly impact their child’s educational outcomes.
“Parents’ financial situations also impact their child.
“Not every parent and carer can afford the costs of school essentials such as shoes, uniforms, lunch boxes, laptops, excursion fees and stationery.
“We know a lack of access to these essentials is impacting many students’ academic outcomes, and their social and emotional wellbeing, and has long-term educational consequences.
Mr Taylor says school funding must flow to students most in need to remove the additional barriers they face.
“The commitment from the Federal Government and all state and territory governments to fully funding public schools through the Better Fairer Schools agreement is welcomed.
“These funds need to be used to support evidence-based programs that intervene early when young people fall behind in their learning, with a particular focus on young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
Media Release: The Smith Family
