ACARA news, July 2024

NAPLAN student results are available from the start of Term 3


15 July 2024

Parents and carers of students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 who took this year’s NAPLAN assessment in March will receive an individual student report (ISR) of their child’s results from their school from the start of Term 3.  

Specific timing will be determined by the relevant state or territory test administration authority. 

These reports provide useful information on a student’s results in reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.  

NAPLAN individual student results are reported against proficiency standards. The standards are set at a challenging but reasonable expectation of what students know and can do at the time of testing.  

There are 4 levels of proficiency, which provide parents and carers with clear information on their child’s achievement: 

  • Exceeding: the student’s result exceeds expectations at the time of testing.  
  • Strong: the student’s result meets challenging but reasonable expectations at the time of testing.  
  • Developing: the student’s result indicates that they are working towards expectations at the time of testing. 
  • Needs additional support: the student’s result indicates that they are not achieving the learning outcomes that are expected at the time of testing. They are likely to need additional support to progress satisfactorily. 

The front page of the ISR provides general information about the tests and an explanation of how to read the report. The student’s results in each of the assessment areas are set out in the middle pages of the report. The final page of the ISR provides a brief summary of the skills typically demonstrated by students at each of the proficiency levels. 

Along with other school assessment reports, parents and carers can use the NAPLAN individual student reports to discuss their child’s progress with their teacher. 

For more information: 

New Chief Executive Officer confirmed for ACARA


03 July 2024

Mr Stephen Gniel has been formally appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) with immediate effect.  

The appointment for a three-year term follows a competitive selection process facilitated by an executive search agency, and was overseen by a selection panel comprising ACARA Board members and a representative from the Australian Government Department of Education. The Board selected its preferred candidate, which was then considered by the Cabinet at federal government level.  

Mr Gniel had been seconded into the role on an acting basis since November 2023, following the resignation of the then CEO, Mr David de Carvalho.   

Mr Gniel was previously the CEO of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority. He has also served as a member of the ACARA Board. He brings to ACARA a wealth of knowledge, expertise and experience in education having held senior leadership roles in both Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory in early childhood, schools and post school portfolios with both policy and operational priorities.   

“I’m delighted at the opportunity to lead ACARA at this very important time for education in Australia,” said Mr Gniel.  

“As a passionate and a committed educational leader, having started my career as a primary school teacher and principal before moving into senior education system leadership roles, I’m honoured to lead the talented team at ACARA. Our relentless focus will continue to be on ensuring we support our teachers and inspire improvement in the learning of all young Australians through world-class curriculum, assessment and reporting.”