Does Attending NAPLAN Classes and Practicing Past Papers Help Getting Higher Scores?

By Post Author | 21st Aug, 2025

“One-stop shop: I took a NAPLAN subscription for my child, and later, I took another subscription for Selective Standard, which helped my daughter, and she got into Hornsby, thanks to Selectivetrial.”

~Vanessa Lee

While some educational authorities, like ACARA, state that there is no need to study for NAPLAN, statistical data indicate that NAPLAN preparation, including attending classes and practicing with past papers, is widely practiced and can be beneficial.

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Do NAPLAN Classes & Past Papers Help Achieve Higher Scores?

Understanding from a Parent’s Perspective

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a key milestone in a child’s academic journey in Australia. NAPLAN tests students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 on core literacy and numeracy skills. With the test now fully online and adaptive, the question of whether special preparation is necessary has become more common among parents. While some believe the best preparation is simply a solid school curriculum, many parents are turning to trusted learning platforms like Selectivetrial.

The track record over the years suggests that a strategic approach to preparation can indeed help students. It helps students gain confidence, prepare better and more importantly achieve higher scores.

The Role of NAPLAN Preparation Classes

NAPLAN classes focus on more than just the content of the tests. They help students develop essential test-taking skills and familiarity with the exam format.

Familiarity with the Online Format: With the NAPLAN test now being adaptive and conducted online, students need to be comfortable with the technology. Classes often use practice tests that simulate the real exam, teaching students to navigate the interface, use drag-and-drop features, and manage their time effectively.
Targeted Skill Development: These classes can identify a student’s specific strengths and weaknesses. Likewise, if a student struggles with persuasive writing, the class can provide targeted practice and feedback to improve their skills in that area. This goes beyond the general curriculum and offers a personalised learning experience.
Building Confidence & Reducing Anxiety: The pressure of a national test is certainly overwhelming for many students. Preparing through classes can demystify the process, reduce anxiety and allow students to approach the exam with a calm and confident mindset.

A parent of the Selectivetrial parent community, Vanessa Lee, noted that enrolling her child in a subscription service for NAPLAN was a convenient and effective way to prepare. She highlighted the ease and comprehensive nature of such subscription services as “one-stop shop”.

The Power of Practicing NAPLAN Past Papers

Past papers and practice tests are the cornerstones of NAPLAN preparation for a good reason. They offer a tangible way for students to apply their knowledge and understand the expectations of the test.

Understanding Question Types: NAPLAN uses a variety of question formats, from multiple-choice to short-answer responses and technology-enhanced questions. Working through past papers exposes students to these different styles, so they aren’t caught off guard on the day of the NAPLAN test.
Time Management: NAPLAN is a timed test. Practicing with past papers under timed conditions is crucial for students to develop an effective test-taking strategy and sense of pace. This helps them learn functional time allocation to each section and deters from spending extra time on one difficult question.
Identifying Gaps in Knowledge: By reviewing their performance on past papers, students and parents can identify which areas require more attention. This data-driven approach allows for more efficient study, focusing efforts where they are most needed.

A Balanced Approach is the Key to Higher Scores

While preparing for NAPLAN can be beneficial, it’s important to maintain a healthy perspective. The goal is not to cram for a single test, but to build strong foundational academic skills that will serve a child throughout their life. Many are of the view that the best NAPLAN preparation happens with a consistent focus on a child’s overall learning and well-being. Which most certainly includes, encouraging wide reading, regular writing, and applying math skills to everyday situations.

On the other hand, Vanessa Lee’s review as a proud parent of the Selectivetrial parent community, encapsulates the value many parents find in structured preparation. A comprehensive and accessible way to practice for NAPLAN, with NAPLAN past papers and Selectivetrial’s NAPLAN classes can play a significant role. They have been proven to make students feel ready and perform to the best of their ability.

The key to ace NAPLAN is a balanced combination of academic skill strengthening, NAPLAN classes, practice with past papers, and a positive mindset. According to NAPLAN experts, taking this balanced approach is the most effective way for students to achieve high scores in NAPLAN.