16 July 2026

Article by Mary Papadakis

As Victorian students receive their individual NAPLAN test results, the body behind almost 300 Catholic schools is celebrating achieving numeracy targets two years ahead of schedule.

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS), which operates Catholic primary and secondary schools across the state, has analysed its 2026 National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) outcomes to reveal significant numeracy gains.

And they say their numeracy results have already exceeded 2028 targets set for MACS’ schools under the federal government’s Better and Fairer Schools Agreement.

Victorian students are now receiving their individual NAPLAN results, with national and state-based outcomes due to be released next month.

The reports currently being sent home also include a caveat to take extra care when interpreting the writing results after a national platform glitch disrupted hundreds of thousands of year 5, 7 and 9 students during the test in March.

Under NAPLAN, student achievement is reported using four proficiency standards for each year level tested (3, 5, 7 and 9) – exceeding, strong, developing, and needs additional support. 

MACS figures show the number of its students in the top two proficiency levels for numeracy has grown in years 3, 5, 7 and 9, from 69 to 72 per cent, 73 to 79 per cent, 72 to 78 per cent and 67 to 72 per cent respectively since 2024.

MACS director of education excellence Mary Oski is celebrating strong NAPLAN numeracy results across its school network. Picture: Gavin Cronje.

About 830 extra students are now in the top two proficiency levels compared with 2024.

For students tested in year 3 and then again in year 5, the data shows six per cent more children are in the strong level alongside a three per cent hike in those exceeding expectations.

The number of students moving into the strong and exceeding levels between being tested in year 5 and again in year 7 has also increased, with 16.1 per cent of year 7 students exceeding expectations.

Between 70 and 86 per cent of MACS students are also in the top two proficiency levels for reading and writing, the data shows.

In 2024, MACS introduced explicit instruction across its schools as part of its Vision for Instruction model, which prioritises direct teaching over student-led or inquiry-based learning.

MACS director of education excellence Mary Oski said the outcomes demonstrated the power of supporting schools with an evidence-based teaching and learning approach.

'Behind every percentage point is a student who is developing greater confidence and capability in the classroom. Not only do we now have a majority of students proficient in numeracy, but we also have an increased number of students exceeding the target,' Dr Oski said.

'At the same time, we are seeing a smaller cohort of students who need greater support.'

Students Zac, Jordan, Hargun and Lana celebrate improved NAPLAN results with St Joseph's Primary School Mernda principal Julie McDougall and deputy principal Mathew Harding. Picture: Julia Ahearne.

Mernda’s St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School is celebrating its results, which show growth among year 3 and year 5 students in all areas between 2024 and 2026.

The number of year 3 and 5 students achieving strong or exceeding results for numeracy has soared from 60.9 to 69 per cent and 70.8 to 84.1 per cent respectively, alongside up to 10 per cent jumps in reading and writing among year 5 students.

Principal Julie McDougall put the growth down to a whole-school effort including using student data to tailor learning, timely feedback, and a successful phonics program.

'There is a strong sense of pride and optimism across our school community,' Ms McDougall said.

'These outcomes reaffirm that the work we are doing together as a community is making a meaningful difference and that our whole-school approach is supporting every student to flourish, both as a learner and as a person.'

This article originally appeared in the Herald Sun on 15 July 2026.