5 August 2026

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) is celebrating strong student growth following the release of 2026 NAPLAN results, with numeracy achievement tracking two years ahead of schedule against system targets.

MACS students have made significant gains in numeracy and reading, with Year 5 students showing notable improvement after being tracked from Year 3 in 2024.

The number of students meeting the numeracy proficiency standard increased from 69.9 per cent in 2024 to 79.6 per cent in 2026... a 9.7 percentage-point increase representing around 1,370 additional students achieving proficiency.

Reading outcomes also improved, with the proportion of students meeting the proficiency standard rising from 75.5 per cent to 81.0 per cent... a 5.5 percentage-point increase representing approximately 910 additional students reaching proficiency.

The 2026 results reflect the ongoing work of MACS teachers and school leaders to strengthen classroom practice through the Vision for Instruction and Vision for Engagement.

These system-wide positions support educators with evidence-based approaches, strengthen student engagement and help create learning environments where every student is encouraged to thrive.

"These results reflect the outstanding work of our Principals, teachers, school staff and students… plus the shared and very focused commitment across MACS to continually improve learning outcomes," said Shauna-Maree Sykes, MACS Chief of Education.

"Through our Vision for Instruction and Vision for Engagement, we’re supporting greater consistency in high-quality teaching and creating learning environments where every student feels like they belong, is challenged and supported to succeed."

St Christopher’s School, Airport West, reflects MACS’ broader improvement.

St Christopher’s saw their Year 3 (2024) to Year 5 (2026) cohorts numeracy proficiency increase from 81.3 per cent to 91.3 per cent, while reading proficiency rose from 85.2 per cent to 91.4 per cent.

"These results show that our collective efforts are making a meaningful difference and helping every student flourish as a learner and as a person.

"We’ll continue working alongside our schools, teachers, students and families to build on these gains and ensure every student has the opportunity to achieve numeracy and literacy proficiency" said Ms Sykes.

Participation in NAPLAN also remained strong, with 96 per cent or more of eligible MACS students participating across every year level and assessment domain, an increase on 2025.

MACS is proud to bring Catholic education to 119,879 students across 292 schools... to see school communities gather together in faith and joy brings with it much hope for the future.

Media contact: Min Stewart – 0459 264 526