PLC Armidale is celebrating their students posting strong NAPLAN results for 2026, at a time when national testing data shows literacy and numeracy skills sliding across most year levels.
Nationally, around one in three students across all levels did not meet basic benchmarks in the latest National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy tests. Reading scores were worse than 2025 for every grade level, and Year 5 students were the only group whose writing ability had improved.
At PLC Armidale, the majority of students from Years 3 to 9 achieved in the Strong or Exceeding proficiency levels across the tests. All Year 7 students reached Strong or Exceeding in writing, while 94 per cent did so in both reading and numeracy, and every Year 9 student achieved Strong or Exceeding in both writing and spelling.
College Principal Nicola Taylor said the results reflected the value of building literacy and numeracy foundations early, and continuing to challenge students throughout their schooling.
“These results are particularly pleasing when viewed against the broader national picture, but what matters most to us is the story of growth behind them,” Mrs Taylor said.
Younger students also performed well, with 91 per cent of Year 3 students achieving Strong or Exceeding in writing and 92 per cent of Year 5 students doing so in grammar and punctuation. Results were strongest among the Year 7 cohort that came through PLC Armidale’s Junior School, all of whom achieved Strong or Exceeding in writing, numeracy and spelling, with 60 per cent reaching the highest Exceeding level in writing.
“Our Junior School results demonstrate the impact of explicit teaching and a carefully sequenced curriculum, while our small classes allow teachers to identify where each girl needs support, challenge or extension,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Our aim is not simply to prepare girls for a NAPLAN assessment. It is to develop highly capable readers, writers, thinkers and problem-solvers who have the confidence to apply their learning well beyond the classroom.”
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