Why I Am Opting My Child Out of NAPLAN
Before we dive into this, let me introduce myself. My name is Kerrie. Some of you may know me, some may not. Usually, I’m tinkering away behind the scenes at Wildlings, handling all things tech-related.
Unlike Nicki and Vicci, our Wildlings Forest School co-founders, I don’t homeschool my child. But I deeply believe in the importance of play, children’s voices, and, above all, their well-being. I’ve also been a Wildlings parent—spending countless magical moments by the creek at Forest Kindy with my pre-preppy. Being part of Wildlings, both as a parent and a team member, has profoundly changed me—not just in how I parent but in how I view all children and the way society treats them.
It also made me rethink how I wanted my Wildling to navigate the school system—what experiences were worth pursuing and what simply weren’t.
My child has never taken NAPLAN.
Why?
Because standardised testing doesn’t help my child learn.
It just stresses out everyone at their school.
If you’re new to this whole NAPLAN thing, here’s a quick breakdown. NAPLAN is a government-mandated standardised test used to rank schools and shape policy. It’s administered every March to students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9. That means children as young as eight years old are sitting for a test that doesn’t actually enhance their learning.
Time and time again, research has shown that NAPLAN results are more reflective of socio-economic status than individual student ability.
So if we know it’s flawed, why do we keep doing it?
The Stress Factor
We’re often told that kids shouldn’t stress about NAPLAN. But let’s be real.
No one likes taking tests.
Think about the last time you had to perform under pressure—maybe you were being watched while working, racing against a deadline, or being formally evaluated. Stressful, right?
Now imagine being a child who spends all day at school balancing classwork, assignments, and homework (don’t get me started on that topic), only to be told there’s yet another big test coming.
No, thank you.
Does NAPLAN Even Matter?
Let’s break it down:
NAPLAN doesn’t affect my child’s report card.
It doesn’t impact their high school placement.
Universities don’t consider NAPLAN scores.
So why would I put my child through it? Why should any child go through it?
I want my child’s school years to be filled with curiosity and joy. I want them to engage in real learning—exploring new ideas, getting creative, and developing problem-solving skills—not drilling for an exam that tells us what their teachers already know through classwork, conversations, and observations.
That’s the kind of feedback that actually helps children. Not a test that reduces them to a number.
How to Opt-Out—It’s Super Easy
Many parents don’t realise that NAPLAN isn’t compulsory. Personally, I believe it should be an opt-in process, but that’s not the reality we live in.
Opting out of NAPLAN is a simple yet powerful way to advocate for your child’s learning and well-being.
Whenever my child’s school principal reaches out about the upcoming NAPLAN test, I simply reply with:
“Hi [Principal’s Name],
We wish to withdraw our child, [Child’s Name & Class], from NAPLAN this year. Could you please advise what paperwork we need to complete?
Kind regards.”
The school will send a short form to tick and sign. That’s it! No stress for you or your child.
Protect Your Child’s Childhood
Our kids deserve to enjoy school without unnecessary pressure. If we want them to grow up loving learning, we need to push back against outdated, stress-filled testing methods. NAPLAN doesn’t serve our children—it serves a system that prioritises numbers over well-being.
Opting out of NAPLAN is a small but meaningful way to stand up for your child’s happiness. If you’ve been unsure about it, take this as your sign.
Your child’s childhood—and their mental health—are worth protecting.