The NAPLAN 2025 Schools Making a Difference list is made up of schools “performing above expectations, compared with similar schools”.
NAPLAN - or the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy in its full form - is an annual national assessment for all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.
It is the only nationwide assessment testing reading, writing, language conventions and numeracy.
Tocumwal Public School principal Darren White said the recognition has come after several years of quality work and results.
“Over the last 10 years we’ve been performing really well,” he said.
“We were actually a little bit surprised when they notified us, as we’ve had consistent growth and high results for a number of years now.
“We have incredible teachers who encourage the love of learning.
“The teachers have not all been around the longest or have the most experience, but their expertise is the key. Particularly expertise in teaching literacy and numeracy.
“They also use research and evidence-based approaches.”
Based on 2025 testing compared with students of a similar background, the Year 5 students are Toc Public School are on par in testing for all assessment categories.
The Year 3 students were on par for grammar, received ‘above average’ results for writing, spelling and numeracy, and ‘well above average’ for reading.
Mr White said the results are thanks to “explicit teaching”, which he said most school employ, and “not just luck”.
He said this can include smaller assessments at shorter intervals rather than studying for a long period of time then moving on after assessment regardless of result.
“Teachers stay a little longer on a topic if they feel like students don’t have mastery of that yet, and then maybe try to teach it in a different way if possible or go over it again.
“We try to make it explicit or clear for the kids that this is what it success looks like, and that’s what you’re aiming for.”
Mr White added that the Tocumwal community, partner school Finley High School and the P&C group all supported the culture.
While pleased with the recognition, Mr White said it is important to remember NAPLAN results are a comparison to schools with a similar demographic background, and not a competition.
He said Toc Public’s achievements are just one example of how schools can “kick goals”.
“NAPLAN is not the be all and end all. It performs as another form of assessment tool for is, and allows us to compare our processes across similar schools.
“We are definitely not in competition with Finley, Berrigan, Barooga or any of the schools in our region.
“We are compared with schools with similar socio-economic background right across Australia, including in Victoria and in Western Australia.
“None around here are similar or who we are compared with. We all have our own little uniqueness.
“Thankfully, one thing teachers and schools are really good at is sharing resources.
“Stand on the shoulders of giants - that’s what we’ve done; which is easier than trying to reinvent the wheel.
“Our motto is working together for good, and that is something we truly believe in.”
“We want for the kids to see success and share that success.”
Results for each individual school are available by searching the ‘Find My School’ section at myschool.edu.au.
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