NAPLAN results show no overall decline in learning, but 2 per cent drop in participation levels an 'issue of concern'

Almost 15 per cent of Australian year 9 boys don't meet the national minimum achievement standard for reading — the highest proportion ever, according to the latest national NAPLAN test results.

Experts have described the latest data — breaking down the COVID cohort's performance in this year's standardised literacy and numeracy assessments — as a "mixed bag", showing no overall decline in learning.