NAPLAN 2025 results: Top schools in the Northern Rivers revealed

SUMMERLAND Christian College at Goonellabah has topped the Northern Rivers region in this year’s NAPLAN results, with an average score of 605.4 for Year 9 students.

It was followed by Bhaktivedanta Swami Gurukula School in the Tweed with a score of 604, and Emmanuel Anglican College at Ballina with 603.4.

Nimbin Central School led the region’s public high schools, with an average score of 571.6, followed by Byron Coast High at 565.4 and Mullumbimby High at 563.8.

At the primary level, Murwillumbah Primary School achieved the best results, with Year 5 students recording an average score of 537. St Joseph’s Primary School at Alstonville followed at 530.8, with Sathya Sai College at Murwillumbah on 527 and The Pocket Public School at 524.6.

Summerland Christian College principal Tony Ellem said he was extremely proud of the Year 9 students.

“Ten years ago we were definitely underachieving so we made a concerted effort to bring change to improve learning outcomes for our students,” he said.

Ellem said the school’s philosophy was strongly influenced by the research of New Zealand education academic John Hattie, who found teachers have a stronger impact than resources and home background, and emphasised the importance of teaching through strategies like feedback, clear learning intentions and student self-assessment.

“Our school leaders spend more time walking through classrooms talking to students about their learning,” he said.

“Some of our data is up on classroom walls so students can see how they are going and set goals for themselves in areas they want to improve in.”

Summerland Christian College Year 9 student Macallister Nicholson, 15, said he believed the school’s small class sizes allowed teachers to help more students.

“I love the culture of the school that motivates people to achieve the best they can,” he said.

Chiana Taylor-Fox, also 15, scored over 760 in reading and writing, reflecting her love of her favourite subject, English.

“It feels great to be part of a community that values learning and growth,” she said. “Everyone – students and teachers – create a positive, welcoming environment that fosters our education, providing us with hope and a future.”

Sophie Jackson scored high results across all NAPLAN areas, with a scale score of 764 in writing and over 760 in grammar.

“My favourite subject is definitely English, which is also reflected in my scores,” she said. “I love the creativity that can be explored with writing – expressing my ideas in meaningful and impactful ways.”