May 2026
New report shows widespread use of AI and other digital tools by Australian students, despite a fall in results
Australian students are enthusiastic users of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital tools, according to the latest National Assessment Program report from the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA).
The report shows that, despite this, there has been a decline in Australian students’ ICT Literacy since 2022.
The National Assessment Program – ICT Literacy (NAP-ICTL) Report presents the results of the latest NAP-ICTL assessment in 2025 which tested students’ general ICT skills and knowledge in a sample of schools across the country.
Find out more about the 2025 NAP-ICTL Public Report and its findings.
National Report on Schooling in Australia - May 2026 release
Last week, we released the latest data on schools and students in Australia as part of the National Report on Schooling 2025.
The latest release includes new data on schools and schooling, student enrolment, student retention, student attainment, and participation in education, training and employment.
ACARA progressively releases sections of the annual National Report on Schooling in Australia as data becomes available, providing more timely commentary on progress against nationally agreed policy initiatives by Australia’s school education sector.
The report helps build a clearer national picture of how Australian students and schools are changing over time, supporting greater understanding of participation, achievement and pathways through education and training across the country.
Reconciliation week 27 May – 3 June 2026
National Reconciliation Week is an important opportunity for all Australians to reflect on the role education plays in truth-telling, shared understanding and reconciliation.
This year’s theme, All In reminds us that reconciliation is a shared responsibility and that meaningful action happens through ongoing learning, listening and connection.
To mark the week, ACARApella, ACARA’s staff choir, came together from across the country to learn and perform a new song in recognition of Reconciliation Week. The performance is a celebration of connection through music and a reflection of ACARA’s continued commitment to reconciliation.
Watch the performance over on LinkedIn.
ACARA’s Charter and Work Plan
ACARA’s 2025–2029 Charter and Work Plan has recently been released, confirming ACARA’s strategic direction and priorities for the next four years. Updated following extensive consultation, these documents reflect government expectations and agreed national education priorities that provide a clear framework for ACARA’s work through to 2029.
The Charter sets out ACARA’s high-level priorities and outlines our legislated role in curriculum, assessment and reporting. It reaffirms our commitment to working in partnership across jurisdictions and sectors, and reflects agreed national reform priorities.
Go deeper in your practice with support from AITSL
AITSL have pulled together a refreshed
Grow in 2026 page for Term 2 with practical support to help you go deeper in your practice.
Here is what you can explore:
Middle Leader Standards resources
Newly released resources to support deeper understanding and practical use of the Australian Professional Standards for Middle Leaders in your day-to-day work.
In the Classroom videos
Step inside real classrooms with full lesson footage, teacher interviews and commentary. See how teachers bring differentiation, student engagement, inclusive teaching practices and feedback to life.
Classroom Management: Standards-aligned evidence-informed approaches
Effective classroom management is necessary for student learning; it enhances relationships between teachers and young people and promotes a positive learning environment, at the same time as increasing instruction time and maximising student engagement.