Students at Charlestown South Public School on Awabakal Country were among more than 210,00 across nearly 2100 NSW public schools who completed NAPLAN testing this week.

It’s the first time the annual assessment has taken place in March instead of May.

Relieving principal John Costolo said the earlier testing period would allow teachers at the school to better assess what support students needed for the coming year.

“Doing it earlier means we can get the data that helps inform our teaching and learning programs sooner,” Mr Costolo said.

“NAPLAN provides valuable feedback on our school performance and our teachers will continue to work closely with students to help develop the skills they need to succeed in all areas of their education.”

The Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority reported students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 at NSW public schools attempted more than 854,000 tests during the NAPLAN testing period from 15-27 March.

Across Australia, a record 4.4 million online tests were taken.

Marking is now under way and NAPLAN results will be sent to schools in Term 2 and parents/carers in Term 3.

Student achievement will be reported using proficiency standards this year.

There will be four levels of achievement across numeracy, reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation: Exceeding, Strong, Developing and Needs additional support.

A new NAPLAN measurement scale and time series is also being introduced.

To find out more about the changes to NAPLAN, visit the NSW Education Standards Authority website.