Calrossy Anglican School officials say students are improving, with teachers pleased with progress across the board in the national literacy and numeracy tests.

“Our results are what we predicted they would be,” Principal David Smith told The Leader.

“I think what we are most pleased with, is the kids who were in the lower levels in past testing have significantly approved.

“Overall our staff were delighted with the improvement and it is one really helpful snapshot.

“Our primary school year group’s improvements were fabulous.”

Mr Smith said 2017 was the first year NAPLAN was factored into the High School Certificate (HSC) completion for year nine students.

He said 72 per cent of Calrossy students achieved at least one of the minimum standards to acquire the HSC, which was pleasing.

“There are three different areas they have to achieve at a year nine level to get their HSC,” he said.

“It’s like doing a preliminary driving test at 15 to get your licence at 18 – what we have said to the kids is, don’t worry too much.”

Mr Smith said about 50 per cent of kids qualified in each of the three areas, with teachers keeping in touch with parents and students about the new requirements.

“We’re going to continue with good teaching and good learning,” he said.

“We met with all of our kids and explained the process and provided parents with the information.

“We have been provided with a whole lot of improvement material and we are currently analysing it very carefully.”

The school is also one of a handful across the Tamworth area that will try the new online-based NAPLAN test in September.

Students are expected to sit the online test for the first time from next year, pending the outcome of the trial.

The results of individual schools will be made available on the Federal Government’s My School website next year.