Ramadan and NAPLAN

NAPLAN testing dates are established in consultation with state, territory and federal authorities, are usually set for a number of years in advance, and accommodate different term dates in all states and territories.

The timing of Ramadan and Eid is determined by the lunar calendar (phases of the moon), and the dates for these events change year to year and may, at times, fall during NAPLAN.

Assistance and flexibility are available to support participation in these instances.

See our NAPLAN 2024 and Ramadan information sheet (PDF 622 KB).

What happens if a school is closed for Eid or students are absent from school on test days?

All students are encouraged to participate in NAPLAN. A school will, where possible, organise for individual students who are absent at the time of testing to sit the tests at another time during the school’s test schedule.

Schools that will be closed for Eid celebrations during testing days and that need to vary their NAPLAN test schedule must request permission from their local test administration authority (TAA). Scheduling options will vary depending on the assessment domain(s) affected. TAAs will advise schools accordingly. 

What support can be provided for students who are observing Ramadan while undertaking NAPLAN?

To identify appropriate measures, parents and carers may wish to discuss with their child’s school any concerns regarding their child observing Ramadan and participating in NAPLAN. Schools with Muslim students can schedule NAPLAN tests first thing in the morning to ensure fasting students’ energy levels are at their highest. TAAs are best placed to support schools that require further advice.

Information about Ramadan and Eid

Ramadan is a sacred month for the Muslim community. Members of the Muslim community may observe the period by fasting from food and drink between dawn and sunset, with a focus on devotion and spiritual contemplation. 

Eid al-Fitr, known as the ‘feast of fast-breaking’, marks the end of the holy month of fasting and is celebrated by feasts and gift-giving among family and friends.

During Ramadan, many families, including students, may be fasting as well as rising before dawn, and may be more tired than usual. Not all Muslim students fast during Ramadan, though their families may still be observing it, resulting in changes to regular household routines and disruptions to normal sleep cycles. Muslim students who are fasting abstain from all food and drink during daylight hours, breaking fast at sunset and then rising early in the morning to consume food and drink prior to the commencement of the day.

ACARA has consulted with the Muslim community and the Islamic Schools Association of Australia on developing the above information and guidance for schools, parents and carers in offering support to students observing special days in the Islamic calendar while undertaking NAPLAN. 

* Regional customs or moon sightings may cause a variation of the date for Islamic holidays, which begin at sundown of the day before the date specified for the holiday. Therefore these dates are approximate.