The outstanding academic performance of students at St Joseph’s Catholic School, The Strand has been highlighted with the release of the 2025 NAPLAN results, confirming the school as the highest-performing primary school in North Queensland, for a second year in a row.

The results demonstrate strong, sustained growth in student achievement:
- Five years of continuous improvement in reading (Year 3 reading data)
- Year 3 students performing well above all Australian students in reading, writing and
grammar, and above in spelling and numeracy
- Year 5 students performing well above all Australian students in grammar and
numeracy, and above in reading and writing
- 59% of Year 5 students making above-average growth in numeracy

NAPLAN - the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy - is a nationwide assessment undertaken by students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9, providing valuable insight into how young Australians are developing the essential skills of reading, writing, language conventions and numeracy.

Townsville Catholic Education Director of Mission & Learning, Louise Vella-Cox, said the results reflect the school’s strong commitment to learning and teaching excellence. “These results are a wonderful affirmation of the high-quality teaching and learning that takes place at St Joseph’s Catholic School, The Strand every day,” Ms Vella-Cox said.

“To see sustained improvement in reading over a five-year period, combined with outstanding achievement and strong growth in numeracy, is a testament to the dedication of staff, the commitment of students, and the support of families. We are incredibly proud of the St Joseph’s community.”

Principal of St Joseph’s Catholic School, The Strand, Tim Ham, said the results were the outcome of a consistent, intentional and student-centred approach to learning. “Our teachers work tirelessly to ensure every student is known, supported and challenged to achieve their best,” Mr Ham said.

“These results reflect the strong culture of learning at St Joseph’s, the commitment of our students, and the trust families place in us every day. Our parent community also invests heavily in the support of our school and generously assists in funding programs that directly enhance student learning outcomes.”

“While we are extremely pleased with the outcomes, our focus remains on continuous improvement and ensuring every child reaches their full potential.”

Ms Vella-Cox said while NAPLAN is only one measure of student progress, it provides valuable information for schools and teachers to further strengthen learning outcomes.

“NAPLAN assists educators in identifying strengths and areas for ongoing focus, however it is just one part of a much broader, comprehensive approach to assessment. At St Joseph’s,
data is used alongside teachers’ professional judgement to ensure every child is known, supported and challenged to achieve their best.”

Townsville Catholic Education continues to prioritise explicit teaching in literacy and numeracy, data-informed practice, and personalised learning approaches, ensuring students are equipped with the foundational skills they need for future success.