Ontario students recorded improvements in mathematics in Grades 3, 6 and 9 in the latest provincial assessment results, while literacy performance remained strong by Grade 6, according to the province’s 2025-26 Education Quality and Accountability Office results.
The Ontario government said the findings provide evidence of progress in key foundational subjects but also point to continuing achievement gaps and uneven outcomes among school boards. Education Minister Paul Calandra said the province will use the latest data to guide interventions, review local student achievement plans and examine a rise in assessment exemptions.
Ontario Students Make Progress in Math and Literacy
The results, released September 25, show improved mathematics performance across three assessed grade levels. The province also reported that nearly nine in 10 students are meeting the provincial standard in reading and writing by Grade 6.
The Education Quality and Accountability Office, commonly known as EQAO, conducts standardized assessments that provide province-wide information about student achievement. The results are used by the government, school boards and educators to identify trends and areas requiring additional attention.
While the latest numbers point to improvement in mathematics, the Ministry of Education acknowledged that some students continue to struggle and that achievement varies across Ontario.
Calandra Says More Work Needed Across School Boards
In a statement responding to the results, Calandra said:
“Today’s EQAO results show that Ontario students are making progress in math, with improvements in Grades 3, 6 and 9. Literacy results also remain strong, with nearly nine in 10 students meeting the provincial standard in reading and writing by Grade 6.
These results are encouraging, but they also make clear that there is more work to do. Too many students continue to struggle, achievement gaps persist and results remain uneven across the province.
The results give us valuable information about where progress is being made and where added action is needed. Our responsibility is to use that information to make sure students get the support they need to succeed. That responsibility is shared across our education system. The Ministry of Education and school boards must work together to identify what is working, address areas where students are falling behind and ensure that resources and supports are reaching the students who need them most.
That is why, earlier this year, I appointed an independent advisory body on student achievement and assessment. Its work will help identify successful approaches and provide recommendations on what more we can do to improve student achievement across every school board in Ontario.
But we are not waiting for that work to be completed. I have directed the Ministry of Education to work directly with every school board to review its Student Achievement Plan, monitor progress and report back to me regularly. These plans are an important tool for boards to use local assessment results to identify where students are falling behind and set out concrete actions to improve student outcomes. We know that strong foundational skills in reading, writing and math are essential to a student’s success throughout their education. The earlier we identify a student who needs additional support, the sooner we can take action.
The EQAO results have also raised concerns about the significant increase in the number of students exempted from assessments in some school boards. Exemptions are intended for students who are unable to complete an assessment, even with permitted accommodations. This increase requires a closer look. I have therefore directed EQAO leadership to investigate the reasons for this increase and report back on what is driving the changes and whether any further action is needed.
Our focus is clear: put student achievement first, use evidence to identify where improvements are needed and take action to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. We will continue working with school boards, educators and education partners to strengthen foundational skills, address achievement gaps and give teachers the tools and resources they need in the classroom.
Every student deserves the opportunity to leave school with the strong reading, writing and math skills they need to pursue further education, enter the skilled trades, find rewarding careers and build a successful future.”
Province Orders Review of Assessment Exemptions
A key issue emerging from the latest results is the increase in students being exempted from EQAO assessments in some Ontario school boards. The government said such exemptions are intended for students unable to complete an assessment even when permitted accommodations are available.
Calandra has directed EQAO leadership to investigate the increase and determine what factors are contributing to the change. The review is expected to help the province determine whether additional measures are required.
Student Achievement Plans Face Closer Monitoring
The Ministry of Education will also work directly with every school board to review Student Achievement Plans and monitor progress. The plans allow boards to use local assessment data to identify areas of weaker performance and establish actions aimed at improving outcomes.
The government has also established an independent advisory body on student achievement and assessment to examine successful approaches and recommend additional measures.
The latest EQAO findings are expected to remain an important benchmark as Ontario evaluates its efforts to strengthen reading, writing and mathematics skills and reduce achievement gaps across the province.