Education and learning is given a high priority in the Territory.
If you have children, they will receive excellent schooling in the Territory. Our multicultural population and proximity to Asia provides opportunities and experiences that children just wouldn’t enjoy in other parts of Australia.
Almost 42,000 students attend 151 government and 35 private schools in the Northern Territory, ranging from large senior secondary schools in Darwin and Alice Springs to small schools in remote communities.
The school year starts in late January and is divided into four terms of 10 weeks. There is a one-week break at the end of Term 1, a four week break at the end of Term 2, another one-week break at the end of Term 3 and a six-week vacation from December to January.
The Northern Territory Curriculum Framework forms the basis of learning programs from preschool to Year 10.
Education is compulsory for children aged between six and 15 years. Northern Territory government schools provide preschool programs for children turning four by 30 June of the year in question. Schools will have information on availability of places.
The first year of full-time schooling in the Northern Territory is known as Transition, a period that helps prepare children for formal learning. To access Transition, children must have turned five by 30 June of the year in question. You can also contact the school for current intake policy.
The stages of schooling in the Territory align with those used interstate. Early years encompasses preschool – Year 3, Primary years grades 4-6, middle years grades 7-9 and senior Years grades 10-12.
In Year 6, students will be introduced to Middle Years approaches with a focus on providing a seamless and effective transition into the Middle Years.
Senior secondary students undertake courses that lead to the Northern Territory Certificate of Education (NTCE), which is a certificate of completion of secondary schooling. This qualification is recognised by all Australian colleges and universities. Students seeking university entrance must also comply with NT and SA tertiary entrance requirements as prescribed by the universities.
The Northern Territory recognises that students should consider vocational education and training as a valid career pathway, often as part of their NTCE. High schools and registered training organisations offer a wide variety of courses and deliver high quality, nationally consistent training outcomes for industry, communities and individuals.
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