Education story 1
Schools
Darwin Schools & Education
Everything families need to know about education in Darwin -- from primary enrollment to university.
NT Education System
Year structure
Year 7 to 12. NTCE (Northern Territory Certificate of Education) in Year 11–12.
Certificates
Most students work toward the NTCE. Those aiming for university also receive an ATAR, while others can graduate with vocational qualifications.
Department
NT Department of Education sets policies, term dates and school zones.
ATAR
The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank compares students across the country. In the NT it is calculated from NTCE results and is used for university entry.
Find your local school
School zones in Darwin determine which public school your child is eligible for. Zone boundaries are set by NT Department of Education.
Notable Darwin schools
- Government
Darwin High School
A selective public senior school in The Gardens with a strong academic record and extensive language and science programs.
- Independent
Essington School Darwin
An independent non-government school in Nightcliff offering the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and International Baccalaureate pathways.
- Independent
Good Shepherd Lutheran College
A Lutheran K–12 college in Palmerston with a large rural-style campus and strong music, sport and outdoor education programs.
- Independent
Kormilda College
A Uniting Church and Anglican co-educational day and boarding school in Berrimah with a long history serving Indigenous and remote students.
- Catholic
St John's Catholic College Darwin
A Catholic secondary college in the Darwin CBD delivering a faith-based curriculum alongside vocational and university pathways.
Darwin's education system serves a diverse community including Defence Force families, expatriate workers, and a significant proportion of Indigenous students.
Universities & further education in Darwin
Charles Darwin University (CDU)
The Territory's largest university, with strengths in health, education, engineering, Indigenous knowledges and tropical research.
CQUniversity Darwin campus
A specialist campus offering vocational and higher-education courses in nursing, trades, business and community services.
For TAFE and vocational training, visit tafensw.edu.au or your state TAFE provider.
Enrollment guide
How to enroll your child in Darwin's public primary schools. Check education.nt.gov.au for age requirements and enrollment dates.
Education news from The Daily Darwin
Education story 2
Education story 3
Your school, your community
Is your school doing something noteworthy? The Daily Darwin covers school achievements, sports carnivals, fundraisers, and community events. Send us a tip or a press release.