Teaching Jobs

Territory Teaching: a snapshot

Our students

Over 33 000 students are enrolled in Northern Territory Government schools. Of those, 27% are enrolled in schools in non-urban areas. About 48% of enrolled primary students and 41% of enrolled secondary students are Indigenous. A significant number of our Indigenous students have English as a Second Language-sometimes even a third or fourth language.

Although children can start preschool in Northern Territory Government schools from the age of 4, school is compulsory from the age of 6 until the end of Year 10. Young Territorians up to the age of 17 years must 'earn or learn' - in other words, all young people must be in school, training or employment.

Our curriculum

The NT Curriculum Framework (NTCF) identifies learning outcomes for all Northern Territory learners from Transition to Year 10. The NTCF describes what learners are expected to achieve and is used to determine what learners have achieved.

From Year 10 to Year 12, students can work towards the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training. The NTCET is awarded to students who successfully complete their senior secondary education. Students usually complete their NTCET over 2 years, but may take longer.

Senior school students may also choose to undertake VET studies while still at school.

Our schools

The Northern Territory has over 150 government schools, ranging from small very remote schools with a teaching principal to large urban primary schools, middle schools, comprehensive schools and senior colleges. Schools in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine and Alice Springs are considered to be urban schools.

Most remote schools offer Transition to Year 9, although a handful of schools offer Years 10 to 12 programs and some may provide vocational education and training (VET).

Homeland Education Programs include all stages of learning and cater for very remote Indigenous children who are unable to access their nearest school. Locally employed assistant teachers are supported by visiting teachers who are generally based in the nearest large school.

More information about remote communities can be found on the Northern Territory Government's BushTel website.