Schooling Structure in the Northern Territory

It is a legal requirement in the Northern Territory, for children between the ages of six and fifteen to be enrolled at, and attend school or be receiving an approved alternative education, (eg: home schooling).

Some schools within the Independent sector offer formal or informal Child Care/Early Learning Centres and/or Preschools.  Ages at which children can attend these vary from school to school.

Children begin their formal schooling when they enter Transition.  Usually, children will be accepted to begin Transition if they are turning five by the 30th June of the year of enrolment.  

Ages and Stages of Lifelong Learning: (Northern Territory Department of Education)  

Early Years of Schooling - Preschool to Year Three: (Ages 3-8)

• School is compulsory for all children from the age of six
• Literacy and Numeracy skills are assessed through the National Assessment Program (NAPLAN) in Year Three
• The Northern Territory Curriculum Framework (NTCF) forms the basis of learning programs from Preschool onwards.

Primary Years of Schooling - Year Four to Year Six: (Ages 8-11)

• Literacy and Numeracy skills are assessed through the National Assessment Program (NAPLAN) in Year Five
• The Northern Territory Curriculum Framework (NTCF) continues to be the basis for learning programs

Middle Years of Schooling - Year Seven to Year Nine: (Ages 11-14)

• Literacy and Numeracy skills are assessed through the National Assessment Program (NAPLAN) in Year Seven and in Year Nine 
• The Northern Territory Curriculum Framework (NTCF) continues to be the basis for learning programs

Senior Years of Schooling - Year Ten to Year Twelve: (Ages 14-17)

•  Stages of Schooling - Department of Education - Northern Territory