Independent schools deliver high-quality learning programs that meet national and territory requirements, while also offering flexibility to reflect their community values and educational priorities.

  • Australian Curriculum

    All NT Independent Schools teach the Australian Curriculum from Foundation to Year 10. This ensures students build strong literacy, numeracy, critical thinking and key learning areas recognised nationally. 


    For more information visit the website

  • Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET)

    The Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET) qualification is a modern, internationally-recognised secondary school qualification designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and personal capabilities to successfully participate in our fast-paced global society.


    The completion requirements, approved by the Minister for Education, make the NTCET a unique and contemporary certificate that is closely aligned with senior secondary directions in other states.


    The NTCET provides students with access to flexible learning arrangements where students have increased opportunities to develop the business, interpersonal and employment-related skills needed for the future.


    Find out more on the DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WEBSITE

  • Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)

    Haileybury Rendall School delivers the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) in its Senior School.


    Find out more about the Victorian Certificate of Education on the VICTORIA STATE GOVERNMENT - EDUCATION AND TRAINING WEBSITE.

Specialist and Community Driven Curriculum Options

Independent Schools may also offer programs shaped by their educational philosophy, faith-based approaches, community partnerships, or local cultural knowledge.

  • Australian Steiner Curriculum

    A holistic, arts‑rich approach that emphasises imagination, creativity, and learning through hands‑on experiences. 


    Steiner education supports the development of the whole child, head, heart, and hands, through integrated, age‑appropriate learning.


    Find out more about the Australian Steiner Curriculum Framework: https://steinereducation.edu.au/curriculum/


  • Christian Curriculum

    Faith‑based learning grounded in Christian values, integrated across teaching, wellbeing, and school life.

  • International Baccalaureate (IB)

    Good Shepherd Lutheran College runs the Primary Years Program (PYP). It develops caring and culturally aware children aged 3 – 12 to become active participants in their own learning.


    Learn more about the International Baccalaureate: https://www.ibo.org/

  • SEDA Educational Philosophy

    A hands‑on, industry‑aligned program connecting students with sport, recreation, and community organisations, supporting practical learning and employability skills.


    https://www.seda.nt.edu.au/why-seda/education-philosophy

  • Cultural Curriculum (Seasonal Calendar)

    Learning shaped by local cultural knowledge, seasonal cycles, and Country. Often developed in partnership with Aboriginal communities, this curriculum strengthens cultural identity and connection.

Assessment Programs in NT Independent Schools

Independent Schools in the Northern Territory participate in a range of Assessment Programs, both Nationally and Internationally.

'The primary purpose of assessment is to improve students' learning and teachers' teaching as both respond to the information it provides. Assessment for learning is an ongoing process that arises out of the interaction between teaching and learning.

'Assessment for, as and of learning all have a role to play in supporting and improving student learning, and must be appropriately balanced. The most important part of assessment is the interpretation and use of the information that is gleaned for its intended purpose. Assessment is embedded in the learning process'.

National Assessment Programs

Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)

Students in Years Three, Five, Seven and Nine across Australia undertake common tests in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. The results from this assessment provide a measure of how all Australian students are performing in literacy and numeracy against national achievement bands.


For further information on the National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN), visit the NATIONAL ASSESSMENT PROGRAM WEBSITE.

Sample Assessments

The NAP sample assessments test students’ skills and understanding in science literacy, civics and citizenship and information and communication technology (ICT) literacy. Only selected groups of students in Years 6 and 10 participate in these sample assessments (Year 6 only for science literacy), which are held on a rolling three-yearly basis. 


For further information on the National Assessment Program Sample Assessments, visit the NATIONAL ASSESSMENT PROGRAM WEBSITE.

International Assessments

The National Assessment Program (NAP) also includes the delivery of international sample assessments which are overseen by international organisations.

Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA)

The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) involves a sample of 15 year-old students participating in an international assessment of Reading, Mathematical and Scientific Literacy. Participation in PISA provides an indicator on how Australia compares with other countries. 


For further information on the Program for International Student Assessment, visit the AUSTRALIAN COUNCIL FOR EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH (ACER) WEBSITE.

Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)

TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) is a large-scale assessment designed to inform educational policy and practice by providing an international perspective on teaching and learning in mathematics and science. TIMSS conducts assessments of mathematics and science for students in Year 4 and Year 8, supported with extensive data about country, school, and classroom learning environments.


For further information on Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, visit the AUSTRALIAN COUNCIL FOR EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH (ACER) WEBSITE.

Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS)

PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study) is a large-scale assessment designed to inform educational policy and practice by providing an international perspective of teaching and learning in reading literacy. 


PIRLS involves comprehensive assessments of reading literacy for students in Year 4, supported by extensive data about country, school and classroom learning environments. It sits alongside its sister project, TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study), in providing detailed information about the performance of students in Year 4 in the key areas of reading, mathematics and science.


For further information on Progress in International Reading Literacy Study, visit the AUSTRALIAN COUNCIL FOR EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH WEBSITE.

The Northern Territory Board of Studies (NTBOS) provides and receives advice from the Minister and Chief Executive on:


  • Curriculum for all students in the Northern Territory
  • Policy and procedures for assessment, reporting and certification
  • monitoring, evaluating and reporting on student outcomes
  • consultation with representative authorities engaged in education.


Find out more on the DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WEBSITE


A black and white badge with ribbons.

Northern Territory Board of Studies Awards

The Northern Territory Board of Studies (NTBOS) holds annual award ceremonies to recognise the achievements of students in government and non-government schools across the Northern Territory.


In addition to awards for the Territory's top 20 NT Certificate of Education and Training completers, merit awards for Stage 2 board-accredited subjects and industry-sponsored awards, schools nominate students for the following award categories:


  • Administrator's Medal
  • School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
  • Vocational Education and Training in Schools Awards
  • Karmi Sceney Aboriginal Excellence and Leadership Awards
  • Sally Bruyn Senior Primary School Science Award.


For more information of the Northern Territory Board of Studies Awards, visit the NTBOS AWARDS WEBSITE.

Year 12 students in Northern Territory Independent Schools graduate at a higher rate than students in other schools, and are significantly more likely to achieve elite results. 


At the 2022 NT Board of Studies Awards, students participating in Year 12 programs at Independent Schools in the Northern Territory were rewarded for their outstanding achievements in their studies, with eleven students attaining a position in the Top 20 Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET) Student Awards. Fifteen students received Certificates of Merit for Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET), which are awarded to students who achieved an A+ for a subject. 



We are particularly proud of the way our schools nurture and support students. High academic achievement goes hand in hand with student wellbeing, holistic education and access to excellence at secondary providers SEDA College, Good Shepherd Lutheran College, Haileybury Rendall School, Marrara, Sattler and Palmerston Christian Schools, St Philip’s College, The Essington School Darwin Tiwi College and Yirara College.


We thank the dedicated teachers, school leaders and community members who work so hard to make this happen. Most of all, congratulations to our families who choose Northern Territory Independent Schools, and our hard working Year 12s who dare to aim high.


Australian Independent school students rank amongst the world’s top performers