Faith Based Independent Schools

In the NT, 60%  of Independent Schools have a religious affiliation. Faith-based schools operate autonomously, integrating religious values and beliefs into their curriculum, community, and governance.


In the Northern Territory, faith-based Independent Schools include Christian, Lutheran, Islamic, and Uniting Church-affiliated schools.

Islamic Education

Islamic education in Independent Schools integrates faith with academic learning, fostering ethical values and a deep understanding of the Quran. These schools provide a supportive environment where students develop spiritually while receiving a strong education. There is one  Islamic School in the NT:

Australian International Islamic College

Darwin, Early Learning - Year 6

Website: Australian International Islamic College

Logo for Australian International Islamic College, featuring text and a blue emblem with an open book at its center.
A group of schoolchildren sit on the floor listening to a robed man in a mosque-like setting. Two adults stand nearby.
Four smiling schoolgirls in blue uniforms and hats pose outdoors.

Lutheran Education

Lutheran Education is an association that offers its member schools advice, advocacy and support. To be a member school under Lutheran Education, schools need to align with the mission and values of the Lutheran Church of Australia. Teaching and leadership staff must hold accreditation to ensure they appropriately deliver Lutheran theology.


Each member school makes their own decision with their board and are independently governed. In the Northern Territory, three schools operate as

members of Lutheran Education:

Good Shepherd Lutheran College

Palmerston, Howard Springs, Leanyer | Early Learning - Year 12

Website: Good Shepherd

Logo for Good Shepherd Lutheran College. Features the name, with a shield emblem showing a cross, river, and sun rays.

Living Waters Lutheran School

Alice Springs | Early Learning - Year 6

Website: Living Waters

Logo for Living Waters, a Christian organization. Features a cross and landscape in a blue and brown circle.

Yirara College

Alice Springs, Kintore | Year 7 - 12

Website: Yirara College

Brown abstract design. Two arched shapes with dotted borders frame a circular shape with concentric circles and a dotted border.

Uniting Church

The Australian Uniting Church has a strong focus on social justice and inclusion and empowering communities. Integrating faith values within the schooling community.


The Uniting Church in Australia, Northern Synod played a foundational role in establishing St Philip's College in Alice Springs and supporting governance within the school.

St Philip's College

Alice Springs, Year 7 - Year 12

Website: St Philip’s College

A gray letter
Four students in blue blazers and plaid skirts/shorts stand by a tree outside a school building. They are smiling.

School Systems

Independent Schools with shared educational philosophies or goals may be governed as a system, ensuring unified operations across multiple schools.


Key features of Independent school systems include:

Centralised Governance

Black icon of a bank with three circles connected to it, likely representing data or connections.

A governing body oversees schools within the system, establishing policies, staffing frameworks, and curriculum guidelines.

Unified Funding Model

Hand holding a coin with a dollar sign on it, indicating financial transaction or investment.

Funding is managed at a system-wide level and distributed to schools accordingly.

Shared Resources

A circular graphic with icons representing money, a gear, time, and a person, suggesting a process or system.

Schools may collaborate on administrative support, professional development, and infrastructure planning.

Geographical Boundaries

Black and white location pin with three concentric circles inside.

Due to state-based legislative frameworks, school systems operate within a single State or Territory to ensure compliance.


NT Christian Schools

NT Christian Schools is the only Independent School system in the NT. NT Christian Schools was formed in 1977 by a parent body who wanted Christian values embedded into the schooling community, ensuring their children received high-quality Christ centred education.


NT Christian Schools currently has 7 Schools across the NT:

Three students in school uniforms smiling and talking outdoors. One boy and two girls, backpacks on.

Palmerston Christian College

Palmerston | Early Learning - Year 12

Website: Palmerston

A white cross overlaid on open books, one red and one blue.

Araluen Christian College

Alice Springs | Primary - Year 10

Website: Araluen Christian College

Heart-shaped logo with a teal and navy blue split, with a white cross in the center.

Sattler Christian College

Bees Creek   Early Learning - Year 12

Website: Sattler Christian College

Winged cross icon in blue and orange, possibly representing faith or spirituality.

Nhulunbuy Christian College

Nhulunbuy | Primary - Year 12

Website: Nhulunbuy Christian College

A stylized, abstract logo with a dark blue cross shape overlapping teal and yellow swooshes.

Marrara Christian College

Palmerston | Early Learning - Year 12

Website: Marrara Christian College

Logo for Marrara Christian College, featuring a green stylized cross with the words

Gäwa Christian College

Elcho Island | Early Learning - Year

6

Website: Gawa Christian School

Circular emblem featuring a stylized stingray design in black, red, yellow, and white. Text reads

NT Christian College

Palmerston | Year 10 - Year 12

Website: NT Christian College

Logo for NT Christian College. Features an orange flower-like design on the left and the text