| First year of school | Transition |
|---|---|
| Enrolment boundary | local school area |
| Official check | NT Department of Education |
| Department | NT Department of Education |
The Northern Territory’s school system combines urban schools in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine and Alice Springs with many remote and very remote schools.
Transition
The first year of full-time school in the NT is called Transition. Many schools also offer preschool the year before.
Finding a school
Contact the department or the school directly to confirm which school serves your address and what places are available. In remote communities the local school may be the only option, and some students study through distance or boarding programs.
Documents you will need
- proof of the child’s age and identity, such as a birth certificate or passport
- proof of your residential address, such as a lease, council rates notice or utility bills
- an immunisation history statement (most states ask for one at enrolment)
- visa and passport details if the child or parents are not Australian citizens
- any family law or parenting orders, and health or learning support information
General information, last reviewed 19 October 2026. Rules and dates change – confirm with the NT Department of Education before you enrol.