Register a non-government school

Non-government schools in the Northern Territory must be registered under legislation to operate.

Legislation includes part 7 of the Education Act 2015 and the Education Regulations 2015.

For more information about non-government school registration responsibilities and regulatory processes, read the non-government school regulation guidelines PDF (744.5 KB).

Before you apply

A non-government school must meet the registration standards to gain and retain its registration.

Submit your intent to register to the registrar of non-government schools by emailing registrarngs.doe@education.nt.gov.au.

You must include:

the applicant organisation's name and contact details
the proposed school's:
- name and location
- stages of schooling such as primary, middle or senior secondary
- other relevant information.

Once your email has been received, you will be contacted about the registration process and what's involved.

The application must be made at least 1 year before the school proposes to start program delivery.

You must apply in writing by filling in the application to register a new non-government school and including supporting documents.

These documents must show how the school will meet the registration standards.

This includes policies and procedures detailing how the school will operate.

Email your application with supporting documents to registrarngs.doe@education.nt.gov.au.

Once your application is submitted, you will receive an invoice for the application fee of 1500 revenue units.

You must pay this fee before your application will be reviewed and assessed.

Once received, your application will be reviewed to confirm it is complete. You may be asked to provide more information.

The registrar will provide written notice of receipt of a complete application.

Once your application is confirmed complete, the registrar will refer it to one or more assessors.

These assessors will make recommendations based on the school's:

ability to meet the registration standards and any relevant legislation
possible effects on the NT educational system and on existing schools in the area
level of community support and public comments or concerns
expected effect on government infrastructure, services and resources.

The registrar will then approve or not approve your application based on these recommendations.

The registrar will also consider the registration standards and other requirements under the Act and any other relevant matters.

Additional information or evidence may be required.

If your application is approved, you will be notified and issued a registration certificate.

The school must maintain its registration by continuing to meet the registration standards.

To make sure the school is meeting these standards, it must undergo assessments and provide reporting.

If your application is not approved, you may request a review of the decision within 28 days.

For more information, contact the Office of the Registrar Non-Government Schools by emailing registrarngs.doe@education.nt.gov.au.