Register a non-government school

To operate a non-government school in the Northern Territory, it must be registered under legislation.

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

Applications to register must be submitted at least 12 months before the school plans to open.

Unless a different timeframe is agreed by the registrar.

Before you apply

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

To apply to register a non-government school, follow these steps:

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

You must include:

your 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.

You will also be provided with an application to register.

Fill in the application to register and include 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.

Submit your application with supporting documents by email 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 assessed.

Once you submit your application, 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.

They 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's 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.