Independent Aboriginal Community Schools

The Northern Territory has the highest percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students of any state or territory in Australia.


There are currently eight Independent Aboriginal Community Schools in the Northern Territory located in remote and very remote communities.  These schools are Independent and are governed by Boards consisting of community members.  These schools strive to respond to the wishes and particular circumstances of the community they are a part of, whilst providing the best possible education for individual students.


There is significant cultural and linguistic diversity within NT Aboriginal communities. Schools strive to respond to the wishes and particular circumstances of their local communities, while providing the best possible education for individual students. There is also a proud tradition of providing boarding places for Aboriginal students, particularly those from remote areas.


Northern Territory Independent schools work within the framework of the NT Indigenous Education Strategy, which was developed in response to recommendations from the A Share in the Future Review of Indigenous Education in the Northern Territory. This framework fits with the Australian Government’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Strategy.

Dadirri' is an Aboriginal concept of the Ngan'gikurunggkurr people of the Daly River in the Northern Territory meaning inner, deep, quiet listening and a profound awareness of the 'deep spring of sentience that comes from within' ... it brings peace, understanding and increased awareness.


Following are the Aboriginal Independent Community Schools located in the Northern Territory:

  • Dhupuma Barker

    Opening in 2021, Dhupuma Barker is located in Ski Beach east Arnhem Land. 

  • Gawa Christian School, Elcho Island

    One of the most remote schools in Australia, located on the northern tip of Elcho Island, serving students from the homelands of Gawa and Ban’thula. Gawa Christian School is managed by NT Christian Schools.

  • Mapuru Yirralka School, Arnhem Land

    Located in the very remote area of north-east Arnhem Land, this school has a strong tradition of cooperation and joint leadership between Balanda (non-indigenous) and Yolnu staff. 

  • Nawarddeken Academy

    Nawarddeken Academy has three Schools located throughout west Arnhem Land. This includes:

    • Nawarddeken Academy (Kabulwarnamyo)
    • Nawarddeken Academy Manmoyi
    • Nawarddeken Academy Mamardawerre.

  • Nyangatjatjara College, Central Australia

    An Anangu school in central Australia with three far-flung campuses serving the communities of Docker River, Imanpa and Mutitjulu. All students speak Pitjantjatjara. The college is managed by Nyangatjatjara Aboriginal Corporation. Originally a secondary education provider, the college took over responsibility for primary education in Docker River in 2015. There is a strong focus on Sustainability, most notably through a project at Docker River with Professor Paul Clarke and Pop-Up Foundation.

  • Tiwi College, Pickertaramoor, Melville Island

    A boarding school located on country at Pickataramoor on Melville Island. All students speak Tiwi and live in Family Group Homes during the week, before returning to their own families at weekends. The college is managed by the Tiwi Education Board and is co-located with the famed Hayden Way Garden, an initiative of Matthew Hayden and Guy Reynolds. It has an increasingly impressive academic record.

  • Yipirinya School, Alice Springs

    Located in Alice Springs, Yipirinya caters primarily for children from the Town Camps as well as outstations. It is governed by a School Council of Aboriginal leaders. It is the only Australian school teaching four different Aboriginal languages. Yipirinya uses the Direct Instruction pedagogy, and has a commitment to employing Aboriginal staff.

  • Yirara College, Alice Springs

    Located on the southern outskirts of Alice Springs, Yirara is a boarding school for secondary students. Most students come from remote NT communities, although others are from South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland. Yirara operates under the auspices of Finke River Mission, part of the Lutheran Church of Central Australia.

BI-CULTURAL, COMMUNITY-DRIVEN EDUCATION IN REMOTE AND VERY REMOTE COMMUNTIES ACROSS THE NORTHERN TERRITORY.

'We are teaching young people about the country, the walking routes, the place names, experiences with the country and then they in turn follow this way.  It's just what our old people before us taught us'.

Professor Mary Kolkiwarra Nadjamerrek

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