About us

The Department of Education and Training provides education to young Territorians from the early years to adulthood.

It has a range of strategic policy, regulatory, delivery and support responsibilities including:

• ensuring quality early learning and development programs
• delivering high quality education services to maximise student learning
• providing pathways for school-aged students aligned with their further education, and work or career aspirations
• providing a regulatory function over the operation of early childhood services and non-government schools
• supporting Northern Territory (NT) institutions delivering tertiary education
• Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS).

The delivery of services in childcare centres is the responsibility of the Federal Government although the department does fulfil a regulatory role through Quality Education and Care NT (QECNT).

The NT Department of Education and Training CRICOS Registered Provider Number is 00780M.

The department employs about 4,150 people across the NT. This includes about 3,500 teachers, principals and other school staff.

Every school day, we provide public education to about 33,000 students in 151 schools.

Education services are also delivered to about 40 homeland learning centres (HLCs). HLCs are small remote sites delivering education services to small groups of students who are unable to attend the central school in their area.

Of the 188 government and non-government schools in the NT, 83 schools have nearly 100% Indigenous enrolment.

Ninety-one schools have Indigenous enrolments of over 80%, which accounts for about 23% of all students.

For more information about the department, view the annual reports.

Our management

Susan Bowden
Chief Executive
Department of Education and Training

Susan has 36 years’ experience in education with the last 21 years in the Northern Territory. Ms Bowden is regarded as one of the Territory’s most experienced educators and system leaders, and she now leads the new Department of Education and Training.

She is passionate about ensuring that every child, young person and adult has access to high-quality education, and training, and that all people no matter their age are provided the opportunity to reach their full potential and engage in learning.

Her role includes ensuring that the vocational education and training (VET) programs, along with apprenticeships and traineeships, have nationally recognised qualifications and create the very best employment outcomes for Territorians.

Susan has worked in number of senior leadership roles in the NT Department of Education and Training over the past 21 years, including student services, teaching and learning, early childhood education and care, corporate services, strategic and policy responsibilities.

Susan holds a Masters in Education (Leadership) and has served on a number of boards, including the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, Australian Children’s Television Foundation and the Northern Territory Board of Studies.

Our minister

Hon Jo-Anne (Jo) Hersey
Minister for Education and Training