DARWIN EDUCATION

Schooling is compulsory for children aged 6 to 15, and many start school at age 5. Most primary and secondary schools are open from 8.00am to 2.30pm.

Government Schools are generally co-educational and do not charge fees, although some do ask parents to pay a levy. State high schools are not zoned unless the school has reached capacity, in which case children that live locally are given preference for places.

Private Schools tend to be affiliated with a church, some have long waiting lists and fees vary, but are generally lower than school fees in the eastern states.

Parish Catholic Schools are not common, with only four primary schools and two secondary schools in the city. St John's College secondary school offers boarding facilities.

Preschool is provided by the Northern Territory government for children aged 4 to 6 years. Some non-government preschools offer places for children under 4 years old.