Schools & Childcare in Darwin
An independent analysis of school quality and childcare ratings across 192 schools and 219 childcare services in NT.
Total Schools
192
Total Childcare
219
Mean ICSEA
794
Exceeding NQS
8.2%
The Northern Territory has the widest ICSEA spread of any jurisdiction, reflecting extreme demographic diversity between urban Darwin and remote communities. Darwin's suburban schools score near or above the national average, while remote NT schools have some of the lowest ICSEA values in Australia. The childcare sector is small, with fewer than 200 rated services territory-wide.
Analysis
Two Territories in One
The NT's ICSEA data tells the story of two education systems. Urban Darwin and Alice Springs schools score near or above the national average, with suburbs like Stuart Park and Fannie Bay above 1,050. Remote community schools, particularly in Arnhem Land and Central Australia, have ICSEA values as low as 500, the lowest in the country. The state average obscures this divide completely. Any meaningful analysis of NT school quality must separate urban and remote data.
Darwin's Suburban Schools
Darwin proper is a compact city where most suburban schools fall in the 980-1,060 ICSEA range. The northern suburbs (Nightcliff, Millner, Rapid Creek) and inner suburbs (Stuart Park, Fannie Bay, Parap) form a band of moderate-to-strong schools. For families relocating to Darwin, the urban school quality is comparable to mid-tier suburbs in mainland capitals, despite the territory's low state average.
A Small Childcare Market
With fewer than 200 rated childcare services territory-wide, the NT has the smallest childcare sector in Australia. Darwin concentrates most services. NQS ratings should be interpreted with caution given the small sample. A handful of reassessments can shift the territory's Exceeding percentage significantly, similar to Tasmania.
Above ICSEA 1,050
7.8%
Above ICSEA 1,100
0.5%
Childcare Exceeding
8.2%
Top Suburbs by School Quality
Ranked by average ICSEA score (minimum 3 schools per suburb). National average is 1,000.
| Rank | Suburb | ICSEA | Schools |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Berrimah | 1,069 | 3 |
| 02 | The Gardens | 977 | 4 |
| 03 | Nhulunbuy | 968 | 3 |
| 04 | Humpty Doo | 947 | 3 |
| 05 | Alice Springs | 911 | 12 |
| 06 | Karama | 888 | 4 |
| 07 | Katherine | 839 | 4 |
| 08 | Katherine East | 818 | 3 |
| 09 | Malak | 807 | 3 |
| 10 | West Arnhem Land | 649 | 4 |
Top Suburbs by Childcare Quality
Ranked by percentage of services rated "Exceeding NQS" (minimum 5 services).
| Rank | Suburb | Rating | Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Durack | 33% | 6 |
| 02 | Stuart Park | 20% | 5 |
| 03 | Darwin | 20% | 5 |
| 04 | Berrimah | 17% | 6 |
| 05 | Nightcliff | 11% | 9 |
| 06 | Gray | 17% | 6 |
| 07 | Moulden | 0% | 5 |
| 08 | Woodroffe | 0% | 6 |
| 09 | Zuccoli | 0% | 6 |
| 10 | Leanyer | 0% | 7 |
| 11 | Alice Springs | 0% | 17 |
| 12 | Humpty Doo | 0% | 5 |
| 13 | Katherine | 0% | 6 |
Childcare Quality Areas
How NT childcare services perform across the seven NQS quality areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good ICSEA score in Darwin?
The NT's state average is pulled down by remote schools and does not reflect Darwin. In urban Darwin, ICSEA scores between 1,000 and 1,060 are typical for suburban schools. Above 1,050 is above average for the city. The national average is 1,000. ICSEA reflects community demographics, not teaching quality.
How do school zones work in the Northern Territory?
NT government schools have local intake areas. Darwin's compact size means most suburbs are close to multiple schools. Check the interactive map on this page for zone boundaries. Some remote communities have a single school serving a wide area.
Why is the NT average ICSEA so low?
The NT average is driven down by remote community schools with ICSEA values as low as 500. These scores reflect extreme socio-educational disadvantage in remote communities, not teaching quality. Urban Darwin schools score near or above the national average. The territory average is misleading without separating urban and remote data.
How often is the school data updated?
School ICSEA data comes from ACARA and is updated annually. Childcare NQS ratings are sourced from the ACECQA National Register. School zone information is published by the NT Department of Education.
Explore Darwin Schools on the Map
Search any address to see nearby schools colour-coded by ICSEA score, childcare services by NQS rating, and school catchment zone boundaries.