Government secondary (Years 7–9), 328 students, outer regional Malak, NT.
NAPLAN well below national year-level averages and solid student growth; the result is a C+ overall.
Sanderson High School is also known as SHS Malak and Sanderson HS.
Sanderson High School has an overall SchoolRank score of 34.2/100, rated "Below average". This score is calculated from academic results, student growth, wellbeing, programs, and value for money. Academically, the school grades C+ (Below average) against other Australian schools. The school's ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) is 863 (6th percentile; the national average is 1,000). Notably, student growth grades B+ (Good).
In 2025 NAPLAN testing at Sanderson High School, Year 7 students averaged 465 across the tested NAPLAN domains, well below the national average of 540 for that year level, and Year 9 students averaged 509, well below the national average of 569 for that year level. National averages are specific to each year level, because NAPLAN scores are scaled so older year levels score higher. A school-wide average can't be compared with a single national figure.
Sanderson High School is a small government secondary school with approximately 328 students. It offers education for years 7-9. As a government school, enrolment is generally available to students living within the school's designated catchment zone. Families outside the zone may apply for out-of-area placement subject to availability.
Sanderson High School is a government school, so there are no tuition fees. Families may be asked to contribute to voluntary school fees covering materials, excursions, and activities. The school grades C+ (Below average) for value for money, which weighs academic results against the cost of attendance.
Sanderson High School has a student-to-teacher ratio of 11.0:1. This is below the national average of approximately 14:1, meaning students generally receive more individual attention. Support staff make up 35% of the workforce, providing additional learning assistance and pastoral care. The student attendance rate is 76%, which is below average.
Sanderson High School is located in Malak, NT, in outer regional Australia. Its ICSEA is 863 (6th percentile; the national average is 1,000). ICSEA measures the advantage of a school's community, from its parents' education and occupation, not the school's quality. A school with a lower ICSEA and strong academic results may be teaching particularly effectively.