Shepherdson College in Galiwinku is built around learning beyond the classroom.
Shepherdson College in Galiwinku is built around learning beyond the classroom. The school runs a bilingual education program alongside regular studies, offers hands-on maritime training via its vessel Djapi1, and teaches on Country as part of community-centred education. You'll find a Literature Production Centre, strong outdoor learning, and a tight-knit environment where experiential education shapes how students engage with their world.
In 2025 NAPLAN testing at Shepherdson College, Year 3 students averaged 196 across the tested NAPLAN domains, well below the national average of 407 for that year level, and Year 5 students averaged 295, well below the national average of 490 for that year level, and Year 7 students averaged 303, well below the national average of 540 for that year level, and Year 9 students averaged 345, 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.
Shepherdson College is a small government combined school with approximately 458 students. It offers education for years T-12. 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.
Shepherdson College 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.
Shepherdson College has a student-to-teacher ratio of 8.8:1. This is well below the national average of approximately 14:1, meaning students generally receive more individual attention. Support staff make up 56% of the workforce, providing additional learning assistance and pastoral care. The student attendance rate is 32%, which is below the national benchmark.
Shepherdson College is located in Galiwinku, NT, classified as a very remote school. With an ICSEA of 664 (1th percentile), the school community's socio-educational advantage is below average, which means the school serves a community with greater socio-educational challenges. ICSEA measures the educational advantage of a school's community, not the school's quality, a lower ICSEA school with strong academic scores may indicate particularly effective teaching.