Palmerston Secondary Special Education School
The Northern Territory Government is committed to inclusive, high-quality education for all Territory students. As part of this commitment, a new secondary special education school will be built in Palmerston to support students with additional needs in years 7 to 12.
About the school
The school is being designed to support up to 200 students, offering tailored learning environments and inclusive opportunities through its co-location with Rosebery Secondary School. Its Palmerston location ensures families have a local and accessible option.
This initiative forms part of broader reforms to secondary education in the Territory, including the transition of Driver and Rosebery secondary schools to become comprehensive high schools for years 7 to 12.
Current planning for the new school includes:
- an administration building
- 26 classrooms across 5 teaching blocks (incl. 1 specialist science classroom)
- a pool facility
- a multi-purpose hall with undercover access for students using the bus service
- establishment of an irrigated ball play area
- a range of specialist learning areas, such as:
- a technology and arts building
- a music and home economics building
- maintenance, recycling and horticultural building
- an on-site farm
- landscaping, irrigation (incl. covered walkways, bike paths and shade structures) and perimeter fencing with dedicated zones
- covered drop off/pickup areas, car parking spaces, loading bays and roadways
- accessibility modifications to the existing Rosebery Secondary School gym
- all associated site services, stores and amenities.
Final inclusions will be confirmed on completion of the competitive tender process for the design and construction of the new school.
Project timeline
The Department of Logistics and Infrastructure is delivering this project on behalf of the Department of Education and Training (DET) in the following stages:
- Stage 1 – design initiation – completed
- Stage 2 – preliminary design development – completed
- Stage 3 – design, document and construct tender release – anticipated June 2026
- Stage 4 – detailed design and construction – anticipated September 2026 to December 2028
- Stage 5 – school opening – term 1, 2029.
Construction updates and impacts
Construction updates will be provided periodically and will include notifications regarding important changes to conditions in and around the site that may affect the local community, including schools, residents and nearby businesses, such as changed traffic conditions and access points.
Every effort is being made to minimise the impact from the construction on Rosebery Secondary School and the local community.
Alternative arrangements are being put in place by DET to ensure students of Rosebery Secondary School have alternative access to grassed recreational spaces once construction commences on the oval.
Concept design
Keep up to date or get in touch
The NT Government welcomes community input and feedback at all stages of the project.
To keep up to date with the progress of the project, subscribe now.
Construction works
Department of Logistics and Infrastructure
communications.dli@nt.gov.au
All other enquiries
Department of Education and Training
Palmerston secondary special education school
secondary.reform@education.nt.gov.au
Phone: 08 8999 5692
Previous announcements
Last updated: 05 June 2026
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