Department of Education and Children's Services

Schools are important community assets which can be used to assist in the lifelong learning of the whole community. While their prime function is to serve as places of learning for young people, there are many times when school buildings and grounds are available for use by the community.

To make the most of our schools for Territorians, the Department of Education and Training has developed the Community Use of School Facilities Policy, encouraging government schools to make school facilities available for community groups and organisations outside of normal school hours. 

Community organisations wishing to use a room, an oval, equipment or facilities on school grounds should contact the school directly to discuss the suitability and availability of facilities. The provision of educational activities is strongly supported, with local sporting clubs and not for profit organisations also given priority for use of the school after hours. Examples of use include literacy and numeracy courses, adult education, languages and culture, information technology, and sport and recreation programs.

The policy framework provides a consistent approach for community use of school facilities. All users of school facilities outside of normal school hours must comply with the Community Use of School Facilities Policy and ensure that an appropriate user agreement is in place.

Note that the policy does not apply to commercial arrangements and children’s services such as after school care.