Education in the Tenterfield Shire

Located in the heart of town, TAFE NSW Tenterfield is an epicentre of modern education for the people of northern NSW.

Utilising digitally-enabled technologies, TAFE NSW Tenterfield offers a revolutionary learning experience, with hands on training and world class learning facilities in everything from cyber security, community services and customer service to civil construction.

In addition to the main unviersity campus located in Armidale, the University of New England (UNE) has a network of Regional Study Centres across New England and North West NSW.

Through the Regional Study Centre Network, students can access:

• Student PC's and printing facilities
• eduroam Wifi and access to the AARNet network
• BYO device workstations
• Direct phone link to UNE academic and professional staff
• Extend access to study space

Drake Public School is a rural school located 50km east of Tenterfield in the New England Tablelands.

We are committed to providing an exciting, challenging and interesting learning environment allowing students to leave Drake Public School as proud, creative, discerning life-learners, ready for the transition into high school and capable of being productive members of the community.

At St Joseph’s School we have been educating the children of tenterfield and the surrounding district for over 130 years.

Established in 1880 by the Sisters of St Joseph, St Joseph’s School is a quality primary school with 127 students, located in Tenterfield in the New England Region of NSW. Our school has large spacious grounds, modern open plan classrooms and experienced, committed staff.

St Joseph’s prides itself on the high standard of education using Quality Teaching and Learning strategies, where every child is challenged and valued for their unique gifts.

Our school has embedded the ‘Living Well, Learning Well’ student support framework with the three pillars that all students know and understand:

• I am Safe
• I am Valued, Respected and Cared for
• I am a Learner

One of the defining features of our school is the strong relationship between family, school, parish and the wider community.

At Tenterfield High School, we aim to promote a dynamic, engaging and positive learning environment, encouraging high expectations that support lifelong learners.

Our rural school is situated 18km south of the Queensland border and caters for the needs of approximately 260 students including 10% Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students.  Quality teaching and learning form the basis for excellent educational initiatives, ranging from a embedded literacy and numeracy programs, a learning centre, study hall, teacher/student mentors and successful vocational education programs.

Our students are well recognised as active citizens within the community and reach state level in a variety of co- and extra- curricula pursuits. Staff range from experienced to early career and are committed to improving the educational opportunities at Tenterfield High School to reflect modern teaching and learning practices.

Our school enjoys very strong parent and community support with significant ties to our local Aboriginal community. We have an extensive and inclusive student welfare system in place.

The Sir Henry Parkes Memorial Public School, with an enrolment of 224 students (including 19% Aboriginal students) is an inclusive, welcoming and friendly school, supported by a close-knit community. 

Our students receive a dynamic education and are provided with opportunities to foster individual talents and interests.  Our school is part of the Early Action for Success (EAfS) initiative. One multi-categorical class operates at the school.

The Parents and Citizens' Association and Aboriginal Education Consultative Group are both integral parts of the school, committed to working collaboratively with the staff to enhance learning opportunities. The Sir Henry Parkes Memorial Public School is a Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) school, and our wellbeing policy is underpinned with Restorative Practices. Teamwork and staff participation is highly valued with staff involved in a collaborative approach to school-wide planning and assessment. 

Our dedicated staff inspires children to have a love of learning using innovative and challenging educational programs, such as L3, TEN, creative arts groups, individual and team sports, public speaking, debating and dance.

Strong emphasis is placed on the skills of literacy and numeracy with technology integrated into all Key Learning Areas. 

With our progressive and holistic early childhood education philosophy, we understand that each child has unique needs and interests. We provide the environment and tools your child needs to thrive to the best of their abilities.

When we expose children to different environments and various learning experiences, we allow them to explore their self-awareness and gain a sense of the world around them. Once they leave Tenterfield Child Care Centre, they’re fully prepared for the next stage of their young lives.

With our Preschool Program, we believe in teaching children to be independent. We encourage them to explore what interests them academically, while also developing social relationships with other students.

In our Infant Program, we provide a soothing atmosphere focused on each child's  natural feeding, sleeping and play patterns. We strive for the most at-home environment as possible, ensuring full comfortability. Mindful of a toddler’s needs and interests, our Infant's Program is designed to give each child the learning opportunities they deserve. We focus on providing routines while encouraging sharing and independence.

It is our mission to provide a quality Preschool service for local children, so that they are not disadvantaged because they live in a remote farming community. We aim to prepare the children socially for school and life, in a quality childcare environment. We endeavour to provide an opportunity for these children to integrate with each other, as well as with their peers, in a caring and stimulating setting.