Distance Education
Who attends
Students enrolled in distance education are typically located too far from a school to attend daily, are travelling extensively (such as performing artists, elite athletes, or families on the road), have a health condition that prevents attendance, or live in a remote community without a local school that covers their required year levels. Some students combine distance education with part-time attendance at a nearby school. Enrolment is open to students of all year levels from Kindergarten to Year 12.
What the school provides
Distance education schools deliver lessons through a combination of print materials, online learning platforms, video lessons, and regular contact with teachers by phone, email, and video call. Each student is assigned a teacher who tracks their progress and is available for support. Practical subjects include structured activities designed to be completed at home or at a nearby school under supervised arrangements. The schools issue all the same credentials — including the Higher School Certificate (HSC) — as mainstream schools.
Finding a school
NSW has two primary government distance education schools: Callaghan College Distance Education Campus and Schools of Distance Education operating in regional areas. The schools listed below hold the distance education designation. Contact the school directly to discuss enrolment eligibility and the application process.
12 schools found.
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Aurora College
100 Eton Road, Lindfield NSW 2070
Aurora College is New South Wales' first virtual school, designed to provide innovative education to students in rural and remote communities through a blend of online and residential learning opportunities.
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Bourke-Walgett School of Distance Education
Green Street, Bourke NSW 2840
Bourke-Walgett School of Distance Education offers a unique educational experience through innovative technology and community collaboration, serving a diverse student population across its two rural centres.
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Camden Haven High School
Valley View Rd, Laurieton NSW 2443
Camden Haven High School is a comprehensive school in Laurieton that offers education for Year 7 to 12. It values respect, responsibility, and academic excellence while providing diverse facilities and programs to support student learning.
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Dubbo School of Distance Education
Myall St, Dubbo NSW 2830
Dubbo School of Distance Education (DSODE) offers comprehensive learning opportunities for New South Wales students unable to attend local schools, focusing on personalised support, inclusivity, and flexible enrolment options.
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Finigan School of Distance Education
Agnes Avenue, Queanbeyan NSW 2620
Finigan School of Distance Education in Queanbeyan provides tailored K–12 distance education for students unable to attend conventional schools, emphasising inclusivity and high-quality learning.
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North East Public School of Distance Education
School St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
North East Public School of Distance Education offers individualised primary education in a diverse and inclusive environment, focusing on 21st-century skills and community engagement.
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NSW School of Languages
35 West Street, Petersham NSW 2049
The NSW School of Languages offers specialised language education for Years 9 to 12 students in NSW, focusing on individualised distance learning and cultural understanding, resulting in high academic achievements.
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School of the Air
Lane St, Broken Hill NSW 2880
School of the Air is a distance education school in Broken Hill, established in 1956, providing tailored learning for geographically isolated and diverse students across two campuses.
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Sir Eric Woodward Memorial School
75 Ayres Road, St Ives NSW 2075
Sir Eric Woodward School in St Ives provides specialised education for students with disabilities, promoting independence and life-long learning in a supportive environment.
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Southern Cross School of Distance Education
30 Chickiba Drive, East Ballina NSW 2478
Southern Cross School of Distance Education provides equitable distance education to students across Northern NSW, emphasising inclusivity, personalised learning, and robust support systems to facilitate educational success.