About the school
School of the Air is a Distance Education Centre located in Broken Hill, established in 1956. Catering predominately to geographically isolated students within a 300 km radius, the school has evolved to also accommodate travellers over the last two years. Currently, the school boasts an enrolment of 135 students across its two campuses in Broken Hill and Hay.
Educational Approach
The school aims to cultivate excellence in learning through open communication and personalised interaction between teachers, pupils, and home supervisors. Students engage with a tailored educational program centred around correspondence material, supplemented by air lessons, telephone, fax, and field services.
Preschool and Facilities
In recent years, School of the Air has also included a pre-school program, catering for up to 16 geographically isolated students. This initiative aims to ensure that the youngest learners have access to quality education from an early age, supporting their transitions into primary schooling.
As a distance education provider, the school creates an inclusive, supportive community where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive. Through dedicated staff and strong family partnerships, the school co-designs learning plans that cater to each child's unique educational needs. The overarching philosophy emphasises kindness, curiosity, and courage, preparing students to be resourceful and responsible learners.
Mission
At School of the Air, we are developing learners who embrace new challenges with a positive outlook, perseverance, and resilience. Learners will be empowered to be creative, resourceful, and responsible to navigate and contribute their best effort to the world around them.
Location & Catchment Area
- School of the Air
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Broken Hill North Public School 112 m
- B Willyama High School 987 m
- C Morgan Street Public School 1.1 km
- D Broken Hill Public School 1.9 km
- E Broken Hill High School 2.2 km
- F Burke Ward Public School 3.4 km
- G Railway Town Public School 4.1 km
- H Alma Public School 4.2 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 120 (68 girls, 52 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 120
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 985 (percentile 40)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 28% / 42% / 26% / 5%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 78
- Indigenous students
- 8%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 15.4
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 4.8
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 19 |
| Year 1 | 16 |
| Year 2 | 17 |
| Year 3 | 24 |
| Year 4 | 14 |
| Year 5 | 16 |
| Year 6 | 14 |
| Total | 120 |
Year by year
| Year | Enrolments | Girls | Boys | ICSEA | Teaching staff (FTE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 120 | 68 | 52 | 985 | 15.4 |
| 2024 | 117 | 68 | 49 | 1002 | 15.1 |
| 2023 | 146 | 77 | 69 | 989 | 17 |
| 2022 | 144 | 75 | 69 | 998 | 17.4 |
| 2021 | 125 | 63 | 62 | 1004 | 16.4 |
| 2020 | 124 | 59 | 65 | 1011 | 15.4 |
| 2019 | 130 | 60 | 70 | 1001 | 15.4 |
| 2018 | 124 | 58 | 66 | 1017 | 15.4 |
| 2017 | 133 | 64 | 69 | 1004 | 16 |
| 2016 | 124 | 59 | 65 | 1009 | 14.9 |
| 2015 | 134 | 62 | 72 | 997 | 14.7 |
| 2014 | 112 | 56 | 56 | 1015 | 13.9 |
| 2013 | 116 | 54 | 62 | 997 | 13.9 |
| 2012 | 137 | 66 | 71 | 1066 | 15.1 |
| 2011 | 139 | 65 | 74 | 1072 | 17.9 |
| 2010 | 126 | 57 | 69 | 1076 | 18.4 |
| 2009 | 117 | 52 | 65 | 1027 | 16.2 |
| 2008 | 116 | 51 | 65 | 1027 | 16.2 |