Bourke-Walgett School of Distance Education
Isolated YET Educated
About the school
Bourke-Walgett School of Distance Education provides a unique educational experience tailored to the needs of its rural community in North West NSW. With two centres located 230 km apart in Bourke and Walgett, the school leverages innovative technology and high-quality learning materials to enhance student education, catering to a diverse enrolment of 102 students, including isolated learners and those with special needs.
Educational Approach
The school employs a combination of satellite education and traditional teaching methods to engage its students, ensuring that each child receives individualized support. The staff comprises a Principal, two Assistant Principals, eight classroom teachers, and two full-time support staff, all committed to implementing innovative educational strategies, such as the Jolly Phonics program and Reading to Learn training.
Community Involvement
Bourke-Walgett School of Distance Education emphasises collaboration with students, parents, and the wider community. It strives to create an inclusive environment where every student feels safe and valued, fostering both academic and personal growth. The school also engages in various extracurricular activities, providing students with opportunities to develop their talents and interests beyond the classroom. The overall mission is to ensure equitable access to quality education and to encourage a lifelong love of learning among all students.
Mission
At Bourke Walgett School of Distance Education, we strive to provide high quality educational experiences where every student is challenged to learn in an inclusive, respectful and engaging environment.
Location & Catchment Area
- Bourke-Walgett School of Distance Education
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Bourke Public School 25 m
- B Bourke High School 251 m
- C Enngonia Public School 86.7 km
- D Brewarrina Central School 88.8 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 47 (20 girls, 27 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 47
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 993 (percentile 44)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 22% / 28% / 32% / 18%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 63
- Indigenous students
- 13%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 7.1
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 1.7
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 2 |
| Year 1 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 |
| Year 4 | 13 |
| Year 5 | 6 |
| Year 6 | 6 |
| Total | 47 |
Year by year
| Year | Enrolments | Girls | Boys | ICSEA | Teaching staff (FTE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 47 | 20 | 27 | 993 | 7.1 |
| 2024 | 49 | 21 | 28 | 1014 | 7.1 |
| 2023 | 47 | 21 | 26 | 994 | 7.9 |
| 2022 | 37 | 13 | 24 | 1022 | 7.9 |
| 2021 | 27 | 9 | 18 | 1014 | 6.9 |
| 2020 | 40 | 11 | 29 | 1001 | 8.7 |
| 2019 | 42 | 12 | 30 | 1047 | 6.9 |
| 2018 | 48 | 17 | 31 | 1012 | 6.9 |
| 2017 | 41 | 12 | 29 | 1011 | 6 |
| 2016 | 46 | 22 | 24 | 995 | 6 |
| 2015 | 62 | 26 | 36 | 1003 | 8 |
| 2014 | 60 | 24 | 36 | 1053 | 9 |
| 2013 | 70 | 25 | 45 | 1038 | 9 |
| 2012 | 67 | 30 | 37 | 1009 | 7.8 |
| 2011 | 69 | 30 | 39 | 992 | 10 |
| 2010 | 74 | 33 | 41 | 880 | 10.5 |
| 2009 | 87 | 35 | 52 | 795 | 10.5 |
| 2008 | 87 | 34 | 53 | 795 | 10.5 |