Introduction to Education
At the NSW Department of Education, our goal is to be Australia's best education system and one of the finest in the world. We prepare young people for rewarding lives as engaged citizens in a complex and dynamic society.
With nearly 100,000 employees working in schools and offices throughout the state, we can offer you a varied and rewarding career in your chosen field. Working with us gives you access to:
- flexible working conditions
- attractive salaries
- generous holidays
- opportunities for advancement
- a culture of professional support
By supporting every one of our employees to meet their personal goals at work, we can best meet NSW's goals for quality public education.
What do we do
Children and young people are at the centre of all our decision-making. We ensure young children get the best start in life by supporting and regulating the early childhood education and care sector. We are the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivering high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population. We respect and value Aboriginal people as Australia's First Nation Peoples. We also work closely with the non-government school and higher education sectors.
More information on our vision and values
- View the department's Plan for NSW Public Education
Our schools
NSW public schools provide safe learning and teaching environments to encourage healthy, happy, successful and productive students.
Preschools
Preschools offer programs for children the year before Kindergarten, helping children learn how to interact positively with other children and to recognise and accept their own feelings and those of others. They also develop early language, literacy and numeracy skills. Workers in preschools help boost children's skills and encourage them to join in physical activities and develop good health and safety habits.
Primary schools
Primary schools (Kindergarten to Year 6) are where students develop strong literacy and numeracy skills and explore new ideas, including the use of information and communication technologies. Workers in primary schools encourage self-expression and help students become adaptable and independent learners.
High schools
High schools (Years 7 to 12) provide students with a quality education in a broad range of subjects. Workers in high schools help students continue their education journey, from the excitement of Year 7 to the self-motivation and self-management of their senior years.
Schools for specific purposes
Schools for specific purposes cater to students who have special learning needs. This includes hospital schools, which provide education students who are inpatients in large NSW hospitals.
Central and community schools
Central and community schools educate Kindergarten to Year 12 students in rural areas. Workers in these schools help provide a comprehensive education that reflects the needs of their local communities.
Corporate roles
Supporting the work in schools are nearly 4,000 employees working in corporate roles. People employed in these roles work to build Australia's best education system by developing student-centred policy, designing the schools of the future, supporting teachers so they can maximise their time in the classroom, and much more.