Haileybury Rendall School student Charlotte Williams joins National Student Voice Council

A Top End student has obtained a prestigious role in a national council, where she plans to put a spotlight on the Territory’s education shortfalls.

Haileybury Rendall School student Charlotte Williams has been selected for the prestigious National Student Voice Council. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Equitable education access for the Territory’s most remote schools is a key focus for one Top End student with the chance to put the NT’s needs under a national spotlight.

Haileybury Rendall School student Charlotte Williams has been selected to represent the NT in the prestigious National Student Voice Council until the end of 2025.

The Year 11 student said attracting and retaining skilled educators and building strong learning plans were critical to taking NT students’ learning outcomes to the next level.

The Productivity Commission found the NT’s total attainment rate – the percentage of students who received a Year 12 Certificate – was just 41.6 per cent in 2022.

Nationally, 76.3 per cent of students graduated with a Year 12 Certificate in 2022.

“One of the most pressing issues for NT students is ensuring equitable access to resources that cater to their diverse needs, especially considering the geographical challenges and disparities in teacher quality,” Ms Williams said.

“While I’m fortunate to have access to a fairly reliable education in Darwin, I recognise that this isn’t always the case for students, particularly in remote areas.”

The council brings together students from across the country to work alongside the nation’s education ministers and inform schooling policy.

Ms Williams has participated in two online council meetings so far with a third slated for Term 3.

She plans to fully immerse herself in her role on the council and said she looked forward to exchanging ideas with her peers around the country to create a better future for the Territory’s – and Australia’s – learners.

“Although I haven’t had the opportunity to meet our new Education Minister, I look forward to future discussions,” she said.

“As a team, we’ve identified key topics to address, including the importance of valuing diverse ideas and perspectives, empowering students to question and challenge, ensuring access to essential resources, fostering engaging learning experiences, and celebrating the richness of student diversity.”