Gapuwiyak School is located in the community of Gapuwiyak 220km west of Nhulunbuy. The population of Gapuwiyak is approximately 1200. The main language is Djambarrpuyngu, used by many residents as a first language, and the clan is the Gupapuyngu. Road access via 4WD is only possible in the dry season. Gapuwiyak can also be accessed via air through chartered air services only and has an all weather airstrip.
Gapuwiyak school provides education for students from early years through to senior years as well as providing education services to two Homeland Learning Centres (HLCs) and has an Indigenous principal. The HLCs are approximately 30km northeast of Gapuwiyak and are remote sites delivering education to small groups of students unable to attend the central school in the area. The school works through the NT Open Education Centre in delivering senior years subjects to students. The school focuses on the priorities of attendance, student achievement in numeracy, literacy and pathways to employment; as well as community engagement and participation.
