Just Left School? Your First Weeks Home

Queensland

Queensland Home Education is part of the Department of Education. Questions can go to 1800 677 176 or homeeducation@qed.qld.gov.au.

For how these steps sit with what Queensland asks, see What Queensland needs (opens in a new tab). aussiehomeschoolinghub.com.au/what-queensland-needs

Ongoing registration

1. A child can be registered if they are between five and a half and 18 by the last day of the year, they are not enrolled at a state or non-state school, and a parent or legal guardian lives in Queensland.

   Source: Queensland Department of Education, Home education (opens in a new tab)education.qld.gov.au/schools-educators/other-education/home-education

2. A child cannot be enrolled at a school and registered for home education at the same time. If the child is enrolled, talk with the principal about ending the enrolment and tell the school you plan to register.

   Source: Queensland Department of Education, Registering for home education (opens in a new tab)education.qld.gov.au/schools-educators/other-education/home-education/registration

3. Prepare copies, not originals. That can include the birth certificate, a Medicare card, any relevant court orders, and a summary of the educational program.

   Source: Queensland Department of Education, Registering for home education (opens in a new tab)education.qld.gov.au/schools-educators/other-education/home-education/registration

4. Submit the application online and click finalise, or email homeeducation@qed.qld.gov.au, or post it to PO Box 3710, South Brisbane BC Qld 4101.

   Source: Queensland Department of Education, Registering for home education (opens in a new tab)education.qld.gov.au/schools-educators/other-education/home-education/registration

5. Once an application in the approved form is lodged, the child is provisionally registered and home education can begin until Queensland Home Education decides. By law the unit has 90 days to decide. If more information is requested, the 90 days starts again once that information is provided.

   Source: Queensland Department of Education, Registering for home education (opens in a new tab)education.qld.gov.au/schools-educators/other-education/home-education/registration

6. You can share the confirmation and homeeducation@qed.qld.gov.au with the school so the principal can confirm the registration with Queensland Home Education.

   Source: Queensland Department of Education, Registering for home education (opens in a new tab)education.qld.gov.au/schools-educators/other-education/home-education/registration

7. After registration is granted, an annual written report is a standard condition. The reporting window opens in the ninth month of registration and the report is due in the tenth month. The due date cannot be extended. Templates are optional. The parent must submit the report. Someone else may help prepare it, but they cannot submit it.

   Source: Queensland Department of Education, Reporting requirements (opens in a new tab)education.qld.gov.au/schools-educators/other-education/home-education/reports

8. If the usual home address changes while the child is registered, tell Queensland Home Education within 28 days.

   Source: Queensland Department of Education, Registering for home education (opens in a new tab)education.qld.gov.au/schools-educators/other-education/home-education/registration

A different short registration

1. Temporary provisional registration is a separate 60-day path. It does not need an educational program or an annual report. This is not the same as provisional registration after an ongoing application is lodged. Write to Queensland Home Education and say you are applying for 60-day provisional registration. Include your name, the child's name, date of birth and Queensland address, a statement that the child is not enrolled in a state or non-state school, and proof of age and parental responsibility, usually a birth certificate. The page says the 60 days run from the day you receive the confirmation email.

   Source: Queensland Department of Education, Registering for home education (opens in a new tab)education.qld.gov.au/schools-educators/other-education/home-education/registration

New South Wales

Home schooling registration is with the NSW Department of Education. Questions can go to 02 8340 8510 or homeschooling@det.nsw.edu.au.

For how these steps sit with what New South Wales asks, see What NSW needs (opens in a new tab). aussiehomeschoolinghub.com.au/what-nsw-needs

1. A parent or legal guardian applies to the NSW Department of Education. If registration is approved, the department issues a certificate of home schooling registration.

   Source: NSW Department of Education, Applying to register for home schooling (opens in a new tab)nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/home-schooling/applying-to-register

2. A child living in NSW may be registered from the beginning of a calendar year if they turn 5 on or before the last day of July of that year, and up to the age of 18. Children younger than 6 and older than 17 are not required to be enrolled in a school or registered for home schooling.

   Source: NSW Department of Education, Applying to register for home schooling (opens in a new tab)nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/home-schooling/applying-to-register

3. Applicants are asked for the child's birth certificate or another identity document, two documents confirming the NSW address where home schooling will take place, and any relevant court or guardianship documents.

   Source: NSW Department of Education, Applying to register for home schooling (opens in a new tab)nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/home-schooling/applying-to-register

4. Plan the educational program before the application is assessed. The program is based on the current NSW syllabuses. You must keep records of how the program is implemented.

   Source: NSW Department of Education, Preparing to apply for home schooling registration (opens in a new tab)nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/home-schooling/applying-to-register/preparing-to-apply-for-registration

5. Apply on the Home Schooling Platform, which needs an email address and a mobile number, plus a Service NSW account that uses the same email. If you do not use the platform, email the application form to homeschooling@det.nsw.edu.au. The same documents are still required.

   Source: NSW Department of Education, Submitting an application (opens in a new tab)nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/home-schooling/applying-to-register/submitting-an-application

   Platform: NSW Home Schooling Platform (opens in a new tab)homeschool.enrol.education.nsw.gov.au

6. It may take up to 12 weeks from the application to a certificate. The page says it is rare for the overall time to be longer than that.

   Source: NSW Department of Education, Submitting an application (opens in a new tab)nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/home-schooling/applying-to-register/submitting-an-application

7. Under the Education Act 1990, a child of compulsory school age who is not registered for home schooling with a current certificate must be enrolled in and attend a government or registered non-government school. Questions about enrolment go to the child's school.

   Source: NSW Department of Education, Submitting an application (opens in a new tab)nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/home-schooling/applying-to-register/submitting-an-application

8. An Authorised Person from the department visits the home. For an initial application they review the proposed program. During the assessment they need to sight the child and the home learning environment. The Authorised Person will not assess the child. If registration is approved, the certificate is sent by email.

   Source: NSW Department of Education, Assessment by an Authorised Person (opens in a new tab)nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/home-schooling/applying-to-register/assessment-by-an-authorised-person

9. Keeping records through the registration period is a registration requirement. The page gives examples: work samples, a record of outcome achievement, digital evidence of learning, journalling, and the child's self-reflections.

   Source: NSW Department of Education, Keeping records of your child's learning (opens in a new tab)nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/home-schooling/educational-programs/keeping-records

10. If the home address changes during registration, tell the Home Schooling Directorate. The certificate names that address, so it needs to be brought up to date. You can do this in the online account or by email.

    Source: NSW Department of Education, Applying to register for home schooling (opens in a new tab)nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/home-schooling/applying-to-register

11. Current guidelines for home schooling registration in NSW stay in effect until a new policy is finalised.

    Source: NSW Department of Education, Submitting an application (opens in a new tab)nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/home-schooling/applying-to-register/submitting-an-application

Victoria

Registration is with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority. Send the application to home.schooling@education.vic.gov.au.

1. While the application is assessed, children between 6 and 17 must enrol in a school registered in Victoria. The child must remain enrolled until the VRQA approves the home education application. If the child cannot attend because of illness, stress, bullying or another difficulty, speak to the principal about attendance. With your consent, the principal may contact the VRQA.

   Source: Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority, Register to home educate (opens in a new tab)www2.vrqa.vic.gov.au/register-home-educate

2. You need a Victorian residential address. Send copies, not originals. Include evidence of the child's name and date of birth, and evidence of parental responsibility, such as a birth certificate. If court orders apply, include a copy. If those orders give equal shared parental responsibility, both parents need to consent.

   Source: Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority, Register to home educate (opens in a new tab)www2.vrqa.vic.gov.au/register-home-educate

3. Each child needs a learning plan suited to their level and needs. The plan covers English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, the Arts, Languages, Health and Physical Education, and Technologies. You do not have to follow the Victorian Curriculum. Say whether home education starts once the application is approved or on a later date.

   Source: Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority, Register to home educate (opens in a new tab)www2.vrqa.vic.gov.au/register-home-educate

4. Email the signed application, the learning plan and the supporting documents to home.schooling@education.vic.gov.au. An incomplete application cannot be assessed.

   Source: Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority, Register to home educate (opens in a new tab)www2.vrqa.vic.gov.au/register-home-educate

5. After a complete application is received, assessment can take up to 28 days. The VRQA says it will contact you when the application is approved. If information is missing, the VRQA asks for it, and the assessment period starts when the application is complete.

   Source: Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority, Register to home educate (opens in a new tab)www2.vrqa.vic.gov.au/register-home-educate

Western Australia

Home education registration is with the WA Department of Education. The page below is the one checked for these steps.

1. To register, you must live in Western Australia with a current residential address, be the child's natural or adoptive parent or legal guardian, and be a permanent Australian resident, a New Zealand citizen, or the holder of a valid visa.

   Source: WA Department of Education, Home educator responsibilities and registration (opens in a new tab)education.wa.edu.au/home-educator-responsibilities-and-registration

2. After registration, contact the home education moderator to schedule the first evaluation within 3 months. Schedule the annual evaluation at least 21 days before it is due. Provide examples of the child's learning and progress from the past year, and details of an intended program. The child is welcome to take part. Participation is encouraged and is not compulsory.

   Source: WA Department of Education, Home educator responsibilities and registration (opens in a new tab)education.wa.edu.au/home-educator-responsibilities-and-registration

3. The Department of Education does not provide workbooks, curriculum materials, or direct support in developing the program.

   Source: WA Department of Education, Home educator responsibilities and registration (opens in a new tab)education.wa.edu.au/home-educator-responsibilities-and-registration

South Australia

Home education is an exemption from attendance, managed by the Department for Education. Questions can go to 8226 1327 or Education.HomeEducation@sa.gov.au.

1. You can apply during the compulsory years, from 6 to 17. A child of that age must be enrolled at a South Australian government or non-government school and must keep attending until an exemption has been granted. You are encouraged to tell the principal that you intend to apply.

   Source: Department for Education, Guide to home education in South Australia (opens in a new tab)education.sa.gov.au/docs/curriculum/guide-to-home-education-in-south-australia.pdf

2. Start by requesting the application form from the Home Education unit.

   Source: SA.GOV.AU, Home education (opens in a new tab)sa.gov.au/topics/education-and-learning/schools/alternative-schooling/home-education

3. If an application is approved, the child remains enrolled at the existing school and is not required to attend during the exemption period.

   Source: Department for Education, Guide to home education in South Australia (opens in a new tab)education.sa.gov.au/docs/curriculum/guide-to-home-education-in-south-australia.pdf

4. Once the application is submitted, you may apply to the principal for a 4-week exemption from attendance. If that exemption is granted, the child may start the home education program while the application is assessed. A child of compulsory age must keep attending the enrolled school until any exemption has been granted.

   Source: Department for Education, Guide to home education in South Australia (opens in a new tab)education.sa.gov.au/docs/curriculum/guide-to-home-education-in-south-australia.pdf

5. You must live in South Australia and name the school where the child is enrolled. You provide a program that meets the goals of the Australian Curriculum or a similar program, with resources, a suitable learning environment, and opportunities for social interaction. The program covers all eight learning areas in the Australian Curriculum and plans for 12 months. The department does not mandate one approach.

   Source: SA.GOV.AU, Home education (opens in a new tab)sa.gov.au/topics/education-and-learning/schools/alternative-schooling/home-education

   Also: Department for Education, Guide to home education in South Australia (opens in a new tab)education.sa.gov.au/docs/curriculum/guide-to-home-education-in-south-australia.pdf

6. You meet home education staff to discuss the application, the plan and the resources. The child must be present.

   Source: Department for Education, Guide to home education in South Australia (opens in a new tab)education.sa.gov.au/docs/curriculum/guide-to-home-education-in-south-australia.pdf

7. Include consent from parents with parental responsibility where possible, a copy of the birth certificate, and copies of any court orders. A review usually happens once every 12 months. Progress can be shown with a portfolio of annotated work samples and a learning journal.

   Source: Department for Education, Guide to home education in South Australia (opens in a new tab)education.sa.gov.au/docs/curriculum/guide-to-home-education-in-south-australia.pdf

Tasmania

The Office of the Education Registrar manages home education registration. Questions can go to registrar@oer.tas.gov.au.

1. A child who is at least 5 on the first day of January in any year must be enrolled at school or provided with home education by a registered home educator. Registration is managed by the Office of the Education Registrar under the Education Act 2016.

   Source: Office of the Education Registrar, Home education registration (opens in a new tab)oer.tas.gov.au/home-education/

2. If you choose to home educate, you must register. The application form has to be completed, signed and returned.

   Source: Office of the Education Registrar, How to apply for home education (opens in a new tab)oer.tas.gov.au/home-education/how-to-apply-for-home-education/

3. A new registration needs a separate Home Education Program for each child. It explains what the child will learn and how you will support their learning. Templates are optional. A Home Education Summary and Program is the document used when a registration is renewed.

   Source: Office of the Education Registrar, How to apply for home education (opens in a new tab)oer.tas.gov.au/home-education/how-to-apply-for-home-education/

4. There is no requirement to follow the Australian Curriculum or any particular curriculum. The program addresses the 10 Standards in the Education Regulations 2017, written in your own words.

   Source: Office of the Education Registrar, Understanding the Standards (opens in a new tab)oer.tas.gov.au/home-education/understanding-the-standards/

5. The Registrar's annual report describes what follows a reviewed application: a registration visit at home to discuss the program and view evidence.

   Source: Office of the Education Registrar, Annual report (opens in a new tab)oer.tas.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2024-25-Office-of-the-Education-Registrar-Annual-Report.pdf

Australian Capital Territory

Registration is with the ACT Education Directorate, Home Education team. Questions can go to 02 6205 5429, option 3, or HomeEd@act.gov.au.

1. By law you must register. You can apply if the child is aged between 6 and 17, lives or usually lives in the ACT, and you have parental responsibility.

   Source: ACT Government, Home education (opens in a new tab)act.gov.au/education-and-training/find-a-school-and-enrol/home-education-home-schooling

2. Attach a certified copy of the child's birth certificate or passport. If your name is not on it, also attach a certified Medicare card, health care card, or court orders. For ACT residence, attach a certified copy of both sides of an ACT driver licence, a rental agreement, or a water, gas or electricity bill. An ACT rates notice, a phone bill, or other registration documents are not accepted as proof of residence.

   Source: ACT Government, Home education (opens in a new tab)act.gov.au/education-and-training/find-a-school-and-enrol/home-education-home-schooling

3. You can start home educating as soon as a complete application is submitted. A complete application has every required document and every required answer. If the child is currently enrolled and you are registering full-time, tell the school that you are registering and will withdraw the child.

   Source: ACT Government, Home education (opens in a new tab)act.gov.au/education-and-training/find-a-school-and-enrol/home-education-home-schooling

4. The directorate tells you the outcome within 28 days of a complete application. Registration can be for up to 2 years.

   Source: ACT Government, Home education (opens in a new tab)act.gov.au/education-and-training/find-a-school-and-enrol/home-education-home-schooling

5. Submit a Statement of Intent within 3 months of the start date on the Registration Certificate. In those first 3 months there is an online review meeting of about 30 minutes.

   Source: ACT Government, Home education (opens in a new tab)act.gov.au/education-and-training/find-a-school-and-enrol/home-education-home-schooling

6. Submit a Home Education Report once a year, by the last day of the year. It covers intellectual progress, including literacy and numeracy, social and emotional progress, and physical progress. There is no set format. Templates are optional.

   Source: ACT Government, Home education (opens in a new tab)act.gov.au/education-and-training/find-a-school-and-enrol/home-education-home-schooling

7. You must document the educational opportunities you offer and the strategies you use, and provide plans, materials or records if asked. Records named on the page include a diary or learning journal, photos or videos, observations, dated workbooks, and work samples with notes. Strategies named on the page include discussions, excursions, games and free play, gardening, cooking, and caring for animals. The Australian Curriculum is not required. The page encourages families to be aware of it.

   Source: ACT Government, Home education (opens in a new tab)act.gov.au/education-and-training/find-a-school-and-enrol/home-education-home-schooling

Northern Territory

Apply to the NT Department of Education and Training. Questions can go to 08 8901 4902 or homeeducation.doe@education.nt.gov.au.

1. Until the home education program is approved, the child must remain enrolled and continue to attend. If it is approved, you can unenroll and begin. If it is not approved, the child must be enrolled and attending, and you may apply again.

   Source: NT.GOV.AU, Home education (opens in a new tab)nt.gov.au/learning/primary-and-secondary-students/home-education

2. Families new to home education can apply at any time. Approval is for one school year, and you reapply each year. Applications received after Term 4 has started are considered case by case. Contact the home education unit about those.

   Source: NT.GOV.AU, Home education (opens in a new tab)nt.gov.au/learning/primary-and-secondary-students/home-education

3. Have these ready: a birth certificate, two or three photos of the dedicated workspace, and a program that meets Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority requirements. The program is either a commercial provider program aligned to the Australian Curriculum, or a self-developed plan on the department template. Other documents are not accepted for a self-developed plan. Include court, medical or visa documents if they apply.

   Source: NT.GOV.AU, Home education (opens in a new tab)nt.gov.au/learning/primary-and-secondary-students/home-education

4. The online application on Territory Services has to be finished in one session. Progress on that form cannot be stored. Gather the documents before you start. You are told the outcome by email.

   Source: NT.GOV.AU, Home education (opens in a new tab)nt.gov.au/learning/primary-and-secondary-students/home-education

5. The parent is responsible for planning, delivering, assessing and keeping evidence. After approval, keep evidence of learning in each learning area. It may be requested at any time and it must match the approved program. Examples on the page are written documents, completed worksheets, video, audio, photographs and artwork.

   Source: NT.GOV.AU, Home education (opens in a new tab)nt.gov.au/learning/primary-and-secondary-students/home-education