NSW

Home education in NSW is available for: 

• Children of compulsory school age (generally 6–17, or until Year 10 is completed) 
• Parents or legal guardians who take responsibility for delivering the learning program 
• Families seeking a flexible, individualised educational pathway 

You do not need teaching qualifications to become a home educator. A consistent approach, care for your child, and readiness to lead their learning are all that’s required. Tutors or teachers may be involved if you choose, but this is optional. 

1. Apply for Home Schooling Registration

To be registered for home schooling, a parent or legal guardian needs to apply to the NSW Department of Education. 

You must apply before removing your child from school, unless exceptional circumstances apply. 

All applications are submitted online through the NSW Department of Education’s Home Schooling Portal. Paper forms, email applications, or postal submissions are not accepted. 

If you cannot use the online portal due to: 

• lack of internet access 
• disability 
• exceptional circumstances 

The Department can arrange an alternative submission method. You must contact the Home Schooling Directorate directly to request this. 

2. Prepare Your Documents

• Proof of your child’s identity and age (Birth certificate or passport — the Education Act does not mandate a birth certificate specifically, but proof of identity is required.) 
• Proof of NSW residency 
• Any relevant legal or medical documents 
• Your draft Learning Program 

Once your application is received, the Department will contact you to arrange a visit with an Authorised Person (AP) from the Home Schooling Directorate. 

3. Meet With Your Authorised Person

Your AP will arrange a meeting, usually within a few weeks. This visit can occur: 

• In your home 
• At another agreed location 
• Online (video meeting) 

During the visit, the AP will: 

• Review your Learning Program 
• Check alignment with the NSW curriculum requirements 
• Confirm you can deliver a suitable educational environment 
• Offer guidance, answer questions, and provide support 

If your application is approved, the NSW Department of Education will issue your Certificate of Home Schooling Registration. 

Registration is granted for up to 2 years, depending on circumstances. 

Your AP may ask to: 

• See your Learning Program 
• Sight your child and your child’s home learning environment 
• Discuss your child’s needs and progress 

You may show: 

• Learning resources 
• Work samples 
• Documentation or records 

Your Learning Program must show: 

• How you will cover the required NSW curriculum outcomes 
• Your approach to assessment and progress tracking 
• Your child’s strengths, needs, and learning preferences 
• The resources, materials, and activities you’ll use 
• Where learning will take place 

You must address the NSW curriculum, but you do not need to follow a school timetable or replicate classroom teaching. 

Children may work: 

• Ahead of their year level 
• Behind their year level 
• Across multiple levels 

If your child is working at a different stage, simply explain your reasoning. 

You may design your own program or use a commercial curriculum such as Simply Homeschool. 

You may begin home education once you receive your Certificate of Home Schooling Registration from the NSW Department of Education. Until your registration is approved, your child must remain enrolled in school unless the Department has granted a temporary exemption. It may take up to 12 weeks to complete the process from application to receipt of a certificate. 

Your program must: 

• Align with NSW curriculum requirements 
• Cover all required learning areas 
• Include planned learning experiences 
• Be appropriate for your child’s age, ability, and interests 

You can choose: 

• A self‑designed program 
• A commercial curriculum (e.g., Simply Homeschool) 

Throughout the registration period, you’ll collect evidence of your child’s progress, such as: 

• Written work 
• Photos or videos 
• Projects and creative work 
• Learning journals 
• Reading logs 
• Samples from each learning area 

Your evidence should reflect the Learning Program approved by the NSW Department of Education’s Home Schooling Directorate. 

Registration in NSW is granted for up to 2 years. Before your registration expires, you must apply for renewal, including: 

• A new Learning Program 
• Evidence of progress 
• A follow‑up visit with an Authorised Person 

Families may begin home education at any time during the year. 

NSW families may travel freely while home educating. As long as you continue to deliver your Learning Program and demonstrate progress at your next review, travel is fully permitted.