Homeschooling in NSW
Applications for homeschooling in NSW are made through the NSW Homeschooling Directorate. Most families apply online through the NSW Home Schooling Portal using a Service NSW account, although paper applications are also available.
After submitting your application and supporting identification documents, you will be allocated an Authorised Person (AP) who will assess your application. While waiting for your interview, you should prepare an education plan based on the NSW Curriculum outcomes for your child’s stage of learning. This plan outlines the educational opportunities, resources, and learning activities you intend to provide. My Homeschool provides education plan templates and curriculum documentation with all graded courses to simplify this process.
The registration process can take anywhere from a few weeks to three months, depending on application volumes and your location. Once allocated, the AP will contact you to arrange an interview, review your education plan, and discuss your home education program. Most interviews take less than an hour and, provided the registration requirements are met, the majority of applications are approved.
FAQ for Homeschooling in NSW
Now that I’ve given you a basic overview of the NSW homeschooling requirements, let me demystify the registration process and answer some of the most common questions parents ask.
Before we begin, please note that the information on this page is general information only and should not be considered legal advice. It is based on my experience helping homeschooling NSW families for more than 20 years and my observations of how the registration process operates in practice.
Can I Homeschool Part Time in NSW?
Part time homeschooling in NSW is not an option.
When Can I Remove My Kids from School?
Theoretically you are supposed to wait until your registration is approved before you can begin homeschooling in NSW. This process can take a three weeks to three months (but usually it’s less than a month). However, many parents remove their child before their homeschool registration has been officially approved.
Optional Medical Certificate
Some parents get a doctor’s certificate for stress leave for their child until registration is approved.
Ask For A Formal Exemption from Attendance
Ask the principal to give you a 99 day leave of absence also called and exemption. What I am suggesting is totally legal under the NSW Education Act 1990 – Section 25 and school attendance policy.
Your principal can grant an exemption from school up to 99 days for ‘various reasons’. This is the usually the type of leave kids get when doing elite sport, traveling or making a movie. But more and more families are using it for the interim period as they wait for their official approval.
Principals May Insist On School Attendance Till Registered
You need to know that schools don’t have any power to stop you from homeschooling. However principals are required to account for absence from school and they do have mandatory reporting obligations for non-attending students.
How Much Does Homeschooling Cost In NSW?
Applying to homeschool in NSW is free. However, you do not get paid to homeschool.
Having said that, if you are on a Centrelink Job Seeker payment you can get an exemptions from applying for work to the home school.
Parents may also be able to apply for the following subsidies:
- Isolated Children’s Scheme
- Active and Creative Kids Voucher to help with artistic pursuits and encourage sports.
Homeschooling in NSW is possible on a tight budget. Here are some things to think about when trying to work out the real cost of homeschooling.
Do I Need To Teach A Specific Curriculum?
Yes! When homeschooling in NSW you must have a program based on the NSW Curriculum.
The NSW curriculum is currently under reform. This new curriculum aligns with the Australian Curriculum however it has some additional content not provided in the Australian Curriculum.
For more homeschool information on teaching the new NSW Syllabus.
Do I Need To Buy A Curriculum?
You do not need to buy a curriculum for homeschooling in NSW, however many families choose to, especially when they first start.
It’s much easier to register and if you buy a homeschool program like My Homeschool it already follows the current NSW syllabus.
Buying a curriculum can also save you time and stress.
Can I DIY My Curriculum?
Absolutely! If you want to make up your own curriculum you can. May people do. However you don’t need to make everything up yourself. Look at our homeschool bookshop for some DIY resources.
So, if you have decided to DIY your homeschool curriculum, then you will need to remember that your learning plan needs to be based on the relevant NSW Curriculum.
Even if you are unschooling you will need to do an educational plan based on the NSW Curriculum.
Can My Child Get A ROSA or HSC If They Were Homeschooled?
Year 10 Certificate
A Record of School Achievement ( ROSA ) is only available to school students in NSW. It is awarded after Year 10. However when you homeschool in NSW you are offered an alternative Certificate of Year 10 Completion..
Registered NSW Homeschoolers can apply for a Certificate of Completion of Year 10 based on the following criteria:
- the student has been registered in NSW to homeschool Year 10 in the past 12 months.
- proof that the educational program chosen was implemented and completed.
- Samples and assessments of Year 10 work must also be shown.
Important Consideration
Before applying for a Certificate of Completion of Year 10, families should be aware that once a student is recognised as having completed Year 10, any future home schooling registration must be based on the curriculum for post-Year 10 studies (Years 11 and 12).
Families following the Years 11 and 12 curriculum through home schooling cannot be awarded an HSC through home schooling registration alone. For some families, this may not be an issue. However, others may prefer to continue working at a secondary school level for a longer period or choose an alternative pathway such as TAFE, employment, an apprenticeship, traineeship, or early university entry.
As the Certificate of Completion of Year 10 is not required for many of these pathways, it is worth considering your child’s future plans before applying. In many cases, families may choose to continue their existing secondary registration rather than move to a post-Year 10 registration program.
Year 11 and 12 Qualifications
Students who are home educated in NSW cannot be awarded the Higher School Certificate (HSC) through home schooling registration.
However, this does not mean that university or further study options are unavailable. Many home educated students pursue alternative pathways into higher education, including university preparation programs, TAFE courses, vocational education and training, apprenticeships, traineeships, and early-entry schemes offered by universities.
Some students may also choose to complete an alternative senior secondary qualification that can be used to obtain an ATAR for university entry if required.
Home schooling registration may continue until a young person reaches the age of 18 but they are no longer required to be registered after the age of 17. Families may continue their chosen course of study, pursue further education or training, enter the workforce, or follow another pathway that best suits the student’s goals and circumstances.
Will Homeschooling Limit My Child's Options For University?
Your child can still go to university. In fact they can probably get there earlier than if they went through the normal school system.
All four of my children went to university at 16. One became a medical doctor at 22 years old, and another got his Masters degree at 21.
I can tell you many other university success stories. Read about homeschooling and university here.
What if My Child Has Special Needs?
Many parents who are homeschooling have children with special needs. NESA allows you to adapt your curriculum to suit your child’s needs.
Do I Have To Have A Home Visit?
In most circumstances, yes. As part of the registration process, an Authorised Person (AP) will arrange a visit to discuss your educational program and review the learning opportunities you are providing for your child.
For families living in very remote areas, alternative arrangements may sometimes be made.
The visit is generally informal and gives you an opportunity to discuss your home education plans and ask any questions you may have about the registration process.
Can I Register for Homeschooling In NSW If Travelling?
This is one of the more difficult areas of NSW home schooling registration.
There is no specific provision in the home schooling legislation that prevents a registered home educating family from travelling. Many registered homeschoolers travel for short periods and incorporate travel experiences into their educational program.
However, families who are travelling full-time or living overseas temporarily will encounter difficulties when applying for registration or renewal. The NSW Education Department expects a child to have a residential address in NSW and may not register families who have no fixed address.
Some travelling families have reported being encouraged to consider distance education rather than home schooling registration. Others have been advised that their circumstances may not meet the requirements for registration.
Specific travel plans do not need to be included in your education plan, as they are not part of the educational program being assessed. Education plans should focus on the learning opportunities, resources, and educational outcomes you intend to provide for your child. Including details about future travel arrangements may create unnecessary complications during the registration process.
Do You Have To Register for Homeschooling in NSW?
Do I Have to Register?
Yes. In NSW, children of compulsory school age must either be enrolled at a school or be registered for home schooling.
Generally, you will need to register for home schooling if:
- your child is between 6 and 17 years of age
- your child is not enrolled in a government, Catholic, or independent school
- you are living in NSW
- your child is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or holds an eligible visa.
Children under the age of 6 are not required to be registered for home schooling. However, because the registration process can take several weeks and sometimes up to three months, many families choose to submit their application before their child reaches compulsory school age to ensure registration is in place when required.
For young people aged 15 to 17, additional participation requirements apply. These may include secondary education, vocational education and training, employment, or a combination of these activities.
Exceptions
There are some situations where NSW home schooling registration may not be required or available. For example, families who do not have a residential address in NSW, are travelling full-time with no fixed address, or are living overseas will not be eligible to register for home schooling in NSW.
As individual circumstances can vary, it is always best to contact the Home Schooling Unit directly if you are unsure whether registration is required or whether you are eligible to apply.
Phone: 02 9367 8149
Email: homeschooling@det.nsw.edu.au
Can I Get An Exemption?
Possibly, but exemptions are generally granted on religious grounds.
Some homeschooling NSW parents mistakenly believe that an exemption removes the need to follow the home schooling requirements. This is not the case. An exemption from registration does not remove the requirement to provide a suitable educational program or demonstrate that the requirements for home schooling would otherwise be met.
Under NSW legislation, a parent may apply for an exemption from registration if they object to registration on conscientiously held religious grounds. To be granted an exemption, the parent must still demonstrate that the child would qualify for home schooling registration if the exemption were not sought. This means the educational program must still meet the same requirements that apply to registered homeschoolers.
In practice, an exemption is largely an administrative alternative to registration rather than a way of avoiding the home schooling requirements. For most families, standard home schooling registration is the more appropriate option.
Do People Get Refused Registration?
Another 10% withdraw their application. This may be due to a change of mind, finding another solution or because they were travelling.
What Happens If I Don’t Register?
In NSW, children of compulsory school age must be enrolled in a school or registered for home schooling. Parents are legally responsible for ensuring their child is receiving an approved form of education.
In practice, some families begin home schooling before their registration is approved, particularly as the registration process can take several weeks or even a few months. Others may choose not to register for a variety of reasons.
From my experience in the NSW home schooling community, many unregistered families never come to the attention of the authorities. However, this should not be taken as legal advice or as a recommendation not to register.
If concerns are raised about a child’s schooling, the Department of Education may contact the family and ask for evidence that the child is enrolled in school or registered for home schooling. In many cases, families are simply directed to begin the registration process.
In more serious situations, the Department has the power to seek compulsory schooling orders and penalties may apply for failing to comply with the Education Act. These situations are uncommon but can occur where a child is not receiving an approved form of education.
A more practical concern for many families is that some government services and benefits may require evidence of home schooling registration. Registered homeschoolers receive a Certificate of Registration which can be used as proof that a child is legally home educated.
Are There Any NSW Support Groups?
NSW Homeschool Volunteer groups:
- Home Education Australia (HEA)
- Muslim Home Education Network Australia
- Sydney Home Education Network (SHEN)
Other Australian homeschooling regional groups can be found on Facebook groups but there are too many to list. Try also searching a group in your local area.
The My Homeschool Community is also a place that offers support for homeschooling in Australia.
We provide a virtual home educator’s staff room for all our members which includes:
- newsletter, workshops and special offers
- free courses including our How to Homeschool course
- registration templates and self paced registration help for members
- Members only Facebook group
If you need more help please contact us to make an enquiry or book a call.
What are the Statistics for homeschooling in NSW?
Here is a breakdown region by region as of October 31st 2021. The Sydney region having the highest numbers:
- Sydney West 2,874
- Sydney North 353
- Sydney South 211
- Sydney East & CBD 91
This recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald discusses the 2022 trends in homeschooling in NSW.
Application Process For Registration NSW
Step 1: Submit Your Application
The first step is to apply for home schooling registration with the NSW Home Schooling Unit.
You can apply in one of two ways:
Option 1:
Homeschooling In NSW Application – Online Portal
When completing your application, you will be asked to provide identification documents, including:
- your child’s birth certificate
- proof of your NSW residential address.
The online portal can also be used later to:
- renew your registration
- update your contact details
- apply for a Certificate of Completion of Year 10
- access registration documents and certificates.
Option 2:
Homeschooling In NSW Application – Paper Forms
Paper applications are available for:
- initial registration
- registration renewal
- Certificate of Completion of Year 10 applications.
If you choose this option, you will generally need to provide identification documents separately to the Home Schooling Directorate.
Phone: 02 9367 8149
Email: homeschooling@det.nsw.edu.au
Step 2: Prepare Your Educational Plan
Once your application has been submitted, you will enter the waiting period before being allocated an Authorised Person (AP).
This is the ideal time to prepare your educational plan, gather resources, and become familiar with the registration requirements.
Your educational plan should explain:
- what your child will learn
- the resources you intend to use
- how learning will occur
- how you will keep records of your child’s progress.
The NSW School Stages
- Stage One: Foundation (Kindergarten) – Year Two | Ages 5-8
- Stage Two: Year Three – Year Four | Ages 8-10
- Stage Three: Year Five – Year Six | Ages 10-12
- Stage Four: Year Seven – Year Eight | Ages 12-14
- Stage Five: Year Nine – Year Ten | Ages 14 -16
- Stage Six: Year Eleven – Year Twelve | Ages 16 -18
At My Homeschool we offer curriculum from Stage One to Stage Five (Year 10)
Planning Based on NESA Syllabus
To do this you can use:
- NSW Syllabus Outcomes – what you are hoping to achieve.
- NSW Syllabus Content – the subject content.
- NSW Stage Statements (are summaries of the content for each subject set into two-year periods.) Stage statements are no longer a part of the new syllabus and cannot be used for some subjects.
Now I know this all sounds a little scary, but we are not required to plan to the level of a school. You do not need to write up daily lesson plans.
NESA provides you with planning tools for different stages in the curriculum. You only need to worry about these if you are DIYing your curriculum or if your homeschool resource provider does not comply with the NESA syllabus.
My Homeschool uses the outcomes and content to plan our curriculum. We also provide you with a comprehensive scope and sequence which lists the relevant syllabus codes and how they fit with our curriculum.
What Subjects Do I Need to Teach?
The NSW Curriculum has a list of Key Learning Areas that need to be taught.
Key learning areas in primary are:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science and Technology
- Human Society and its Environment – HISE (history, geography, economics, and civics)
- Creative and Practical Arts (fine arts, drama, dancing, and music)
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education – PDHPE (health information and physical education)
- Languages (This is an optional subject for homeschoolers).
Key learning areas in high school (7 to 10) are:
Compulsory Subjects
- English,
- Science,
- Math,
- HISE (history, geography, economics, and civics)
Electives Subjects you can choose to study 2 of the 4 other subjects in the syllabus.
- Creative and practical arts
- PDHPE
- Languages
- Design and Technology
Do I Need A Diary Or Timetable?
You do not need to keep a diary or timetable. However, you do need to have a record of learning.
Here is a quote from the official NESA Guide.
“Each family will vary in the specific types of records to be kept. A diary is one way of keeping a record of how the educational program has been implemented. A timetable is one way of planning learning times for different subjects. Parents may also use other approaches to planning and record-keeping.” p.49
Can I Buy A Plan for Homeschooling in NSW?
Yes! When you use My Homeschool, we provide the essential building blocks for your personalised learning plan, making homeschooling in NSW and the registration process much easier.
We’ve already done much of the hard work for you. Our resources include prompts, examples, and editable templates designed to help you personalise your application to suit your child’s individual needs.
With each grade, we include:
- Resources aligned with the NSW Curriculum, so there is no need to spend hours searching for suitable books, videos, and activities.
- A weekly planner that schedules your work and can also be used as a learning diary.
- An editable learning plan template that can be customised for your child.
- A scope and sequence with NSW Curriculum outcome codes linked to the resources used throughout the course.
- Editable term reports to simplify the re-registration process.
Our goal is to make registration as straightforward as possible by providing both the curriculum and the documentation families commonly need for registration and renewal.
To date, every member who has used our registration templates and followed our recommendations has successfully obtained registration or re-registration.
Free Plans with Each Grade
Unlike many curriculum providers, we do not charge extra for registration support. The templates and documentation needed to prepare your education plan are included at no additional cost with all grades.
Step 3: Homeschooling in NSW Approval Visit
After your application has been processed, the Homeschooling Directorate will allocate an Authorised Person (AP) to your application.
Depending on demand and your location, this may take anywhere from a few weeks to three months. This is why we recommend applying three months before needing registration. Applications made in January generally take the longest to be approved, due to volume of applications.
Once allocated, the AP will contact you to arrange an interview. Prior to the interview, they may request a copy of your educational plan and supporting documentation. This is optional but it will speed up the process on the day.
The interview is usually informal and focuses on:
- your educational plan
- the learning opportunities you will provide
- the resources you intend to use
- how you will monitor your child’s progress.
Most interviews take less than an hour.
Step 4: Receive Your Registration Certificate
Following the interview, the Authorised Person will make a recommendation to the Home Schooling Directorate.
If your application is approved, your registration certificate will be issued and made available through the Home Schooling Portal.
Most initial registrations are granted for 12 months, although shorter registration periods may sometimes be issued. Once approved, you are officially registered for homeschooling in NSW and can legally provide your child’s education from home.
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