Homeschooling in Australian Capital Territory

Key Requirements at a Glance

• Registration with the ACT Education Directorate is mandatory
• Must submit a Statement of Intent outlining educational approach
• Certified copy of birth certificate or passport required with application
• Registration granted within 28 days of a complete application
• Educational plan must be submitted within 3 months of registration
• Annual Home Education Report due by 31 December each year
• Must apply for renewal at least 3 months before registration expires
• From 1 January 2025: parents must notify Directorate within 28 days if unenrolling from school, ending home education registration, or ceasing distance education

Legal Framework

Home education in the ACT is governed by the Education Act 2004 (ACT), which establishes the compulsory education requirement for children aged 5 to 17. Part 4.3 of the Act deals specifically with home education, requiring parents to register with the ACT Education Directorate. The registration process involves submitting a Statement of Intent that outlines the educational strategies and how the plan addresses the spiritual, emotional, physical, social, and intellectual needs of the child. From 1 January 2025, additional notification requirements apply when parents unenrol a child from school, cease home education registration, or end distance education arrangements.

Filing Requirements

Testing Requirements

How to Get Started

1. 1

   Prepare Your Statement of Intent

   Write a Statement of Intent that outlines your educational approach, including your strategies for learning and how your plan will address the spiritual, emotional, physical, social, and intellectual needs of your child.

   • •Research different educational philosophies and approaches (structured, Charlotte Mason, Montessori, unschooling, eclectic, etc.)
   • •Outline your strategies for addressing each developmental area: spiritual, emotional, physical, social, and intellectual
   • •Describe the resources and materials you plan to use
   • •Consider your child's individual needs, interests, and learning style

   Tip: The Statement of Intent does not need to be a full educational plan — that comes later Be genuine and specific about your approach rather than writing what you think the Directorate wants to hear Contact the ACT Education Directorate or local home education groups for guidance if unsure
2. 2

   Gather Required Documents

   Obtain a certified copy of your child's birth certificate or passport. This must be a certified copy, not a regular photocopy.

   • •Obtain or locate your child's birth certificate or passport
   • •Have the document certified by an authorised person (e.g., Justice of the Peace, solicitor, or pharmacist)
   • •Prepare your own identification and contact details

   Tip: A certified copy means a copy that has been verified as a true copy of the original by an authorised witness Many post offices, pharmacies, and police stations offer free or low-cost certification services in the ACT
3. 3

   Submit Your Registration Application

   Submit your home education registration application to the ACT Education Directorate, including your Statement of Intent and certified identity document.

   • •Complete the registration application form
   • •Attach your Statement of Intent
   • •Attach the certified copy of your child's birth certificate or passport
   • •Submit the application to the ACT Education Directorate

   Tip: Ensure all sections of the application are complete — incomplete applications may delay the 28-day processing period Keep copies of everything you submit for your records The Directorate may contact you if additional information is needed

   Before commencing home education

4. 4

   Receive Registration Approval

   The ACT Education Directorate will process your application and grant registration within 28 days of receiving a complete application. You will receive written confirmation of your registration.

   • •Wait for written confirmation from the Directorate
   • •Note the registration period and renewal date
   • •Begin home educating once registration is confirmed

   Tip: Do not commence home education until you have received registration approval Mark your calendar for the renewal deadline — you must apply at least 3 months before registration expires
5. 5

   Submit Your Educational Plan Within 3 Months

   Within 3 months of receiving registration, you must develop and submit a detailed educational plan to the ACT Education Directorate. This plan expands on your Statement of Intent with specific details about curriculum, resources, and learning activities.

   • •Develop a detailed educational plan covering your chosen curriculum and resources
   • •Include how the plan addresses the child's spiritual, emotional, physical, social, and intellectual development
   • •Describe your assessment and record-keeping approach
   • •Submit the plan to the ACT Education Directorate within the 3-month deadline

   Tip: The educational plan can evolve over time — it is a living document Include specific examples of resources, activities, and approaches you will use Connect with local ACT home education groups for ideas and support
6. 6

   Submit Annual Home Education Report

   Each year, submit a Home Education Report to the ACT Education Directorate by 31 December. This report documents your child's educational progress and activities over the year.

   • •Document your child's learning activities and progress throughout the year
   • •Compile work samples and evidence of learning
   • •Write your annual Home Education Report
   • •Submit the report to the ACT Education Directorate by 31 December

   Tip: Keep records throughout the year rather than trying to compile everything at the end Photos, work samples, project descriptions, and reflections all make good evidence The report should demonstrate that your child is receiving a suitable education

Pros & Cons

Sports & Activities

There is no equivalent of US-style school sports access laws in the ACT. Home-educated children do not have a legal right to participate in school sports teams or extracurricular activities. Some schools may allow access on an informal basis.