Homeschooling in New South Wales

Key Requirements at a Glance

• Registration with the NSW Department of Education is mandatory
• Educational program must be based on NESA syllabuses for each key learning area
• An Authorised Person (assessor) will visit your home and sight the child
• Applications are submitted online through Home Schooling Online (HSO)
• Initial registration is granted for up to 2 years, then renewable
• Processing takes approximately 7 weeks on average (up to 12 weeks)

Legal Framework

Home schooling in NSW is governed by Part 7 of the Education Act 1990 (NSW). Under this legislation, parents may apply to have their child registered for home schooling. The NSW Department of Education (which assumed responsibility from NESA in May 2025) administers the registration process. Parents must satisfy the Minister that the child will receive instruction that meets the requirements of the relevant NESA syllabuses and that the home learning environment is suitable. Registration conditions are set out in the Education Act 1990 and the Education Regulation 2017 (NSW).

Required Subjects

The educational program must be based on the NESA syllabuses for the relevant stage of learning. For Kindergarten to Year 6 (Stage 1–3), the key learning areas are English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, HSIE, Creative Arts, and PDHPE. For Years 7–10 (Stage 4–5), additional subjects include mandatory study of a language in Years 7–8. Parents may integrate subjects and use varied approaches but must demonstrate coverage of all key learning areas.

Filing Requirements

Testing Requirements

How to Get Started

1. 1

   Research NESA Syllabuses

   Familiarise yourself with the NESA syllabuses for the stage of learning relevant to your child's age. Understand the key learning areas and outcomes you will need to address in your educational program.

   • •Visit the NESA website to access syllabuses for each key learning area
   • •Identify the relevant stage of learning for your child (Early Stage 1, Stage 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5)
   • •Review the outcomes and content for each key learning area at that stage

   Tip: You do not have to teach every outcome — your program must be 'based on' the syllabuses, meaning it should cover the key learning areas and work towards the outcomes NESA provides syllabus documents free of charge on their website Consider joining NSW home schooling groups for practical advice on how other families address the syllabus requirements
2. 2

   Prepare Your Educational Program

   Develop a written educational program that covers all key learning areas for your child's stage. Include your teaching approach, resources, and how you will plan, supervise, and record your child's learning.

   • •Write an overview of your educational philosophy and approach
   • •Map your proposed activities and resources to the NESA syllabus outcomes
   • •Prepare a planning and recording system (this can be a journal, portfolio, digital record, or combination)
   • •Set up a suitable learning environment in your home

   Tip: You can use any curriculum resources, textbooks, or programs you like — they just need to address the NESA syllabus outcomes Integration across key learning areas is encouraged and accepted The Authorised Person understands that home schooling looks different from classroom teaching — your program does not need to replicate school
3. 3

   Submit Application Through HSO Portal

   Create an account on the Home Schooling Online (HSO) portal and submit your application. You will need to provide details about yourself, your child, your educational program, and your home learning environment.

   • •Go to the HSO portal and create an account
   • •Complete all sections of the online application form
   • •Upload or describe your educational program
   • •Provide identification and contact details

   Tip: Applications can be submitted at any time of year Have your educational program documentation ready before starting the application You can save and return to the application if you need more time
4. 4

   Prepare for the Authorised Person Visit

   An Authorised Person will be assigned to your application. They will contact you to arrange a visit to your home. During the visit, they will review your educational program, observe the learning environment, and sight your child.

   • •Respond promptly when the Authorised Person makes contact
   • •Have your educational program documentation, planning records, and any work samples ready
   • •Ensure your home learning environment is set up and accessible
   • •Your child must be present for the visit

   Tip: The Authorised Person is there to support you, not to catch you out — they understand home schooling Have your NESA syllabus references ready to show how your program maps to the outcomes The visit typically takes 1–2 hours You can ask the Authorised Person questions about the registration process and requirements
5. 5

   Receive Registration Decision

   After the home visit, the Authorised Person will make a recommendation. The NSW Department of Education will then issue a registration decision. If approved, your child will be registered for home schooling for an initial period of up to 2 years.

   • •Wait for the official registration certificate
   • •Note the registration expiry date and plan for renewal
   • •Begin (or continue) your home schooling program

   Tip: Average processing time from application to decision is approximately 7 weeks, but it can take up to 12 weeks If your application is not approved, you will be informed of the reasons and can address them Keep your registration certificate in a safe place — you may need to produce it if asked

Pros & Cons

Sports & Activities

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