Homeschooling in Northern Territory

Key Requirements at a Glance

• Registration and approval from the NT Department of Education is mandatory
• Child must remain enrolled in school until home education approval is granted
• Programs must align with the Australian Curriculum (ACARA requirements)
• Must provide 2-3 photos of a dedicated learning workspace
• Can use a commercial provider program (with content description codes) or a self-developed curriculum
• Apply online via Territory Services with all supporting documentation
• Approval is for one year only — must reapply annually
• Reapply by late November for the following year

Legal Framework

Home education in the Northern Territory is governed by the Education Act 2015 (NT). The Act establishes compulsory education for children aged 6 to 17 and provides for home education as an alternative to school attendance, subject to approval by the NT Department of Education and Training. Parents must apply for and receive approval before withdrawing their child from school. The approved program must meet the requirements of the Australian Curriculum as set by ACARA.

Required Subjects

The home education program must align with the Australian Curriculum as set by ACARA. All eight learning areas must be addressed, though the depth and approach can vary. Programs using a commercial provider must reference Australian Curriculum content description codes. Self-developed programs must include a detailed plan demonstrating how each learning area will be covered.

Filing Requirements

Testing Requirements

How to Get Started

1. 1

   Research the Australian Curriculum Requirements

   Familiarise yourself with the Australian Curriculum as published by ACARA. Understand the eight learning areas and the content descriptions for your child's year level. Decide whether you will use a commercial provider program or develop your own curriculum.

   • •Visit the Australian Curriculum website (v9.australiancurriculum.edu.au) and review the learning areas
   • •Identify the content description codes relevant to your child's year level
   • •Research commercial home education providers that align with the Australian Curriculum (if preferred)
   • •If self-developing, begin drafting your curriculum plan with content description codes

   Tip: Commercial providers aligned with the Australian Curriculum will typically supply content description codes, making the application easier If self-developing your curriculum, ensure each learning area has a clear plan with specific ACARA content codes The NT Department of Education website may have guidance documents or sample plans to help
2. 2

   Prepare Your Dedicated Learning Workspace

   Set up a dedicated learning workspace in your home. You will need to provide 2-3 photographs of this space as part of your application. The workspace should demonstrate a suitable learning environment.

   • •Designate a specific area in your home for learning activities
   • •Ensure the space is well-lit, organised, and has appropriate furniture
   • •Stock the space with educational resources and materials
   • •Take 2-3 clear photographs showing the workspace from different angles

   Tip: The workspace does not need to be a separate room but should be clearly identifiable as a learning area Include visible educational materials such as books, stationery, and any specialist equipment Ensure photos are clear and well-lit to demonstrate the suitability of the environment
3. 3

   Compile Your Application and Supporting Documentation

   Gather all required documents for your application. This includes your curriculum plan (with ACARA content description codes), workspace photographs, and any commercial provider program documentation.

   • •Finalise your curriculum plan with Australian Curriculum alignment and content description codes
   • •Prepare your 2-3 workspace photographs
   • •If using a commercial provider, obtain program documentation showing Australian Curriculum alignment
   • •Gather your personal identification and contact details
   • •Note your child's current school enrolment details

   Tip: Double-check that your curriculum covers all eight Australian Curriculum learning areas Ensure commercial provider documentation explicitly references ACARA content description codes Keep copies of everything you submit for your own records
4. 4

   Submit Your Application Online via Territory Services

   Submit your completed home education application through the Territory Services online portal. Include all supporting documentation. Your child must remain enrolled in their current school until you receive formal approval.

   • •Access the Territory Services portal and locate the home education application
   • •Complete the application form with all required details
   • •Upload your curriculum plan, workspace photographs, and supporting documents
   • •Submit the application and note any confirmation or reference number

   Tip: Apply well in advance as processing takes time and your child must remain in school until approved For renewals, the late November deadline is important — do not leave it to the last minute Contact the NT Department of Education if you have questions about the application process before submitting

   For new applications, as early as possible. For renewals, by late November for the following year (e.g., by 28 November 2025 for 2026).

5. 5

   Receive Approval and Begin Home Education

   Once the NT Department of Education and Training approves your application, you will receive formal notification. Only then can you withdraw your child from school and commence home education. Remember that approval is valid for one year.

   • •Wait for formal approval from the NT Department of Education
   • •Notify your child's school of your approved home education status
   • •Withdraw your child from school
   • •Begin delivering your approved home education program
   • •Set a reminder to reapply by late November for the following year

   Tip: Do not withdraw your child from school before receiving written approval Keep the approval letter in a safe place as proof of your authorised status Mark your calendar for the annual renewal deadline well in advance Consider joining NT or Australian home education groups for support and resources

Pros & Cons

Sports & Activities

There is no equivalent of US-style school sports access laws in the Northern Territory. Home-educated children do not have a legal right to participate in public school sports teams or extracurricular activities.