Homeschooling in Queensland

Key Requirements at a Glance

• Registration with the Home Education Unit (HEU) is mandatory and free
• Provisional registration is typically granted within 5-10 working days
• An educational plan must be submitted within 1 month of registration
• Annual written report and new plan due every 10 months
• Must align with the Australian Curriculum but you choose HOW to teach
• No mandatory home visits — assessment is plan-based
• No set timetable or daily routine required

Legal Framework

Home education in Queensland is governed by the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 (Qld), specifically Chapter 9. This legislation establishes that parents may apply to the chief executive (through the Home Education Unit) for registration to provide home education. Registration is granted where the parent demonstrates that the proposed educational program will provide a high-quality education aligned with the Australian Curriculum. The Act requires parents to submit an educational plan and annual reports, and empowers the HEU to monitor compliance through documentary review rather than home visits.

Required Subjects

The educational plan must align with the Australian Curriculum learning areas. However, parents have complete flexibility in HOW they deliver this content — there is no prescribed pedagogy, textbook, or teaching method. The plan should demonstrate coverage of the key learning areas appropriate to the child's age and developmental stage.

Filing Requirements

Testing Requirements

How to Get Started

1. 1

   Confirm Eligibility

   Ensure your child is not currently enrolled at a school. If they are, you must formally unenrol them first (see Option 2). Confirm your child is of registrable age (from 5 years 6 months to 18 years).

   • •Check your child's age meets the registration requirements
   • •Confirm the child is not currently enrolled at any school
   • •Gather required documents: child's birth certificate and your identification

   Tip: Children must be unenrolled from school BEFORE you can apply for home education registration You can register from age 5 years 6 months, even though compulsory school age begins at 6 years 6 months
2. 2

   Submit Registration Application to HEU

   Complete and submit the Home Education Registration Application to the Home Education Unit. Include a certified copy of your child's birth certificate.

   • •Complete the registration application form (available online or by contacting HEU)
   • •Attach a copy of the child's birth certificate
   • •Submit via the online portal or by post

   Tip: You can contact the HEU by phone or email if you have questions before applying The application is free — there are no fees at any stage Apply for each child individually if registering multiple children

   Before commencing home education

3. 3

   Receive Provisional Registration

   The HEU will process your application and issue provisional registration, typically within 5-10 working days. You may begin home educating once provisional registration is granted.

   • •Check for confirmation from HEU (letter or email)
   • •Note the registration date — your annual reporting cycle runs from this date
   • •Begin planning your educational program

   Tip: Keep your registration confirmation letter in a safe place Mark your calendar: educational plan is due within 1 month of registration Mark your calendar: annual report and new plan due every 10 months from registration date
4. 4

   Submit Your Educational Plan

   Within one month of receiving provisional registration, you must submit a written educational plan to the HEU. This plan should cover the learning areas of the Australian Curriculum and describe how you will address your child's individual learning styles.

   • •Write an educational plan covering the Australian Curriculum learning areas
   • •Tailor the plan to your child's age, ability, and learning styles
   • •Describe your intended teaching strategies and resources
   • •Submit the plan to the HEU within 1 month of registration

   Tip: The plan does not need to be a day-by-day schedule — a broad overview is sufficient Focus on WHAT your child will learn and HOW, not on replicating a school timetable The HEU provides guidance documents and sample plans to help you You can use any teaching approach: structured, child-led, Charlotte Mason, Montessori, eclectic, etc. The plan should cover approximately 1 year of education
5. 5

   Continue Home Education and Report Annually

   Deliver your educational program and submit a written annual report along with a new educational plan every 10 months from your registration date.

   • •Implement your educational plan
   • •Keep records of learning activities and your child's progress
   • •Submit your annual report and new plan to HEU every 10 months

   Tip: Collect work samples, photos, and notes throughout the year to make reporting easier The annual report should describe what was achieved, not just what was planned Contact the HEU if you need an extension or have questions about the report

Pros & Cons

Sports & Activities

There is no equivalent of US-style school sports access laws in Queensland. Home-educated children do not have a legal right to participate in school sports teams or extracurricular activities. Some schools may allow participation on a case-by-case basis at their discretion.