Homeschooling in South Australia

Key Requirements at a Glance

• Children must be enrolled at a school before applying for a home education exemption
• Registration (exemption) with the Department for Education is mandatory
• Education program must align with Australian Curriculum goals
• A home visit by an authorised education officer is required as part of the approval process
• Application is a two-step process: initial request form online, then full application form via email
• Exemptions are granted for a set period and must be renewed

Legal Framework

Home education in South Australia is governed by the Education and Children's Services Act 2019 (SA). Under this Act, all children of compulsory education age (6 to 17) must be enrolled at and attend a school. Section 70 provides for exemptions from enrolment and attendance, which is the mechanism through which home education is legally permitted. The Chief Executive of the Department for Education (or delegate) may grant an exemption if satisfied that the child will receive a suitable education. The Home Education Unit within the Department administers the exemption process.

Required Subjects

The education program must align with the goals and general capabilities of the Australian Curriculum. This does not mean parents must follow the curriculum exactly, but the program must address the key learning areas. The Home Education Unit assesses whether the program provides a suitable education across these areas.

Filing Requirements

Testing Requirements

How to Get Started

1. 1

   Enrol Your Child at a School

   Before you can apply for a home education exemption, your child must be enrolled at a registered school in South Australia. This is a legal prerequisite — the exemption process is an exemption from school attendance, so enrolment must exist first.

   • •Identify and enrol your child at a local school (government or non-government)
   • •Obtain confirmation of enrolment

   Tip: You can enrol at your local zoned public school — you do not need to send the child to attend classes before applying for an exemption Contact the school to explain your intention to home educate; some schools are experienced with this process Keep your enrolment confirmation documents safe as you will need them for the exemption application
2. 2

   Submit the Initial Request Form Online

   Visit the SA government website and submit the initial home education request form. This notifies the Home Education Unit that you intend to apply for an exemption.

   • •Go to the SA government home education page
   • •Complete and submit the initial request form online
   • •Provide your contact details and your child's enrolment details

   Tip: Ensure all information matches your child's school enrolment records You will receive a response from the Home Education Unit, typically via email Keep a copy or screenshot of your submission for your records
3. 3

   Complete the Full Application Form

   After submitting the initial request, you will receive the full home education exemption application form via email from the Home Education Unit. Complete this form with details of your proposed education program.

   • •Download and complete the full application form received via email
   • •Outline your education program, including how it aligns with the Australian Curriculum
   • •Describe your teaching methods, resources, and how you will meet the child's individual needs
   • •Submit the completed application as instructed by the Home Education Unit

   Tip: Refer to the 'Guide to Home Education in South Australia' PDF available from the SA government for detailed guidance on what to include Be specific about how your program covers the key learning areas of the Australian Curriculum Include information about socialisation opportunities for your child Allow adequate time for the application to be processed before you plan to begin home educating
4. 4

   Agree to and Prepare for the Home Visit

   As part of the approval process, an authorised education officer from the Department for Education will arrange a home visit. The purpose is to observe the learning environment and discuss your education program.

   • •Respond to the Home Education Unit to schedule the home visit
   • •Prepare your learning space and have resources and materials available to show
   • •Have your education program plan ready to discuss in detail
   • •Prepare work samples or examples of planned activities if available

   Tip: The home visit is a collaborative discussion, not an inspection — the officer is there to support you Have your education program documented clearly so you can walk through it with the officer If you have already started gathering resources, display them in your learning space You can ask the officer questions about expectations and available support
5. 5

   Receive Exemption Approval and Begin Home Educating

   Once the Home Education Unit is satisfied with your application and the home visit, you will receive formal approval for the exemption. You can then begin home educating your child.

   • •Receive and file your exemption approval letter
   • •Note the exemption period and renewal date
   • •Begin delivering your education program
   • •Maintain records and evidence of learning for future reviews and renewal

   Tip: Do not begin home educating until you have received formal approval Set a calendar reminder well before your exemption expiry date to begin the renewal process Contact the Home Education Unit if your circumstances change or you need guidance Connect with home education groups in South Australia for community and support

Pros & Cons

Sports & Activities

There is no equivalent of US-style school sports access laws in South Australia. Home-educated children do not have a legal right to participate in school sports teams or extracurricular activities. Access may be available informally through the enrolled school on a case-by-case basis.