Homeschooling in Tasmania

Key Requirements at a Glance

• Registration with the Office of the Education Registrar (OER) is mandatory
• Must submit a Home Education Summary and Program (HESP) for approval
• A registration officer visit is conducted after provisional approval (usually at home, but alternatives available)
• Annual re-registration is required with an updated HESP evaluation
• No requirement to follow the Australian Curriculum, but education must address key learning areas
• Must be a Tasmanian resident to register

Legal Framework

Home education in Tasmania is governed by Part 7 of the Education Act 2016 (Tas). The Act requires parents to register with the Education Registrar before commencing home education. The Office of the Education Registrar (OER) administers the registration process, assesses Home Education Summary and Programs (HESPs), conducts monitoring visits, and manages annual renewals. Parents have a legal duty to ensure their child receives education that addresses the child's learning needs and is consistent with the requirements set out in the Act.

Filing Requirements

Testing Requirements

How to Get Started

1. 1

   Contact the Office of the Education Registrar (OER)

   Reach out to the OER to obtain information about the home education registration process and any current application forms or requirements.

   • •Contact OER by email at registrar@oer.tas.gov.au or phone 6165 6135
   • •Visit the OER website for up-to-date forms and guidance
   • •Confirm your eligibility (you must be a Tasmanian resident)

   Tip: OER staff are available to answer questions and help you understand what is expected in the HESP Consider connecting with local home education networks for advice and support before applying
2. 2

   Prepare Your Home Education Summary and Program (HESP)

   Write your HESP, which outlines your educational philosophy, the learning areas you plan to cover, resources you will use, and how you will address your child's individual learning needs.

   • •Describe your educational approach and philosophy
   • •Outline the learning areas and how they will be addressed
   • •List key resources, materials, and activities you plan to use
   • •Explain how the program is tailored to your child's age, ability, and interests

   Tip: The HESP does not need to mirror a school curriculum — it should reflect your family's approach OER provides sample HESPs and guidance on their website Be specific enough to demonstrate a planned approach, but you retain flexibility in delivery Include how you plan to address socialisation and community engagement
3. 3

   Submit Your Application and HESP to OER

   Lodge your completed registration application form along with your HESP with the Office of the Education Registrar.

   • •Complete the registration application form
   • •Attach your HESP
   • •Submit online or by post to the OER

   Tip: Keep copies of everything you submit You may receive provisional approval relatively quickly, but allow time for the full process
4. 4

   Receive Provisional Registration

   OER will review your application and HESP. If satisfactory, you will receive provisional registration, allowing you to begin home educating while the full assessment is completed.

   • •Check for correspondence from OER regarding your application status
   • •Begin home educating once provisional registration is granted

   Tip: Do not begin home education before receiving at least provisional registration If OER requests changes to your HESP, respond promptly to avoid delays
5. 5

   Registration Officer Visit

   A registration officer will arrange a visit to discuss your home education program. This is usually conducted at your home but can be arranged at the OER office or via video call (e.g., Skype) if preferred.

   • •Schedule a convenient time with the registration officer
   • •Have your HESP, learning resources, and any work samples available for discussion
   • •Prepare your child to be present if appropriate

   Tip: The visit is supportive, not adversarial — it is an opportunity to discuss your program You can request the visit be held at the OER office or via video call instead of at home Ask questions during the visit about any areas where you would like guidance
6. 6

   Receive Full Registration

   After the monitoring visit, OER will grant full registration if satisfied that the program meets the requirements. Registration is valid for the calendar year and must be renewed annually.

   • •Confirm receipt of your full registration approval
   • •Note your re-registration date and begin planning for annual renewal

   Tip: Keep your registration approval letter in a safe place Mark your calendar for the annual re-registration process

Pros & Cons

Sports & Activities

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