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Australia · Homeschool rules

Homeschooling in New South Wales

What the law asks of you, in plain language, with links to the official sources so you can check every line.

Moderate requirements Notice required Last verified May 26, 2026

At a glance

Notice

Required

Curriculum

See details

Testing

Not required

Teacher

No qualifications

Overview

Home schooling in New South Wales is governed by the Education Act 1990 (NSW), specifically Part 7, Subdivision 5, sections 70 to 74. NSW is one of the more structured Australian states for home schooling — registration with NESA is required before beginning and the curriculum must meet the minimum requirements set out in Part 3 of the Act. Registration is granted for up to 2 years and must be renewed. Authorised NESA inspectors may visit the home to verify compliance with registration conditions.

Telling the authorities

Notice is required

Who: NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) via the Minister for Education

When: Before beginning home schooling. Registration must be obtained before a child can legally be home schooled in NSW.

How to do it

A parent must apply in writing to the Minister for registration of the child for home schooling under Part 7, Subdivision 5 of the Education Act 1990. The application is assessed by an authorised person who makes a recommendation to the Minister. Registration is granted for a period of up to 2 years and must be renewed. Apply through NESA at educationstandards.nsw.edu.au

Requirements

Curriculum
he child must receive instruction that meets the minimum curriculum requirements set out in Part 3 of the Education Act 1990. For primary education (Kindergarten to Year 6) this covers six key learning areas: English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Human Society and its Environment, Creative and Practical Arts, and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. For secondary education (Years 7 to 10) courses must be provided in at least 6 of the 8 key learning areas including English, Mathematics, Science, and Human Society and its Environment in each year.
Testing
No standardised testing required by law. However NESA authorised persons may inspect premises and records to verify the child is receiving instruction in accordance with registration conditions. Annual review is part of the registration renewal process.
Record keeping
Parents must keep records required under the conditions of registration. An authorised person may enter the premises where the child receives schooling at any reasonable time to inspect premises and records. Records must be maintained and available for inspection throughout the registration period.
Teacher
No teaching qualifications required. The parent or guardian is responsible for providing instruction. The child must receive instruction in accordance with the conditions specified in the certificate of registration.

Recent changes

NSW home schooling is governed by the Education Act 1990 (Part 7, Subdivision 5, sections 70-74). The Act was last modified 11 December 2020. Registration is required before home schooling begins and is granted for up to 2 years subject to conditions including compliance with the minimum curriculum requirements.

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General information, not legal advice. Always confirm with your school district or education department.