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Homeschool Registration Guides / NSW

How to register for home education in New South Wales (2026)

Updated 30 August 2026

Registering authority

NSW Department of Education, Home Schooling Directorate

Email homeschooling@det.nsw.edu.au, phone 02 8340 8510

Recent change

Responsibility for home schooling registration moved from NESA to the NSW Department of Education’s Home Schooling Directorate in May 2025 — NESA is no longer the current authority. A new NSW home schooling policy was also under consultation, with the consultation period closing 10 August 2026, so rules may change — check the Nomad Scholars homeschooling hub for updates.

Who can register

From age 6 until Year 10 completion or age 17 (whichever comes first); can continue to 18 (plus up to 2 further years to finish a program). Must reside in NSW.

Step-by-step process

  1. Apply via the Home Schooling Platform (homeschool.enrol.education.nsw.gov.au) — one application per child.
  2. An Authorised Person is allocated to your application.
  3. A home visit takes place, where your program is assessed and your child must be sighted.
  4. The Authorised Person makes a recommendation and a certificate is issued per child.

Documents checklist

  • A program based on NESA syllabuses (K–6, 7–10, or the 11–12 minimum curriculum)
  • Records of planning, delivery, progress assessment, and the learning environment

Reporting obligations

There is no standalone annual report — review happens at each registration application. Renewal (roughly every 24 months, sooner for initial registrations) reviews the prior period’s records.

Duration and renewal

Registration lasts up to 24 months; initial registrations are generally shorter. Renew approximately 3 months before expiry.

The education plan or annual report is usually the scary part — a structured, AC9-aligned curriculum from Nomad Scholars makes that paperwork easy.
Enrol with Nomad ScholarsSee pricing

Official links

Home Schooling (NSW Government)Registration guidelinesRequirements for registration

Frequently asked questions

Which authority handles home schooling registration in NSW?

The NSW Department of Education’s Home Schooling Directorate, reachable at homeschooling@det.nsw.edu.au or 02 8340 8510. Responsibility moved here from NESA in May 2025.

How long does NSW home schooling registration take?

Typically around 7 weeks, though it can take up to 12 weeks, and includes a home visit where your program is assessed and your child is sighted.

How long is a NSW home schooling registration valid for?

Up to 24 months, with initial registrations generally shorter. You should renew approximately 3 months before expiry.

Does NSW require an annual home schooling report?

No standalone annual report is required — your program and records are reviewed at each application and renewal instead.

What curriculum must a NSW home schooling program follow?

It must be based on NESA syllabuses — the K–6, 7–10, or 11–12 minimum curriculum — along with records of planning, delivery, progress assessment, and the learning environment.

Are NSW home schooling rules changing?

A new NSW home schooling policy was under consultation, with the consultation period closing 10 August 2026. Check the Nomad Scholars homeschooling hub for the latest.

Requirements change — always confirm current requirements with NSW Department of Education, Home Schooling Directorate before applying. This page is general information, not legal advice.
The education plan or annual report is usually the scary part — a structured, AC9-aligned curriculum from Nomad Scholars makes that paperwork easy.
Enrol with Nomad ScholarsSee pricing