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Homeschool Registration Guides / SA

How to register for home education in South Australia (2026)

Updated 30 August 2026

Registering authority

Department for Education (SA), Home Education unit

Email Education.HomeEducation@sa.gov.au, phone (08) 8226 1327

Who can register

Roughly ages 6–17 (compulsory school age is 6–16, then compulsory education age to 17).

Step-by-step process

  1. Keep your child enrolled at their school — in SA you apply for an exemption from attendance, not a separate registration.
  2. Request an application via the online form (education.sa.gov.au/webforms/ext/home-education-request-form).
  3. Your application is allocated to a home education officer (a registered teacher), who conducts a home visit or meeting during term time, in business hours, with the child present.
  4. You receive a written outcome. You can also ask the school principal for a 4-week attendance exemption while your application is assessed.

Documents checklist

  • Consent of everyone with parental responsibility
  • Birth certificate
  • Court orders (if applicable)
  • A learning program covering all 8 Australian Curriculum areas
  • Three learning goals per child, plus resources, environment, social opportunities and progress monitoring

Reporting obligations

An annual review is required — a form plus a meeting with evidence such as portfolios and journals (literacy and numeracy are prioritised), with the child attending.

Duration and renewal

An exemption is usually granted for 12 months, with an annual review required to continue.

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 education (SA Government) →Guide to Home Education in South Australia (PDF) →

Frequently asked questions

Does South Australia use registration or exemption for home education?

SA grants an exemption from school attendance — your child stays enrolled at a school but doesn’t attend, rather than a separate home education registration.

Who handles home education exemptions in South Australia?

The Department for Education (SA) Home Education unit, contactable at Education.HomeEducation@sa.gov.au or (08) 8226 1327.

How long does a SA home education application take?

Around 4–5 weeks, including a home visit or meeting during term time with a home education officer, and the child must be present.

What must a SA home education learning program include?

A program covering all 8 Australian Curriculum areas, three learning goals per child, resources, environment, social opportunities and progress monitoring.

How long does a SA home education exemption last?

Usually 12 months, with an annual review — a form plus a meeting with evidence such as portfolios and journals, child attending.

Can my child skip school while a SA home education application is assessed?

You can ask the school principal for a 4-week attendance exemption while your application is being assessed.

Requirements change — always confirm current requirements with Department for Education (SA), Home Education unit 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