How to register for home education in Western Australia (2026)
Updated 30 August 2026
Registering authority
Department of Education WA, via your local education regional office
Contact your local regional office — see the official links below for the regional offices page. A home education moderator is assigned to your application.
Who can register
The compulsory period runs from the year the child turns 5y6m until the end of the year they reach 17y6m, turn 18, or graduate.
Step-by-step process
- Lodge your application within 14 days of the child’s last day at school (or before withdrawing), with your local regional office.
- Attach birth certificate, court orders, and guardianship documents as applicable. Only a parent or legal guardian can register.
- A certificate is issued on approval; one application can cover multiple children, each individually registered.
- No education plan is required up front — your program is evaluated afterwards against the Western Australian Curriculum via moderator evaluations (work samples, photos, reports).
Documents checklist
- Birth certificate
- Court orders (if applicable)
- Guardianship documents (if applicable)
Reporting obligations
The first moderator evaluation typically happens within about 3 months, then typically annually, assessing work samples, photos and reports against the Western Australian Curriculum.
Duration and renewal
No expiry or renewal — registration is ongoing until school enrolment, leaving WA, or ageing out.
The education plan or annual report is usually the scary part — a structured, AC9-aligned curriculum from Nomad Scholars makes that paperwork easy.
Frequently asked questions
Who registers home education in Western Australia?
The Department of Education WA, via your local education regional office, which assigns you a home education moderator.
Who can apply to register for home education in WA?
Only a parent or legal guardian can register a child for home education in Western Australia.
How soon must I lodge a WA home education application?
Within 14 days of the child’s last day at school, or before withdrawing them.
Do I need an education plan up front to register in WA?
No. No education plan is required up front — your program is evaluated afterwards against the Western Australian Curriculum through moderator evaluations.
How often are WA home education programs evaluated?
The first evaluation typically happens within about 3 months, then typically annually, using work samples, photos and reports.
Does WA home education registration expire?
No. There is no expiry or renewal — registration is ongoing until school enrolment, leaving WA, or ageing out.
Requirements change — always confirm current requirements with Department of Education WA, via your local education regional office 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.