Getting Started with Homeschooling (Aus Edition)

Is Homeschooling Legal in Australia?

Yes! Each state and territory has its own rules, but homeschooling is totally legal.
You’ll need to register with your state/territory’s education authority and show a plan that covers the learning areas.

Step 1: Find Your State’s Requirements

Here’s a cheat sheet:

State/Territory	Key Info
WA	Notify your local School District Office A moderator will visit you and check that you’re covering learning areas No need to submit a learning plan—but keep records 📝 education.wa.edu.au
NSW	Register through NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority) Submit a detailed learning plan aligned with the NSW syllabus Home visit required (in person or virtual) Approval lasts 1–2 years educationstandards.nsw.edu.au
VIC	Register online, submit a Register with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) No learning plan needed to register, but you MUST teach the 8 Key Learning Areas You may be selected for a review vrqa.vic.gov.au
QLD	Register with the Home Education Unit (HEU) Submit an initial plan, then an annual report showing learning progress More flexibility in how you record learning qed.qld.gov.au
SA	Apply through the Department for Education Need a learning plan + possible home inspection Must outline how you’ll meet national curriculum outcomes education.sa.gov.au
TAS	Apply through the Office of the Education Registrar Submit a Home Education Summary and Plan Yearly reporting required education.tas.gov.au
NT	Apply through the NT Department of Education Submit an education plan & attend regular reviews Must cover the Australian Curriculum education.nt.gov.au
ACT	Register through ACT Education Directorate Submit a plan aligned with the Australian Curriculum Provide yearly progress reports education.act.gov.au

Step 2: Create Your Learning Plan

Most states wants to know:

What subjects you’ll cover
How you’ll teach them
How you’ll record or measure progress

Learning Areas Include:

English
Maths
Science
HASS (Humanities & Social Sciences)
Health & Physical Education
Technologies
The Arts
Languages (not required everywhere)

But how you teach them is flexible – baking, gardening, YouTube, real-life adventures?

Here’s a trick:
Think topics, not textbooks.
Example: Baking = Maths, Science, Reading, Life Skills

Step 3: Register

Each state has a form or online portal
Some require an interview or phone call
Once approved, you’re all set to go!

Step 4: Record the Learning

Depending on the state, you may need to:

Keep a scrapbook, binder or portfolio
Take photos
Use workbooks (optional)
Submit reports or updates yearly

💡 WA Tip: In WA, you often just meet with a moderator, show examples of learning (photos, written work, projects), and chat about what you’re doing.

What If My Kids Are Already Enrolled in School and I Want to Homeschool Them?

You can pull them out but there’s a bit of paperwork and protocol depending on where you live in Australia. Let’s unpack both.

Steps to Withdraw:

This varies by state, but here’s the general idea:

Submit your homeschool registration application to your state’s education authority.
- Some states (like VIC or WA) allow you to withdraw straight away.
- Others (like NSW or SA) recommend waiting for approval.
Let the school know (usually in writing) once you’re registered or approved.
- Keep it simple and polite: “We are withdrawing [Child’s Name] from school as we will be home educating from [Date]. We appreciate your support and understanding.”
You are NOT obligated to give details or justify your reasons to the school.

Q: Can the school stop me?
Nope. They can’t legally block you from homeschooling.

Q: What if the school says I’m doing it wrong?
Smile. Nod. Ignore. They don’t oversee homeschool approval – the education department does.

Q: Do I need to “de-enrol” officially?
Yes, but that usually just means writing a letter or email once your approval is sorted. The education department or homeschool registration team doesn’t always do it for you.

Questions (That We All Ask)

Do I need a curriculum?
Nope. Some parents DIY it, others buy full curriculums. You do you. Pick what works for your brain and your kid.

Do I have to teach everything schools teach?
You need to cover the same learning areas, but not in the same way or order. Think life-integrated, not classroom copycat.

How do I prove my kid is learning?
Photos, written work, voice recordings, videos, progress notes, scrapbooks, or even a private blog or Instagram just for your moderator.

What about socialisation?
Homeschoolers do heaps – excursions, co-ops, sports, group lessons, bush school, church, family time. Socialising isn’t about being in a classroom, it’s about connection.

Can I work and homeschool?
Yes, but it’s a juggle. Many parents get creative with co-ops, childcare swaps, and flexible work. Learning is flexible in when and where you do it – think afternoons on a Saturday.

What about payments?
Sadly, Australia doesn’t offer much financial support for homeschoolers.
You may be eligible for Family Tax Benefit or Carer payments if applicable, but no homeschool-specific allowance like NZ.

If you live in a remote area or can’t reasonably access a local school, you may be eligible for Access to Isolation (AIC) payments of around $4,700–$5,000 per year per child.

What if I mess it up?
You will. It’s inevitable. But that’s also part of the magic. You’re teaching your kids how to be resilient, curious humans who bounce back – and that’s better than any worksheet.

Can I homeschool neurodiverse kids?
Absolutely. In fact, many thrive with the flexibility and pacing homeschool offers. You know your child best so you are already the best teacher for them.

Free Setup Checklist

Find your state’s homeschool registration info
Download the form or start the online app
Write a simple learning plan
Decide on your method or rhythm (optional)
Organise a learning space or system
Submit your application
Celebrate! You’re doing something amazing!
Keep track of learning with whatever method suits you
Join a local homeschool group (online or in person)

Bonus Encouragement

Homeschooling isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about being present, curious, and flexible.
It’s okay to change things. It’s okay to take breaks.
It’s okay to cry in the pantry with snacks.
You’re building something beautiful, one real-life lesson at a time. ❤️

Want More?

Sign up for more helpful printables, templates, and real-talk encouragement at The Essence of Becoming. Let’s homeschool without the burnout – and with plenty of snack breaks.

With love and wonder,
Britt xx