Home schooling

Parents may choose to home school their children in NSW. The Department of Education regulates home schooling and registers eligible children. Find out about home schooling and the resources available to parents.

A mum and her two kids sitting at a table doing homework

Home Schooling Update

We are about to start consultation with stakeholder groups on revising the existing guidelines into separate documents. The main documents will be the home schooling policy and procedures for NSW. Once we’ve consulted with these groups we will share the draft with all parents/carers.

Until the new policy is finalised, when our application forms mention ‘policy and procedures,’ please refer to the current Guidelines for home schooling registration in NSW. We are still operating under these Guidelines.

Thank you for your understanding while we are consulting on the new documents.

Apply for home schooling registration or manage your account using the new Home Schooling Platform.

Helpful links

What is home schooling in NSW?

Parents in NSW are allowed to choose home schooling to provide for the compulsory schooling of their children. Home schooling means that the parent takes responsibility for educating their child, primarily in the child’s home.

To be home schooled, a child must:

  • be registered by the NSW Department of Education, and
  • reside in NSW.

Home schooling applicants may now access a range of department resources for children and parents

Displays the front page of the Home Schooling directorate's stakeholder engagement plan

Home Schooling engagement plan 2026–2027

We have released our first Home Schooling stakeholder engagement plan.

The plan explains how the Home Schooling Directorate will connect and engage with home schooling families, communities and stakeholders across NSW during 2026–2027. 

It outlines the principles that guide our engagement and the ways you can share feedback and stay informed.

As part of the Department of Education, we are committed to listening to the home schooling community, building strong relationships and improving how we engage with families and stakeholders.
 Read the Home schooling NSW - Stakeholder engagement plan (PDF 345KB)

 

Home schooling information

Applying to register for home schooling

Understand the process of registering your child for home schooling.

Educational programs and resources

Access syllabus information, help developing educational programs, and home schooling sample materials.

Home Schooling support material

The Department of Education provides resources to support applicants when preparing educational programs. Find support for your educational program.

Home Schooling Consultative Group

The group was established following the Legislative Council Inquiry into home schooling in NSW.

Curriculum reform for home schooling parents

Find out how the new syllabuses will impact your home schooling.

Contacts for home schooling and support organisations

Contact and support information for home schooling registration and general inquiries.

Related information

Contact the home schooling team

You can contact the home schooling team by email or phone.

Email: homeschooling@det.nsw.edu.au

Phone: +61 2 8340 8510 

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