Submitting an application
Once you have gone through the planning and preparation stages, and you are comfortable with the educational program you have for your child, you are ready to apply for registration.
Are you ready to submit an application?
Before you submit an application to register your child for home schooling, make sure you have done the necessary planning and preparation.
Application types
Applications are available for:
- initial registration for a child who has never been registered
- renewal of registration for a child who has been registered before, even if the previous period of registration lapsed some time ago
- Certificate of Completion of Year 10 where a parent wishes to apply for a certificate to confirm that the child has completed Year 10 by home schooling registration.
Application assessment
All applications, including initial applications, are assessed by a home visit. Read more about assessments and how they are conducted.
Application requirements
When you submit your application, you need to be prepared with the necessary evidence that will be required for the Authorised Person’s assessment.
Before you apply, ensure you have gone through the requirements and information found in:
- Section 4 of the Guidelines for Home Schooling Registration in NSW (the Guidelines)
- Preparing to apply for home schooling registration.
How to apply
You can apply to register your child for home schooling via the Home Schooling Platform.
To use the Home Schooling Platform you must have both an email address and a mobile phone number.
The Home Schooling Platform will allow you to easily and securely:
- access your online account
- apply for registration, or exemption from registration, for your child
- upload documentation such as:
- birth certificates
- proof of home address
- court orders
- guardian, carer or out of home care documents
- apply for a Certificate of Completion of Year 10 for your child
- view the status of your application
- withdraw your application
- change your home address
- access a live copy of your child’s certificate of registration.
To access the Home Schooling Platform, you must have a Service NSW account using the same email as your child's registration details.
You should receive an auto reply confirmation email when you submit your application online.
If you are unable to submit your application using the Home Schooling Platform, or need any further assistance, please contact the Home Schooling Directorate.
Application timeframe
It may take up to 12 weeks to complete the process from the time of application to receipt of a certificate. It is rare for the overall time to exceed 12 weeks.
Under the provisions of the Education Act 1990, if a child of compulsory school age is not registered for home schooling with a current certificate of registration, the child must be enrolled in and attend a government or registered non-government school.
If you have questions about your child’s enrolment or attendance at school, please contact your child’s school or your relevant sector authority.