In NSW, a non-government school must:
- be registered to educate any or all of the Years of schooling (Kindergarten to Year 12)
- seek accreditation to present candidates for the Record of School Achievement (RoSA) or Higher School Certificate (HSC)
- comply with the Education Act NSW (1990).
For non-government schools receiving Government funding you must:
- not operate for profit
- comply with section 83C of the Education Act NSW (1990).
Find out how non-government schools must comply with NESA's rules to maintain registration and accreditation status and not for profit requirements.
Information for schools
Find out how to comply with rules set out in the Education Act to maintain registration and accreditation status of a non-government school.
School registration and accreditation manuals
Non-government schools must be registered to operate. Find out how schools apply for registration and accreditation.
Register a new non-government school
Read about the process and documentation that a new non-government school needs to apply for registration.
School inspections
NESA’s risk-based approach to regulation includes the selection of schools at random for a short notice inspection. Discover more about how inspection processes work.
Governance training
Responsible persons for a school are required to complete NESA-approved governance training. Find out about the approved courses and how to become a governance training provider.
Recognition of schools outside NSW
A school from outside NSW may seek recognition to present candidates for the RoSA and HSC. Find the list of currently recognised schools and the process to apply for recognition.
Resources for school registrations
Schools are responsible for complying with the requirements for registration. Find support to help understand NESA's requirements.
Details of non-government schools
Find details of all registered non-government schools in NSW.
Non-government school not for profit funding regulation
Understand the not for profit obligations of non-government schools receiving Government funding and how NESA supports compliance and regulatory decisions.
RANGS Online
Access RANGS Online for a non-government school to apply for registration, accreditation, approval as a school provider, or recognition for schools outside NSW.
Enquiries about not for profit regulation for non-government schools
If you have an enquiry about the section 83C not for profit requirements or want to raise not for profit compliance concern, our Regulation of Non-Government School Funding team can assist you.
Complaints about a non-government school
If you have a complaint about a non-government school, there are various ways your concern can be raised. Find out more about what your next steps should be.
Stay informed with NESA newsletters
Subscribe to NESA newsletters for all the latest news, media releases and official notices.