Homeschooling in Australian Capital Territory

Under the ACT's Education Act, every child of compulsory education age living in the ACT must be enrolled with an education provider or registered for home education.

Home education is registered by the ACT Education Directorate, and each approved child receives a Registration Certificate.

• Complete the online application form.
• Attach certified copies of your child's birth certificate or passport, proof of your parental responsibility (if you are not named on the birth certificate) and proof of ACT residence, such as a utility bill or rental agreement.
• The Directorate provides a Statement of Intent template that may be requested as part of your application.
• Once you have submitted a complete application you can begin home educating.

The Education Regulation 2005 also sets out when parents must meet with an authorised person to discuss their child's home education and show their home education documents.

Each year you submit a Home Education Report for each registered child by 31 December. It describes how your child has progressed intellectually (including literacy and numeracy), socially and emotionally, and physically.

Keeping work samples, reading lists and short notes through the year will make the report much easier to write.

Registration lasts for up to 2 years. To renew, complete the online renewal form and attach proof of your parental responsibility, a Written Statement and a Home Education Report.

Because you can start home educating once a complete application is submitted, prepare your documents before your child finishes at school. Let the school know your plans, and contact the Directorate if you are unsure about timing.

The Directorate's home education team can answer questions about applying, reporting and renewal. Contact details are on the ACT Government home education page.