How to start homeschooling in Australia: a step-by-step guide

Home education is regulated by each state and territory, and the requirements are genuinely different. Some ask for a learning plan and a home visit before approval; others focus on annual reports or reviews.

Start by reading your authority's official home education pages. Our state and territory guides summarise each process and link to the official sources.

In most jurisdictions your child must remain enrolled at school until home education is approved or registered. For example, NSW and Victoria both require this, and the NT requires approval before you start.

Timing matters. NSW suggests applying about 3 months ahead, the VRQA in Victoria must decide within 28 days of a complete application, and WA asks families leaving a WA school to apply within 14 days of leaving. The ACT allows you to begin once you have submitted a complete application.

Gather your documents early – most applications ask for proof of your child's identity and of your parental responsibility.

Most authorities ask for a learning plan or program. What it must cover varies: NSW requires programs based on NESA syllabuses, Victoria and South Australia expect eight learning areas to be addressed, Tasmania assesses programs against its home education Standards, and Queensland asks for a summary of your educational program.

Begin with where your child is now. Note their strengths, what they find hard and what interests them, then set a few realistic goals for the term ahead.

The Australian Curriculum, published by ACARA, is a free reference for what is typically taught at each year level and can help you structure your plan.

There is no single right timetable. Many families find a predictable daily rhythm helps – for example, focused work in the morning when energy is high, with reading, projects or outdoor time later.

Build in breaks, movement and time outside. Keep sessions short for younger children and lengthen them gradually.

Expect the first few weeks to involve some trial and error. Adjust as you learn what works for your child.

Most jurisdictions ask you to show evidence of learning – at renewal, during a review or visit, or in an annual report. For example, NSW requires records of how the program has been delivered, Queensland and the ACT require annual reports, and WA moderators look at your child's progress.

Records do not need to be elaborate. WA's guidance mentions portfolios, annotated work samples and reading logs, and notes that daily samples are not required.

A simple system – a folder for each term, photos of hands-on projects and a brief weekly note – will save time when reporting comes around.

Connecting with other home educating families makes a big difference – for friendships, shared excursions, group activities and advice from people who have been there.

Look for local home education groups, library programs, sport clubs and community classes. Some authorities also have advisory bodies; in Tasmania, for example, the Tasmanian Home Education Advisory Council includes members with home education experience.

Homeschooling is a marathon, not a sprint. Protect time for rest, play and your own interests as a parent.

Watch for signs of stress in your child and yourself, and be willing to slow down or change approach. If your child has additional needs, talk with your GP or relevant health professionals about support.

If you have concerns about your child's safety or mental health, reach out to a health professional or a support service straight away.