Homeschooling in Northern Territory

Under the Education Act 2015 (NT), a parent who wants to home educate a child of compulsory school age who usually lives in the Territory must apply to the Department of Education's chief executive for approval.

The chief executive can approve the application (with or without conditions) or refuse it.

• Apply online through Territory Services. The form must be completed in one sitting, so gather your documents first.
• Supporting documents include your child's birth certificate, photos of the dedicated learning space, any relevant medical or court documents, and your curriculum program.
• Your program can be a commercial program aligned with the Australian Curriculum, or a program you develop yourself with its own plan.
• An officer assesses your application and learning plan, conducts a home visit or teleconference, and recommends whether to approve it.

The department asks for a curriculum program with your application. Commercial programs aligned with the Australian Curriculum are accepted, as are self-developed programs with a learning plan.

Approval is for one school year only, so you reapply each year. The NT Government publishes an application deadline for each school year so applications can be assessed before school starts – check the home education page for the current date.

The Act allows departmental officers to carry out inspections from time to time, and the department's guidance says families must accommodate these visits. Keeping records of your child's learning will help.

Your child must stay enrolled at and attending school until home education is approved. Apply early so the department has time to assess your application.

The department publishes its home education policy and application procedures. For questions about your circumstances, contact the department using the details on the NT Government home education page.