Homeschooling in Victoria

Home education (also called home schooling) means parents take responsibility for their child's instruction at home. In Victoria it is regulated by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA).

Families decide what form of instruction suits their child best. You do not have to follow the Victorian Curriculum or teach at your child's age-equivalent year level.

• Complete the VRQA application form.
• Prepare a learning plan showing what you will teach in the first year, how you will cover the eight learning areas, and when and where learning will happen.
• Provide evidence of your child's identity and of your parental responsibility.
• Send your application to the VRQA as described on its website. The VRQA must give you a written decision within 28 days of receiving a complete application, and successful applicants receive a formal registration notice.

Registration is open to children aged 6 to 17, and the earliest start is the beginning of the year your child turns 6.

Taken as a whole, your instruction must substantially address these learning areas:

• English
• Mathematics
• Sciences
• Humanities and social sciences
• The arts
• Languages
• Health and physical education
• Information and communication technology, and design and technology

Instruction must also be consistent with the principles and practice of Australian democracy. You can apply for an exemption from one or more learning areas.

Each year the VRQA selects some registered families for a review. A review looks at whether instruction is regular and efficient, substantially addresses the learning areas, and is consistent with democratic principles.

The VRQA explains that a review does not assess your child or their learning outcomes. Keeping your plans and examples of learning organised makes a review much easier.

If a review finds the requirements are not met, the VRQA explains what you need to do. Registration may be cancelled if the required action is not taken.

Keep your child enrolled at school while the VRQA assesses your application. Schools ask to see the VRQA registration notice before they cancel a student's enrolment.

If you later move your child back to school, do not cancel your home education registration until the school has accepted the enrolment. You must tell the VRQA within 14 days if you stop home schooling.

Victoria allows partial enrolment, where a registered home educated child also attends a school for part of the week by arrangement with that school.

The VRQA website has guidance on registration, learning plans and reviews. Contact the VRQA directly if you have questions about your situation.