Home education in Australian Capital Territory (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: In the ACT parents must enrol a child of compulsory education age at a school or apply to register the child for home education. Compulsory education age is from 6 years until 17 or completion of year 12. Registration is for up to 2 years.

RuleWhat applies
Legal status of home educationChildren of compulsory school agePermitted with prior authorisation [1]
Nature of the parental dutyChildren of compulsory school ageDuty to attend or be enrolled at school [1]
Approval or notification neededChildren of compulsory school ageParents apply to register the child for home education within 10 school term days after the start of the school year or after the child begins living in the ACT. A child can be registered if aged between 6 and 17, lives or usually lives in the ACT and the applicant has parental responsibility. Registration is for up to 2 years and renewal is applied for at least 3 months before it ends. [2]
Compulsory schooling ageChildren of compulsory school ageA child is of compulsory education age if at least 6 years old and under the age at which the first of these happens: the child is 17 years old, or the child completes year 12. [1]

Notes

  • Parents apply for registration under section 10 of the Education Act 2004.

Sources

  1. ACT Parliamentary Counsel (ACT legislation register): Education Act 2004 (ACT), republication R39, effective 2 January 2026 (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. ACT Education Directorate: Home education (home schooling) - ACT Government (Internet Archive snapshot of 1 October 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Australian Capital Territory

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  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 18+ within the limit · Growing at home: Yes, 2 plants per adult, 4 per home
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, container deposit scheme · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 years 9 months, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Prescribed drug in system is an offence · THC threshold: Any THC present
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Same rights as bicycles
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (licence or permit needed)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, while a visitor · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent visa: ACT licence after 3 months
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without reasonable excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick and butterfly knives prohibited
  • MopedsLicence: Motorcycle licence (class R)
  • Motorcycles: helmets and licencesHelmet required for the rider: Yes · Helmet required for a passenger: Yes
  • Paid holidayMinimum paid leave a year (weeks): 4 weeks (5 for some shiftworkers) · Minimum paid leave as the law states it: 4 weeks a year; extra week for some shiftworkers
  • Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Mounted or untouched; L/P: no voice use
  • Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
  • Smoke alarms in homesSmoke alarm legally required in homes: Yes, compulsory · Minimum alarms and where: On or near the ceiling in bedrooms or in the corridor that leads to bedrooms, installed as per the manufacturer's instructions and the National Construction Code. A multi-level home needs smoke alarms on each level, interconnected.
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 18
  • Towing trailers and caravansTrailer mass allowed with a car licence in any combination: Up to 9,000 kg GVM
  • Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
  • Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.