Home education in New South Wales (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Home schooling in NSW needs registration, assessed by an Authorised Person who reviews the programme and records, usually at a home visit. The programme must be based on the NESA syllabuses. Children younger than 6 and older than 17 are not required to be enrolled or registered.

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 [2]
Approval or notification neededChildren of compulsory school ageA parent applies for home schooling registration at any time of the year. An Authorised Person reviews the educational programme and records, usually at a home visit, and recommends whether to approve. The process can take up to 12 weeks. The educational programme must be based on the NESA syllabuses and registered children receive a certificate. [3]
Compulsory schooling ageChildren of compulsory school ageChildren younger than 6 and older than 17 are not required to be enrolled at a school or registered for home schooling. A child can be registered at the start of a calendar year if they turn 5 by 31 July of that year, and up to the age of 18. [2]

Notes

  • Home schooling in NSW requires registration under the Education Act. The Minister's authority to register is delegated; applications are assessed by an Authorised Person.
  • The page states the duty by its limits: children of compulsory age must be enrolled at a school or registered for home schooling.

Sources

  1. NSW Department of Education: 12. Legislative basis for registration | NSW Government (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. NSW Department of Education: 4. Requirements for registration | NSW Government (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  3. NSW Department of Education: 3. Home schooling registration at a glance | NSW Government (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in New South Wales

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Banned (private e-scooters) · Minimum age: 16
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence · Growing at home: Banned
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, Return and Earn · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (P1 licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Any trace is an offence · THC threshold: Any active THC
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules · Minimum age: None at present (12-16 planned)
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (licence needed)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, up to 6 months as a temporary visitor · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent resident: NSW licence within 3 months
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without reasonable excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: Auto-opening knives prohibited
  • 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: Cradle only, touch limited; L/P: none
  • 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, all homes · Minimum alarms and where: At least one working smoke alarm complying with Australian Standard 3786 on each level of the premises.
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18
  • 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: Under 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.