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Introduction to Home Education

Education in the ACT – a matter of choice

In the ACT, parents have the right to choose a suitable educational environment that will provide a high quality education for their children.

Home education is a choice recognised in the Education Act 2004.

What is home education?

Home education is education conducted by one or both of the child's parents from their home base. In doing so, the parents accept the responsibility for planning, implementing and evaluating the child's educational experiences.

Home education is committed to:

• offering a broad range of opportunities that foster in each child the development of the child's unique spiritual, emotional, physical, social and intellectual being
• valuing the individual needs, interests and aptitudes of each child
• preparing each child to become an independent and effective local and global citizen

Who can be home educated?

In the ACT, home education is available through the registration process to all children of school age who are Australian citizens, permanent residents or temporary residents with eligible visas.

Children of compulsory school age, between 6 years and 17 years, must participate in education. Parents must either register their child for home education or enrol them in a school unless either an exemption certificate or an approval statement have been issued through the Education and Training Directorate.

Who can apply for home education?

Under the Education Act 2004, the eligibility to apply for home education is limited to the parent of the child to be registered for home education. This information is generally contained on the certified copy of the birth certificate provided with the application. In some circumstances, a current court order may grant or remove a person's parental responsibility.

Does my child need an exemption certificate?

Exemption certificates are not required for home educated children. The legislation acknowledges that home education is an educational option and requires that parents complete the registration process.

For further information about Home Education in the ACT or to obtain an application form please contact:

Manager,
Non-government Education (Home Education)
Education and Training Directorate
GPO Box 158
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Phone: 02 6205 9299
Email: det.ngso@act.gov.au

Publications

• Pamphlet - Home Education in the ACT - A Guide for Parents and Carers  (139kb)
• Manual - Registration of Home Education in the ACT  (336kb)