The Department of Education will assume responsibility for overseeing home schooling in NSW from May 5, 2025. This change transfers oversight from the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) to the Department, and will align NSW with most other Australian jurisdictions.

The Department of Education has obligations under the Education Act 1990 to ensure students are either enrolled in an approved school or registered for home schooling. These changes will better enable the Department to ensure it is meeting that responsibility.

NESA staff currently involved in the regulatory oversight of home schooling will transfer to the Department of Education, retaining the expertise, working knowledge and relationships that are important to the administration of home schooling in NSW.

The NSW Government will also consider any recommendations made in relation to home schooling in the NSW Auditor-General’s review of Education in alternative settings.

As in all NSW educational settings, the wellbeing and safety of children remains paramount.