Homeschooling in WA: A Comprehensive Guide for Western Australian Families

Homeschooling in WA is an empowering and flexible educational choice that continues to grow in popularity. Families across WA are discovering that home education can provide a deeply personalised learning experience, often better suited to their child’s individual needs, interests, and pace. This guide offers everything you need to understand the legal requirements, registration process, curriculum planning, community support, and long-term pathways unique to homeschooling in WA.

Homeschooling in WA

Homeschooling in WA is legally recognised and supported under the School Education Act 1999 (WA). Families choose home education for many reasons, including dissatisfaction with the traditional school system, learning difficulties, giftedness, mental health needs, or a desire for more family-centred and values-aligned education. While the process is regulated, WA provides a relatively accessible pathway for parents to educate their children at home, with support structures and flexibility built into the system.

Pros & Cons of Homeschooling in WA

Pros	Cons
Personalised Learning – Tailor lessons to your child’s pace, interests, and learning style, which boosts engagement and mastery, especially for gifted or struggling learners.	High Time & Energy Commitment – Homeschooling demands significant planning, teaching, record-keeping, and monitoring, leaving little downtime for parents .
Flexible Schedule – Learn at times that suit your family’s rhythm; field trips, travel, and life events don’t need to fit a rigid school timetable .	Financial Strain – Parents may reduce or leave paid work; costs for curriculum materials, educational resources, and extracurriculars can add up .
Safer & Supportive Environment – Homeschooled children in WA face less bullying and peer pressure; a controlled home environment is especially beneficial for vulnerable kids .	Socialisation Requires Effort – Unlike school, social opportunities must be actively arranged; without local co-ops or playgroups, kids may feel isolated .
Stronger Family Bonds – Daily togetherness deepens parent-child relationships; families often report closer connections and shared joy in learning together .	Gaps in Subject Expertise – Without teachers for every subject, parents may struggle to teach advanced math, sciences, or foreign languages without external support .
Efficiency & Focus – One-on-one instruction means less downtime and more tailored progress; many WA families report covering curriculum faster than in schools .	Facing External Judgement – Homeschooling choices can attract scepticism or criticism from wider family or community; parents need resilience .

Compulsory Age Range for Homeschooling Registration in WA

In WA, compulsory education applies to children from the beginning of the year in which they turn 5 years and 6 months until the end of the year they turn 17 and 6 months or until they complete Year 12, whichever comes first. Formal registration for home education is required during this compulsory schooling period. Children younger than this may be educated at home informally, but they do not require registration.

Homeschooling Application Process and Required Documents in WA

To begin homeschooling in WA, parents must apply to the local Education Regional Office for a Certificate of Home Education. The steps include:

• Completing and signing the Application for Certificate of Home Education form.
• Providing your child’s birth certificate or legal proof of identity.
• Supplying proof of WA residency (e.g., utility bill or driver’s licence).
• Submitting an initial educational program that outlines your learning plan tailored to the child’s age and learning stage.

Upon receiving your application, the regional office will typically issue a Certificate of Home Education within 14 days, valid for 12 months. You are then legally authorised to homeschool your child in WA.

Curriculum Alignment Expectations in WA For Homeschooling

The WA Department of Education requires that your educational program be “suitable to the child’s age, ability and aptitude and to the child’s educational needs and be provided in a regular and efficient manner.”

While you are not required to follow the WA Curriculum verbatim, it is recommended that your plan draws upon or aligns with the Western Australian Curriculum and Assessment Outline (WACAO), which incorporates the Australian Curriculum. Your educational program should demonstrate a balance of learning areas, literacy and numeracy progression, and cater to the unique needs of your child.

Educational programs must be documented clearly and made available during moderator visits.

Homeschooling Reporting Frequency and Requirements in WA

WA requires that homeschooling families undergo a moderator visit annually to maintain registration. Unlike some states with written report submissions, WA places emphasis on in-person moderation to assess progress and compliance.

During these reviews, parents must:

• Provide work samples.
• Discuss the child’s progress.
• Explain any modifications to the educational plan.
• Demonstrate regular and efficient instruction.

The annual review ensures that the educational needs of the child are being met and that the family is complying with their responsibilities under the Certificate of Home Education.

Homeschool Moderator Visits in WA

Moderator visits are generally conducted by Department of Education staff with experience in education and home-based learning.

• First visit: Within 3 months of initial registration.
• Subsequent visits: Once every 12 months, or more frequently if concerns arise.

These visits are usually conducted in your home but can be arranged at an agreed-upon location (e.g., library, community centre).

Expect to:

• Discuss your child’s learning journey and progress.
• Share records, resources, and examples of work.
• Reflect on goals and future plans.

Moderators aim to support and guide, not penalise. Maintaining clear documentation helps ensure a smooth review process.

Withdrawal Process from Traditional School in WA

If your child is currently enrolled in a school, you must:

• Notify the school principal in writing of your intent to withdraw.
• Submit a home education application to the Department of Education.
• Ensure that the transition is timely so there is no break in educational provision.

The school will remove your child from the enrollment register upon confirmation of registration, avoiding any truancy flags.

Part-Time Schooling Options for Homeschoolers in WA

In Western Australia, families registered for home education cannot typically be simultaneously enrolled full-time or formally part-time in a public school. The Department of Education’s home education registration usually implies that the child’s primary education provision is at home. However, this doesn’t mean state schools are entirely inaccessible. Individual public school principals retain discretion to allow homeschooled students to access specific resources or programs, such as specialist subjects (e.g., advanced science labs, music programs, languages not easily taught at home), participation in sports teams, or Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses that the school facilitates. These arrangements are negotiated directly with the school, are entirely at the principal’s discretion.

For those seeking more structured part-time learning, private schools and dedicated distance education providers in WA offer greater flexibility. The School of Isolated and Distance Education (SIDE), a government-operated online school, primarily caters to full-time students who cannot attend mainstream schools, but they sometimes offer individual subjects, particularly for secondary students needing specific WACE courses or specialised programs. Additionally, various private colleges and online learning platforms explicitly market “hybrid” or part-time learning models tailored for homeschooling families. These options can be invaluable for gaining formal accreditation, accessing specialist teaching, or providing specific academic pathways, especially in the senior secondary years where diverse subject offerings become crucial.

Homeschooling While Travelling 

Families in WA can legally homeschool while travelling, but must:

• Notify their moderator if travel will impact scheduled reviews.
• Maintain records of educational activities during the trip.
• Ensure the educational program continues in a meaningful way.
• For short-term travel, no change in registration is necessary. For extended or permanent relocation, families may need to comply with homeschooling laws in the destination state or country, and apply for new registration if required.
• Digital tools like online curricula, educational apps, virtual museums, and distance education platforms are excellent for maintaining learning while on the move.

When embarking on an educational adventure, communication with your WA home education moderator is paramount, especially if your travel plans coincide with scheduled reviews or extend beyond a few weeks. Maintaining a digital portfolio of work samples, photos, and a travel journal can serve as excellent evidence of learning and help track progress, fulfilling the “meaningful way” requirement. Remember that while learning from real-world experiences on the road is highly valued, a degree of structured learning, particularly for core subjects, should also be maintained.

For long-term interstate travel, be mindful that each Australian state has its own homeschooling regulations; generally, you can homeschool in another state for up to three months before needing to consider re-registering in that new state. International travel requires even more diligent research into the destination country’s specific laws, as homeschooling may be viewed differently or even be illegal in some parts of the world.

Homeschooling Practicalities and Community in WA

Navigating the daily rhythm of homeschooling, making informed curriculum choices, fostering social connections, and leveraging support networks are crucial elements for a thriving home education experience in Western Australia.

Homeschooling Curriculum Choices & Resources

WA homeschoolers enjoy broad flexibility in how they educate, allowing for highly personalised learning journeys that align with their family values and children’s needs. Popular educational approaches include:

Structured curriculum

Many families opt for pre-packaged programs, textbooks, or online learning platforms that provide a clear scope and sequence for subjects, offering a traditional school-at-home feel. This can provide reassurance, especially for new homeschoolers.

Eclectic

This highly popular approach involves blending various resources, methods, and curricula tailored to the child’s individual learning style and interests. It allows for great adaptability and can incorporate a wide range of materials.

Unschooling

A child-led, interest-based learning philosophy where formal lessons are minimal, and learning emerges organically from the child’s natural curiosity and engagement with the world. While flexible, unschooling families in WA still need to demonstrate a “suitable” and “regular and efficient” educational program during moderator visits.

To support these varied approaches, WA offers a wealth of resources:

• Cultural Institutions: The WA Museum Boola Bardip, Scitech Discovery Centre, and Perth Zoo all offer dedicated programs and resources designed for homeschooling groups and families, providing hands-on, engaging learning experiences. Other valuable sites include AQWA (Aquarium of Western Australia) and various regional museums and galleries.
• Local Libraries and Learning Hubs: Public libraries across WA are invaluable for access to books, educational materials, and often host specific programs or events catering to homeschooling families, from reading clubs to educational workshops. Community centres frequently offer classes in arts, crafts, and sports.
• Online Programs: Digital resources like Reading Eggs (literacy), Khan Academy (maths, science, humanities), EdPlace, and Prodigy Maths are widely used by WA homeschoolers to supplement their curriculum or provide structured lessons.
• Community Classes and Excursions: Homeschool families frequently organise their own excursions to nature parks, historical sites, industrial tours, and participate in community-run classes for subjects like music, art, languages, and coding.
• HEWA (Home Education WA) and Local Support Groups: These organisations often maintain curated lists of recommended programs, educational providers, and local tutors, sharing valuable insights gained from collective experience.

Socialization Opportunities For Homeschooling Families

The “socialization question” is a common query directed at homeschooling families, but homeschooled children in WA have access to diverse and rich social opportunities that often lead to meaningful connections beyond a single age-group cohort. These include:

Homeschool Co-ops and Nature Play Groups

These are organised by homeschooling parents and provide regular opportunities for children to learn together, participate in group activities, and build friendships. Nature play groups, in particular, leverage WA’s abundant natural environments for collaborative learning and social interaction.

Community Sports and Recreation Clubs

Participation in local clubs for sports like football, netball, swimming, martial arts, or gymnastics is a popular avenue for socialisation, teamwork, and physical development.

Scouts, Guides, and Youth Organisations

These long-standing organisations offer structured programs that foster leadership, teamwork, community service, and diverse skill development in mixed-age groups.

Library Events, Arts, and Drama Workshops

Many libraries host regular events for children, while community arts and drama groups provide creative outlets and opportunities for performance and collaboration.

Volunteer Opportunities and Community Service

Engaging in volunteer work or community service not only fosters civic responsibility but also provides opportunities to interact with people of all ages and backgrounds in a meaningful way.

These diverse avenues ensure homeschooled children in WA can develop strong social skills, form deep friendships, and engage meaningfully with their wider community.

Support Networks For Homeschooling Familes

Support groups play a vital role in preventing isolation and sharing resources among homeschooling families in WA. These networks are invaluable for practical advice, shared experiences, emotional support, and facilitating group activities.

Home Education WA (HEWA)

As the primary state-wide, volunteer-run organisation, HEWA is a crucial resource. They provide advocacy, extensive information on their website, parent workshops, and publications. They also facilitate connections through their online forums and Facebook groups, which serve as a rich source of knowledge and support.

Perth and Regional Homeschool Facebook Groups

Numerous active online communities exist, catering to various regions of WA (e.g., northern suburbs, southern suburbs, rural areas) or specific homeschooling philosophies (e.g., unschooling groups, gifted homeschooling groups). These groups are excellent for asking questions, organising informal meetups, and sharing resources.

Local Councils and Libraries

Many local government areas and their libraries are becoming increasingly supportive of homeschooling families, often hosting dedicated events, meetups, or providing resources tailored to home educators.

These networks provide parents with invaluable advice, a sense of community, opportunities for learning meetups, and crucial moral support throughout their homeschooling journey.

Senior Secondary Pathways For Homeschoolers in WA

For homeschooling families in WA, there are well-defined and flexible pathways for senior secondary education and transition to university or vocational training. The goal is to ensure homeschooled students can pursue their desired post-school options.

WACE & ATAR

Homeschooling alone does not directly lead to the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), which is the formal credential awarded to students who have successfully completed two years of senior secondary schooling. However, many homeschooled students successfully transition into formal education for Years 11 and 12 to pursue WACE and an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) for university entry. This can be achieved through:

• Enrolment in a school: Students can re-enrol in a traditional government or private school for their senior years.
• School of Isolated and Distance Education (SIDE): As WA’s government distance education provider, SIDE offers a comprehensive curriculum for students in Years K-12, including all WACE courses. This is a popular option for homeschoolers seeking formal accreditation while maintaining some flexibility.
• Accredited Private Colleges: Some private institutions offer Year 11/12 programs that can be accessed by former homeschoolers.

These pathways allow students to undertake ATAR courses and sit the WACE exams, providing a direct route to competitive university courses.

VET & TAFE

Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses offer practical skills and nationally recognised qualifications, providing excellent pathways directly into the workforce or further study. Homeschooled students in WA can readily access these options:

TAFE WA Certificate Courses

Students can directly enrol in TAFE WA certificate courses. While some higher-level certificates might have prerequisites, many entry-level Certificate I, II, or III courses are accessible from Year 10 onwards, depending on the course and individual TAFE college requirements. It’s advisable to check specific course entry criteria with TAFE admissions.

School-based Traineeships or Apprenticeships

These programs allow students to combine paid work with formal training, leading to a qualification. Homeschoolers can participate in these through a registered training provider, often in conjunction with a part-time arrangement with SIDE or a private college if formal school enrolment is required for the apprenticeship component.

These programs are invaluable for building real-world skills and providing diverse career options.

Alternative Pathways

University entry for WA homeschoolers is not solely dependent on an ATAR. WA universities generally view homeschooled students favourably, often recognising their self-motivation, initiative, responsibility, independence, strong work ethic, and love of learning. Alternative pathways include:

STAT (Special Tertiary Admissions Test)

This national test assesses general academic aptitude rather than specific subject knowledge. It’s a common entry pathway for mature-age students but can also be taken by younger homeschoolers to demonstrate readiness for tertiary study. Each WA university sets its own minimum STAT score requirements.

Portfolio Entry

Some university courses, particularly in creative arts or those with a strong practical component, may accept a portfolio of academic work, projects, extracurricular achievements, and relevant experience to assess a student’s suitability.

University Preparation Programs

All WA universities offer bridging or preparatory courses (e.g., Murdoch FlexiTrack, ECU UniPrep, UWA Access Programs). These programs are designed to equip students with the necessary academic skills for university-level study and often provide a guaranteed pathway into a range of undergraduate degrees upon successful completion, without requiring an ATAR.

Open Universities Australia (OUA)

OUA is a unique online learning platform that partners with Australian universities. It allows anyone to start university-level subjects without traditional prerequisites, offering flexible study options and a pathway to a full degree. This is an excellent option for homeschoolers to test the waters of university study or to complete a degree entirely online.

Embracing the Homeschooling Journey in WA

Homeschooling in WA offers families a legal, supported, and enriching pathway for education. With a structured registration process, flexible curriculum requirements, and a strong local community, WA homeschoolers enjoy a balanced environment for learning.

Whether you’re just beginning or transitioning into senior pathways, the homeschooling journey in WA is full of potential. By connecting with others, planning intentionally, and embracing the flexibility homeschooling offers, families can create deeply rewarding educational experiences tailored to their unique values and goals.

Stay empowered, stay curious, and know that you’re not alone on this path.

FAQs About Homeschooling in WA