Choosing to Home Educate in Qld
Getting ready to begin, but not sure exactly where to begin? This is for you.
What is home education & How can I do it?
Home education, also called homeschooling, is a legal choice for parents to educate their children at home instead of traditional or mainstream schools. Home education is when parents take charge of the educational program and environment, tailoring it to their child’s needs and interests, and ensuring they meet state education requirements. You can decide today, and not return to traditional schooling tomorrow.
Queensland’s home education system allows parents to register their child with the Department of Education and create a customised learning journey. Parents oversee their child’s education, designing programs that fit their interests and needs. While there’s flexibility in approach, parents are accountable for ensuring their child meets educational progress through reporting. This system offers a flexible alternative to traditional schooling, where parents take the lead in their child’s academic experience.
Ultimately, the best way to choose is to research both options thoroughly and consider what aligns best with your child and your family. You can read more about these options in ‘Home Education Registration vs Distance Education‘. Registration or enrolment is required for students of compulsory schooling age.
Home education is governed by the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 (Qld) (EGPA), and is compulsory for all children aged 6.5yrs to 16yrs, who are not enrolled in a regular school.
However, currently a child is eligible for registration from 4.5 yrs to 18 yrs.
Their registration ends at the end of the year the child turns 18.
The Department of Education’s Queensland Home Education (QHE) unit (formerly HEU) regulates registrations in Queensland.
Queensland does not allow a child to be registered for home education whilst having a current enrolment with a school.Â
This means that you are required to notify the school in writing with a date to cancel your enrolment with the school. Then you can register with QHE.
You are not required to participate in transfer forms to another school, because Home Education is NOT a school enrolment.Â
**If a school refuses to cancel your child’s enrolment upon your request, you can access the FAQs here to understand the legal requirements or access an advocate who can act on your behalf to complete this process, eliminating the stress off you to manage it on your own.
There’s no mandated curriculum, but parents are responsible for ensuring their child’s education program meets the general educational requirements of providing a ‘high-quality’ education.
Queensland takes a child-centred approach to home education.Â
Parents must submit annual reports to the QHE demonstrating their child’s educational progress. Reports are due in the 10th month of the child’s registration. This is expected to include some samples in English, Math, and one other area.
Choosing an educational option
Choosing between home education and distance education depends on your child's needs, your family's lifestyle, and your educational priorities.
Home Education registration might suit you best if you want to tailor the learning experience to your child’s specific interests and learning style.
Home Education registration might suit you best if you can provide personalised instruction and cater to your child’s individual pace.
Home Education registration might suit you best if you have a strong vision for your child’s education and want complete control over the curriculum.
Home Education registration might suit you best if you can create a learning environment that accommodates special needs or learning differences.
Distance Education might suit you best if you prefer a set curriculum and support from teachers.
Distance Education might suit you best if you prefer a set schedule and curriculum with support from teachers, whilst undertaking this from home.
Distance Education might suit you best if you appreciate a structured program with some flexibility in scheduling and learning at home.
Distance Education might suit you best as Distance education offers a structured program while allowing you to be involved in your child’s learning journey.
It is also worth considering, does your child learn best independently or in a more structured environment?
It is also worth considering, homeschooling requires a significant time investment, while distance education offers more flexibility.
It is also worth considering, are you comfortable creating and delivering your own curriculum or learning experiences, or do you prefer a pre-designed program?
It is also worth considering, how each option can address your child’s social development needs.
Ultimately, the best way to choose is to research both options thoroughly and consider what aligns best with your child and your family.
Home Education Registration vs. Distance Education
The key difference between registration with QHE for home education and Distance Education, lies in who controls the curriculum and provides the education. Where Home Education is the responsibility of the parent and Distance Education is the responsibility of the school.
- Parents take charge. They register their child with the state Department of Education (through QHE) and design a personalised learning program.
- Parents become the educators for their child, although they can hire a registered teacher if needed.
- There’s more flexibility in curriculum and approach, though parents are responsible for ensuring their child meets educational benchmarks.
- You enrol your child in a registered school offering distance education programs.
- The school provides the curriculum and learning materials.
- Teachers employed by the school deliver instruction, often through online resources, assignments, and occasional in-person sessions.
- You, as the parent, act as a supervisor or home tutor, facilitating your child’s learning at home.
Long-Term Registration: Ideal for ongoing home education.
Short-Term Registration (60 Days): Suitable for temporary situations like travel, illness, or an interim period whilst waiting for DE enrolment.
If you are considering distance education for your child, it is important to do your research and find a school that is a good fit for your child’s individual needs.
Here’s a GUIDE on how to end your child’s enrolment with a mainstream school in Queensland and transition to home education.
Finding Your Community
Most home educating families connect via social media, particularly Facebook and Instagram. You can find the Queensland Free2Homeschool community using the icons at the bottom of this page, or join our Facebook group HERE, where you can connect with others with lived experience.
Join our Facebook group for events available to the Home Education community across Queensland
Email us here at Free2Homeschool or use our contact form to access individual and personalised support specific to your situation, having your questions answered.
