If you're looking into home education in Australia, you've probably come across the term "home education program" — and immediately wondered what it actually is, what goes in it, and how detailed it needs to be. You might have also seen it called an "educational plan," a "learning plan," or a "curriculum program." Different states use different terms, but they all mean essentially the same thing: a document that describes how you're going to educate your child at home.
The good news? It's not as complicated as it sounds. This guide explains what a home education program is, why you need one, what to include, and how to write one that gets approved — no matter which state you're in.
A home education program is a written document that outlines what your child will learn, how they'll learn it, and what resources you'll use. It's the core document you submit as part of your registration for home education.
Think of it as a roadmap for your child's learning year. It doesn't need to script every single day — it just needs to show that you've thought carefully about your child's education and that you can cover the key learning areas in a way that suits them.
Every state and territory in Australia requires some form of education program as part of the registration process, though the level of detail and format varies.
When you register for home education, you're asking your state's education authority to approve you as your child's educator. The education program is how you demonstrate that:
It's not about proving you're a qualified teacher — you don't need to be. It's about showing that you've done the thinking and planning to provide a genuine, well-rounded education.
While each state has its own registration body and requirements, the common elements across Australia are remarkably similar. Here's what virtually every education program needs to cover
Your program should describe how your child will learn. This is where you explain your teaching philosophy or approach. There's no single right answer — families successfully register with all kinds of methods
The key is that whatever approach you choose, you can explain it clearly and show how it covers the required learning areas.
Be specific about what you'll use. Vague statements like "we'll cover maths" aren't enough. Instead, name your resources:
You don't need expensive resources. Many families use a mix of free online content, library books, and everyday activities. What matters is that you've thought about it and can name specific things.
Every state wants to know how you'll keep track of your child's progress. Common recording methods include:
You don't need to use all of these — pick the methods that work for your family and mention them in your program.
This is where your program becomes personal. The education authority wants to see that you know your child and have tailored the program to them specifically. Consider including:
This is one of the most common questions, and the honest answer is: it depends on your state.
These are the most common reasons education programs get sent back for revision.
Writing your education program is the part of registration that causes the most stress for parents. You want to get it right, but you're not sure what the education authority is actually looking for.
Apply-ED takes the guesswork out of it. Our programs are built on the Australian Curriculum (ACARA v9.0), which forms the foundation of state curricula across Australia. When you create your program through Apply-ED, you'll receive:
Want more structure for your day-to-day home education? You can also add weekly plans — four detailed plans (one for each study block) that map out your child's learning week by week.
Your program should reflect who your child is.
No obligation. No submission on your behalf.
