Understand home education reviews

We review a selection of home schooling families each year to make sure the requirements of the Education and Training Reform Regulations 2017 are being met.

We need to check that:

  • students receive regular and efficient instruction that, taken as a whole, substantially addresses the 8 learning areas
  • learning is consistent with the principles and practice of Australian democracy.

We don’t review your child or their learning outcomes. We only review whether you have met the registration requirements. We need to ensure your education program covers the learning areas.

This document outlines how the requirements of the Education and Training Reform Regulations 2017 can be demonstrated in your review.

Requirements of home schooling registration
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Home school review process

Help in preparing for a review

These videos explain how we do home schooling reviews.

The first video explains how we conduct reviews.

The second video explains what information you need to provide to show us you are covering each learning area.

Review templates and samples

These templates and samples can help you provide the right information and evidence for your review.

Privacy and reviews

The information we collect during all reviews is private. We don't record video conferences or phone reviews. We only keep written records of information required for review and confirmation forms. Any photos of children are not stored and will be destroyed at the conclusion of the review.

The VRQA protects the privacy of personal information. Our privacy policy governs the collection, use, storage, access and disposal of all data collected from home educators. We handle personal information in accordance with the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 and the Education and Training Reform Act 2006.

Appeals and complaints

Appealing a decision or proposed decision

If you think our decision to refuse your application for registration or a proposed decision to cancel your child's registration, is wrong or unfair you can appeal the decision.

Internal review

You can request an internal review of both decisions and proposed decisions. Internal reviews will be done by the VRQA home education subcommittee.

Before you apply, read the Home Schooling Internal Review Policy.

You must apply for an internal review within 28 days of being notified of the VRQA's decision or proposed decision.

An internal review can take up to 28 days.

Home schooling internal review policy
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Home schooling internal review application form
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External review

If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of an internal review or a decision made by the VRQA, you can apply to have the decision reviewed by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

VCAT can review a decision not to grant home schooling registration or a decision to cancel a home schooling registration.

VCAT cannot review a proposed decision to cancel a home schooling registration. Proposed decisions can only be appealed through internal review.

A request for a VCAT review must be made within 28 days from the date you are notified of the VRQA's decision.

There is information about reviews at VCAT — Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (review)

Making a complaint

You can make a complaint to us:

  • if you are concerned that a parent is not meeting the requirements for home schooling registration, or
  • about the VRQA, its employees or its authorised officers .

Need more help?

Contact our Home Education team if you are unsure about how to approach your review.

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