Across Australia, an increasing number of families are opting for homeschooling as an alternative to traditional education. Recent figures from New South Wales reveal that registrations for homeschooling have more than doubled from 5,907 in 2019 to 12,762 by 2024. This trend highlights a significant shift in educational preferences, raising questions about the motivations behind this growth and how families can be adequately supported in their homeschooling endeavors.
The total number of young people enrolled in homeschooling across the country is now approximately 45,000. In comparison, around 4.1 million students are currently enrolled in traditional schools in Australia. Queensland has experienced the most substantial increase, with 11,800 students registered for homeschooling as of August 2025. From 2021 to 2025, registrations for primary year levels in Queensland grew by 110%, while secondary year levels surged by 167%. Meanwhile, Victoria reports about 11,240 homeschoolers, reflecting a 7% increase from 2023. Western Australia has also seen growth, with over 6,500 students registered, up from 3,720 prior to the pandemic.
The reasons families choose to homeschool vary widely, with academic research and interviews revealing issues such as bullying, school refusal, and neurodivergence as common factors. Although the trend predates the COVID-19 pandemic, the crisis accelerated the shift. Many families discovered that their children thrived in a home environment, leading to a preference for a more flexible education model.
Interestingly, a significant number of families who have adopted homeschooling did not initially intend to do so but felt it became necessary. Parents often report that their children receive a more tailored education and enjoy learning in a comfortable home setting.
Families employ various methods to facilitate homeschooling. Some adopt a structured approach resembling traditional schooling, using textbooks and formal lessons. Others prefer an “unschooling” method, focusing on child-led, interest-based learning through everyday experiences. Activities might include cooking, gardening, volunteering, or visiting museums. Even in structured environments, parents often prioritize their children’s interests and emotional needs alongside academic objectives.
Approximately 20% of homeschooling parents are qualified teachers. However, the differences between homeschooling and traditional school mean that formal teaching credentials are not a prerequisite for success. Parents shape their teaching methods based on their children’s interests and learning needs.
Despite the flexibility of homeschooling, families are required to meet certain learning goals derived from the Australian Curriculum, covering subjects such as maths, English, science, and humanities. However, they are not obligated to adhere to the same curriculum framework used in schools, allowing for a more individualized approach to education. Some parents choose to align their homeschooling practices with the curriculum, providing reports to state authorities to demonstrate progress.
Research indicates that homeschooled children do not exhibit significant social issues in comparison to their peers in traditional schools. Studies, including a notable 2022 US paper, suggest that academically, homeschooled children perform similarly to their mainstream-educated counterparts, although they may face challenges in maths. Furthermore, research shows that homeschooled students are accepted into universities and graduate at rates comparable to their traditionally educated peers.
Despite the advantages, homeschooling presents challenges for families. Many mothers reduce their work hours or leave their jobs to manage homeschooling responsibilities. Regulatory requirements can also prove daunting, with some families finding the reporting obligations stressful. Reporting requirements differ significantly across states and territories. For instance, in Queensland, families must submit an annual report demonstrating educational progress, while New South Wales mandates home visits from education authorities to discuss educational plans.
The complexity of reporting can be particularly challenging for families with children who have neurodivergent needs or those who have experienced distress in traditional school settings. Research indicates that bureaucrats may not fully understand the nuances of homeschooling, focusing more on curriculum adherence than on the holistic education experience that homeschooling offers.
Calls for reform in regulation have emerged, advocating for a co-designed approach that incorporates parental perspectives. A September 2025 audit report highlighted shortcomings in New South Wales’ regulatory framework, pointing out that the system struggles to accommodate the growing number of families transitioning from mainstream education to homeschooling. The report noted wait times for registration exceeding ten weeks, which can be distressing for families eager to begin homeschooling.
In contrast, states such as Tasmania and Queensland have adopted more effective regulatory frameworks, involving parents in the process, which has been shown to enhance compliance with registration. The challenge now lies in ensuring that policies and support systems evolve to meet the needs of families choosing this educational path.
Chris Krogh and David Roy, both former members of the NSW Education Standards Authority Home Schooling Consultative Group, emphasize the importance of adapting regulations to reflect the realities of homeschooling. Rebecca English, who has no affiliations or financial interests that would benefit from this article, underscores the necessity of a responsive approach to educational regulation in light of the increasing number of families embracing homeschooling.
