Homeschooling in NZ: the exemption guide for parents

Under the Education and Training Act 2020, every child aged 6 to 16 must be enrolled at a registered school. Section 38 lets the Ministry grant a certificate of exemption where the parent satisfies the Ministry that the child “will be taught at least as regularly and as well as in a registered school”.

The exemption is granted for a named child, and it applies from the date it is issued. You can apply before your child turns 6, and you must not withdraw a currently enrolled child from school until the exemption is granted.

The application is a written form supplied by the Ministry of Education (often referred to by families as the MOE21 home education exemption application) and lodged with your regional Ministry office. Always download the current version from the Ministry site — the form and guidance are updated periodically.

A complete application usually sets out:

• Your child’s details, current school (if enrolled), and year level.
• Why you are choosing home education.
• A typical week — what learning happens on which days, including outings, sport, and interest-led work.
• What you will teach in each subject and the resources or programmes you will use.
• How you will assess progress and keep evidence of it over time.
• How you will supervise learning and who does the teaching.

This phrase is the heart of the application, and it splits neatly in two.

As regularly — show a consistent rhythm across the year. A named weekly routine with subject blocks on set days is far more convincing than “we learn all the time”. Reviewers want to see that learning is planned and happens dependably, not that you replicate school hours.

As well — show breadth and progression. Name the learning areas you cover, describe the level your child is working at, and explain how you know when they have mastered something. Referencing the New Zealand Curriculum learning areas is the clearest way to do this, because it gives the reviewer a shared reference point.

Useful evidence to keep from day one: a dated weekly routine, samples of work, a running record of topics covered per subject, notes on assessments, and an attendance-style record of learning days.

Once the certificate is issued you can apply for the home schooling supervision allowance, paid twice a year. The Ministry may review a home education arrangement, so keep your records current rather than reconstructing them later. The exemption ends when the child turns 16 or enrols at a school.

Read the Ministry’s own guidance and download the current form here: Ministry of Education — Home education.

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Do I need an exemption to homeschool in New Zealand?

Yes. Every child aged 6 to 16 must be enrolled at a registered school unless the Ministry of Education has granted a certificate of exemption. You apply before you start home educating, and you can apply before your child turns 6.

What does 'as regularly and as well as in a registered school' mean?

'As regularly' means learning happens consistently through the year, not in occasional bursts. 'As well as' means the standard of teaching and the breadth of learning is comparable to a school — it does not mean you must copy a school timetable or use the exact same resources.

How long does an exemption application take?

The Ministry aims to process applications within about six to eight weeks of receiving a complete application. Incomplete applications are the most common cause of delay, so include a weekly routine, your subject plans, and how you will assess progress.

Is there a supervision allowance?

Yes. Once your exemption is granted you can apply for the home schooling supervision allowance, paid twice yearly, with a higher rate for the first child.

Do I have to follow the New Zealand Curriculum?

You are not legally required to use the New Zealand Curriculum, but referencing it is the simplest way to show breadth and progression in your application, and it makes ongoing record-keeping much easier.