School registration reform
NESA reviewed the registration manuals for schools. Learn how the review made manuals easier for schools to administer and how it strengthens NESA's risk-based approach to regulation.
In September 2023, the Minister approved amendments to the school registration manuals with:
- a new look and feel
- reduced repetition
- clearer descriptions of the requirements and evidence of compliance.
Implementation
Amended manuals took effect 1 January 2024.
While the manuals look different, the registration and accreditation requirements under the Education Act 1990 remain the same. Some information has been moved or clarified to support the understanding of requirements.
Non-government school applications submitted to NESA in 2024 seeking initial registration (and if applicable, accreditation) from 2025 must demonstrate capacity to comply with the Manual (September 2023) requirements.
NSW Registered and Accredited Individual Non-government Schools Manual
File
NSW Registered and Accredited Individual Non-government Schools Manual (PDF 2.85MB)File
Overview of amendments to the Non-government School Manuals (PDF 562.33KB)
NSW Registration Systems and Member Non-government Schools Manual
File
NSW Registration Systems and Member Non-government Schools Manual (PDF 1.36MB)File
Overview of amendments to the Non-government School Manuals (PDF 562.33KB)
NSW Registration Process for the Government Schooling System Manual
File
NSW Registration Process for the Government Schooling System Manual (PDF 306.86KB)File
Overview of amendments to the Government Schooling System Manual (PDF 740.85KB)
Resources and support for schools
The overview of amendments document includes an explanation of the features of the Manual and a summary of amendments.
A new Self-assurance Audit Tool that aligns to the Manuals may support existing non-government schools to:
- confirm if the school’s suite of policies and records address all the requirements
- identify who at the school is responsible for certain policies and records
- record details such as document location, date of revision or any other relevant information.
There is also a Self-assurance Audit Tool available for a school seeking initial registration.
It is optional to use the self-assurance audit tool. The tool is provided for a school’s internal use only and is not required to be submitted NESA.
NESA has also published a range of fact sheets and guides to help schools understand the registration requirements.
Background to reform
In 2021, the NESA Board agreed to review the registration manuals for schools to make it easier for schools to understand school registration requirements.
Timeline of reform
Term 1, 2022
Between 28 February and 1 April 2022, NESA asked for feedback from non-government schools to:
- identify specific areas that may cause administrative burden for schools
- propose some amendments to evidence of compliance
- suggest refinements to the manual
- see where NESA could provide more advice to schools.
After reviewing the feedback, NESA drafted revised manuals.
Terms 3 – 4, 2022
NESA consulted on a draft non-government manual between 19 September and 11 November 2022.
The draft manual included:
- a full review and edit of the structure
- improved visual design
- clearer descriptions of registration requirements
- less repetition of information
- revised evidence of compliance.
2023
Amendments to the Manuals incorporate feedback received throughout 2022. They were published in September 2023 with an Official Notice, NESA 17/23.
The consultation report (PDF, 14 pages, 661 KB) (PDF 661.41KB) presents a summary of feedback and actions.