Register a new non-government school
Learn about the registration and accreditation process and requirements, and the essential steps to establishing a new non-government school in NSW.
Registration and accreditation of non-government schools
In NSW, a proposed new non-government school must be registered before it opens.
Registration
Registration is a school’s licence to operate.
Initial registration is a 12-month provisional period that applies to schools that have demonstrated they have the capacity to comply with the registration requirements.
Accreditation
Accreditation is the approval required to present candidates for the NESA credentials of Record of School Achievement (RoSA) or Higher School Certificate (HSC). It is optional to apply for accreditation in addition to registration.
Initial accreditation is a 12-month provisional period that applies to schools that have demonstrated they have the capacity to comply with the accreditation requirements.
Definition of a school
The Education Act 1990 defines a non-government school as any registered school that is not a government school.
A registered non-government school:
- provides education as its major activity, either primary or secondary (or both) or education of a kind, or for children of a kind
- is responsible for an educational program based on NESA syllabuses (if registered only), or NESA curriculum and assessment requirements (if registered and accredited)
- has a principal (or equivalent) responsible for its day-to-day operation.
A NSW non-government school is an institution that is registered to educate any or all of the Years of schooling: Kindergarten to Year 12.
Schools do not include:
- preschools
- long day-care centres
- pre-primary classes in or attached to schools
- referral centres for short-term remediation
- tutoring schools
- senior technical colleges
- evening colleges
- institutions such as business or coaching colleges
- community languages schools.
It is an offence under the Act to conduct or knowingly permit or assist in the conduct of an unregistered school. Penalties apply to persons who conduct unregistered schools.
The Manual
The NSW Registered and Accredited Individual Non-government Schools Manual explains the requirements for registered and accredited non-government schools under the Education Act.
A proposed new school must refer to the sections of the Manual called:
- 'Capacity to comply: evidence for schools applying for initial registration'
- 'Capacity to comply: evidence for schools applying for initial accreditation' (if relevant).
This information includes the evidence that an applicant must prepare.
The Manual should be read in conjunction with:
- the Education Act
- NESA's Curriculum and syllabuses
- Assessment Certification Examination (ACE) website (applies to accreditation)
- Official Notices that relate to the registration and accreditation of schools.
Submit an expression of interest
Complete this Expression of Interest form if you’re considering opening a new school. An officer will contact you to discuss the application process.
Submitting an EOI form does not replace the need to submit an application form.
Check you’re ready
Find out what documentation you will need to show that the school has the capacity to comply with the requirements by completing the New school readiness checklist (PDF 317.47KB).
You may also use the guide to developing policies and procedures to ensure you have the required documentation.
Contact NESA on 02 9367 8866 or schoolrego@nesa.nsw.edu.au to discuss your plans with an officer.
Related information
- Compliance support for schools
- Resources for schools
- Premises and buildings - Education State Environmental Planning Policies approval process for schools from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.