Perth Education Laws: State Curriculum Requirements

Education Western Australia 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Perth, Western Australia schools and families must follow the Western Australian curriculum framework administered at state level. This article explains who sets the curriculum, how obligations work for enrolled and home-educated children, where to find official requirements and forms, and how complaints, inspections and appeals are handled in the Perth area. It references the Western Australian curriculum authority, the Department of Education processes for home education and the statutory authority that underpins compulsory schooling so that parents, school leaders and local officers can take clear next steps.

Who sets curriculum standards?

The School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) is the official WA body that publishes the Western Australian Curriculum and Assessment Outline and senior secondary WACE rules. For subject syllabuses, assessment rules and certified course lists consult the state authority [1].

SCSA provides the official syllabuses and assessment rules used by Perth schools.

How the rules apply in Perth

Public, independent and Catholic schools operating in Perth follow the WA curriculum frameworks for learning areas and assessment where applicable; local councils do not set school curriculum. Parents who choose to home-educate must register or notify the Department of Education under WA processes and follow the approved curriculum expectations for registered home education programs [2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Legal authority for compulsory schooling and enforcement in Western Australia is enacted under the School Education Act and related regulations. Local enforcement and case management are handled by the Department of Education and authorised officers for attendance and registration matters [3].

  • Fines: specific monetary penalties for non‑attendance or unregistered home education are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Escalation: the cited sources do not specify a detailed first/repeat/continuing offence schedule; statutory officers manage matters case‑by‑case.
  • Non‑monetary sanctions: orders to enrol, directions to register, requirement to provide evidence of an approved program, and court referral are the typical routes described by the state authority or legislation text where applicable.
  • Enforcer and complaints: the Department of Education is the primary enforcing agency for attendance and home education registration; complaints and reports should be lodged with the Department via its official home‑education or contact processes [2].
  • Appeals and review: appeal or review routes depend on the instrument imposing the direction (administrative review or judicial review); specific statutory time limits are not specified on the cited pages and should be checked on the relevant decision notice or legislation.
  • Defences and discretion: authorised officers commonly exercise discretion for reasonable excuses, transitional arrangements or where a program demonstrates approved learning outcomes; the state authority and Department retain powers to require evidence of compliance.
If you receive a direction about attendance or registration, act promptly to seek the Department's guidance.

Applications & Forms

The Department of Education publishes the home education registration process and required application materials on its official pages, including forms, submission guidance and any stated fees or timelines. If a specific form number, fee or deadline is needed for your case, refer to the Department's home education pages for the current application and submission method [2]. If no form is required, that is noted on the Department page.

Common violations and typical steps

  • Failure to enrol a child of compulsory school age.
  • Operating a home education program without complying with registration or evidence requirements.
  • Non‑compliance with an authorised officer's direction to provide documentation or attend a review meeting.
Common breaches typically begin with a notice or request for information from the Department.

Action steps

  • Check the SCSA syllabuses for your child's year level and subjects [1].
  • If you plan to home‑educate, follow the Department of Education registration steps and submit required forms [2].
  • If you receive a compliance notice, contact the Department promptly using the official contact route for advice and to request review options [2].

FAQ

Who decides what is taught in Perth schools?
The School Curriculum and Standards Authority sets the Western Australian curriculum and assessment frameworks used by Perth schools and publishes syllabuses and assessment rules.
Do I need to register to home‑educate in Perth?
Yes — parents must follow the Department of Education process to register or notify a home education program; check the Department page for current application steps and required evidence.
What happens if my child is not enrolled or attending?
The Department may contact families, require proof of enrolment or registration, and use statutory powers to direct compliance; exact fines or penalties are referenced in legislation and administrative guidance where applicable.

How-To

  1. Confirm your child's compulsory schooling status and review the SCSA curriculum for the relevant year level.
  2. Gather documentation of your proposed home education program, including learning plans and resources.
  3. Apply or notify the Department of Education using the official home education submission process and keep records of correspondence.
  4. Respond promptly to any requests from authorised officers and, if necessary, seek administrative review of an adverse decision.

Key Takeaways

  • The Western Australian state bodies set and enforce curriculum standards for Perth schools.
  • Home education requires following Department registration processes and keeping clear records.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] School Curriculum and Standards Authority — Western Australian curriculum and assessment
  2. [2] Department of Education — Home education pages and registration guidance
  3. [3] Western Australian legislation — School Education Act 1999

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