Initial registration
The process for initial registration ensures that a new school:
- has a licence to operate
- has demonstrated the capacity to meet the requirements of the Education Act 1990.
If you are considering opening a new school you are advised to contact the School Registration and Accreditation Directorate at NESA on 9367 8866 to clarify the registration requirements and to discuss the registration process.
Applications for initial registration are made using an online form. The relevant form is accessed and submitted via NESA RANGS Online facility. The form must be submitted to NESA no later than 31 March in the calendar year before the year that the proposed school intends to commence operation. To gain access to the RANGS Online facility, contact the School Registration and Accreditation Directorate.
Section 52 of the Act requires that the initial registration of a non-government school be provisional. The maximum period for which initial registration may be granted is twelve (12) months.
To be registered, a proposed new school must demonstrate that it can meet the requirements for initial registration.
Once registered, the non-government school is issued with a Certificate of Initial Registration.
This Certificate identifies the:
- specific Years of schooling for which the school may deliver education
- the period in which the school is licensed to operate with initial registration.
The Certificate of Initial Registration must be displayed in the entrance to the main school building or in some other conspicuous place at the school.
It is an offence under Section 65 of the Education Act 1990 to conduct or knowingly permit or assist in the conduct of an unregistered school. Penalties apply to persons who conduct unregistered schools.
Section 47 of the Education Act specifies that in relation to a registered non-government school, NESA will have regard to matters relating to the quality of student learning. Such matters may arise from issues considered as part of a risk assessment conducted by NESA and may include reference to the standard of teaching and student engagement in learning.
Teacher accreditation
NESA will also have regard to its related functions under the Teacher Accreditation Act 2004. The TA Act provides, among other things, that NESA will:
- advise and assist other teacher accreditation authorities in accrediting persons under the TA Act
- monitor the teacher accreditation process across all schools.