Exemption from registration on religious grounds
The Education Act 1990 makes provision for a school to conscientiously object to registration on religious grounds. Proposed schools that have a conscientious objection to registration on religious grounds must give notice to the Minister in writing.
An objection to registration under the Act may be accepted if the Minister is satisfied that the proposed school would meet the requirements for registration under the Act if an application had been made for such registration.
A proprietor proposing to open a new individual non-government school that intends to apply for exemption from initial registration must use Form 1. This application form and the accompanying documentation specified in the form must be lodged with NESA no later than 31 March in the calendar year before the year that the proposed school intends to commence operation.
New schools that have been granted exemption from initial registration must meet the requirements detailed for established schools and must, throughout the period of exemption from initial registration, maintain evidence of compliance with those requirements. Schools granted exemption receive a Certificate of Exemption from Initial Registration. The current Certificate of Exemption from Initial Registration is to be displayed in the entrance to the main school building or in some other conspicuous place at the school.