Requirements for the initial registration of a new individual non-government school
Provisional registration applies to new schools and new Year(s) of schooling in their first year of registration. This first period of registration is initial registration.
Newly registered non-government schools must meet the requirements of the Act when they begin operating.
The Education Act 1990 requires that a proprietor intending to establish a non-government school make application for initial registration not later than 31 March preceding the calendar year in which the proposed proprietor intends to commence operating. Applications are made through the NESA registration website, RANGS Online. To obtain access to the online application or to discuss the application process please contact to School Registration and Accreditation Directorate on telephone 02 9367 8866.
An applicant for initial registration of a proposed new school must provide evidence of policies and procedures that will ensure compliance of the school with the registration requirements of the Act should the application be successful. If the application is successful the proposed new school will be granted initial registration.
To be considered for initial registration, proposed new schools must demonstrate evidence of a capacity to comply with the registration requirements. This evidence is based on the requirements for established schools. It recognises that it is not possible for proposed new schools to meet all the registration requirements prior to commencing.
Any difference between the description of initial registration requirements and those described for established schools is intended to take account of the fact that compliance with some requirements cannot be demonstrated until the school begins operation.
A new school that has been granted initial registration is required on commencement to meet all the requirements detailed for established schools and must, throughout its period of provisional registration, maintain evidence of compliance with those requirements.
The requirements for initial registration relate to:
- the proprietor
- staff
- curriculum
- premises and buildings
- facilities
- safe and supportive environment
- discipline
- attendance
- management and operation
- educational and financial reporting
Additional requirements apply to schools with boarding facilities