What is distance education?

The NSW Department of Education provides distance education to students living in NSW who are geographically isolated or unable to attend school on a regular basis due to special circumstances. In some instances, distance education is also available to students who are unable to access an appropriate curriculum at their local school.

There are 11 distance education schools in NSW, including a school for specific purpose and a specialist language high school. Two of these schools also offer distance education preschool. The full list of distance education schools can be found at distance education schools.

Is distance education the same as home schooling?

Distance education is not the same as home schooling. Distance education provides schooling for students who are unable to access a local government school. In distance education, the school and teacher are responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating student learning programs.

Home schooling involves a parent or carer choosing to educate their children at home. In home schooling, a parent or carer is responsible for developing teaching and learning programs for their children. More information about home schooling can be found on the NESA website.

Eligibility

Full-time enrolment

Full-time enrolment in distance education is available to students who are geographically isolated or whose special circumstances prevent them from attending a school or other appropriate provision. It may be available for students from preschool through to Year 12.

Categories for full-time enrolment include:

• geographic isolation
• students travelling within Australia
• students temporarily resident or travelling overseas
• students with a medical condition
• pregnant students/young parents
• vocationally talented students
• students with additional learning and support needs
• students in extraordinary circumstances
• students affiliated with the national school for travelling show children.

Single course enrolment

Single course curriculum access enables students to meet the mandatory requirements of both the department and NESA in Stages 5 and 6. To be approved, the principal of the distance education school must be satisfied that the student’s needs cannot be met within their current school or setting, or by accessing other local resources.

Distance education single course enrolments must meet the eligibility requirements in the Enrolment in distance education procedures under 3. Applying for single subjects in distance education

All arrangements for single course distance education provision are managed directly between the student's current school and the distance education school, not by the parent/carer.

Single courses being offered in 2027

See the list of single courses being offered by distance education schools in 2027. Please note, not all courses are offered by all distance education schools.

Opening dates for single course enrolment

Distance education schools

Information about the provision of distance education can be obtained from your child’s current local school.

*Distance education preschool operates from the Broken Hill campus.

Further information and enquiries

The Rural and Distance Education Office can be contacted via email at rde@det.nsw.edu.au.

The enrolment procedures can be found at Enrolment in distance education procedures. Information for supervisors can be found in the Student Supervisor document (PDF 498 KB).