Alternatives to full-time schooling
Alternatives to full-time schooling
During the compulsory education period, parents may consider that it is in their child's best interests to participate in education or training options other than full-time enrolment in a school.
The most common alternatives which may be approved are as follows:
- If a child wishes to leave school before the end of Year 10, parents/legal guardians must obtain the Minister for Education and Training's approval for an exemption from full-time schooling.
- If a child wishes to leave school during Years 11 and 12, parents/legal guardians must obtain the Minister for Education and Training's approval for a Notice of arrangements.
- A child in Years 11 or 12 at school may attend a community based course. Younger students may also take part in community based courses as long as they remain enrolled at school.
An exemption is only available for students in (or about to begin) Year 10 or above or who will reach the age of 15 years 6 months or more in the year for which an exemption is sought.
An exemption permits a child to pursue an alternative option to full-time schooling - usually a combination of education, training or employment such as an apprenticeship. The child's parent / legal guardian must apply for the exemption.
Exemption form for students enrolled at a non-government school
If the child is enrolled in a non-government school, the form below must be submitted to the Director General of the Department of Education. The exemption must be recommended by the Principal of the school the child is attending.
Application for Exemption from School Enrolment (Non-government schools)
Exemption form for students enrolled at a public school
If the child is enrolled at a public school, advice should be sought from the child's school principal or Education regional office.
A Notice of arrangements is an approval for a child to participate in an alternative combination of activities that equate to full-time participation in schooling.
It applies to children in the final years of the compulsory education period (in the birth date range of the typical Year 11 and 12 student). If a child wishes to leave a public or non-government school before the end of Year 12, the parent/legal guardian must complete and submit a Notice of Arrangements form to:
Participation Unit
Department of Education
151 Royal Street
EAST PERTH WA 6004
An alternative education programme prior to Years 11 and 12 requires an exemption from full-time schooling.
What happens if the approved option changes?
Parents must notify the Minister for Education and Training, through the Department if the child's approved option changes.
Community based courses are an approved alternative to attendance at school during the compulsory education period. These courses allow children to develop literacy, numeracy, social and life skills.
Who can enrol in a community based course?
Children in Years 11 or 12 at school may attend a community based course.
Younger children may also take part in community based courses as long as they remain enrolled at school.
To enrol in a community based course, parents/legal guardians must obtain the Minister for Education and Training’s approval for a Notice of Arrangements.
Community based course providers
| Course | Provider | Location | Telephone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchor Point | Youth Futures WA | 1 Kingfisher Avenue, Ballajura | 9300 2677 |
| Anchor Point | Youth Futures WA | Steel Blue Oval, corner of West and Guildford Roads, Bassendean | 9300 2677 |
| Anchor Point | Youth Futures WA | 19a Sundew Rise, Joondalup | 9300 2677 |
Enrolment and attendance requirements, applicable to both public schools and non-government schools, are covered in Part 2 of the School Education Act 1999 and Part 2 of the School Education Regulations 2000.