Education Act 2016

The following persons may apply to the Secretary for the provision of distance education, being education up to and including the last year of secondary education:a parent of a school-aged child or youth on behalf of that child or youth; a school-aged child who is living independently from his or her parents; a youth; any other person who, under this Act is entitled, or may be allowed in the circumstances specified in this Act, to attend a State school.

An application is to be made in a form approved by the Secretary.

The Secretary may – grant an application with or without conditions; or refuse to grant an application.

In determining whether to grant or refuse to grant an application, the Secretary may take into account any of the following matters:whether the school-aged child, youth or person lives in an isolated area which is too distant from a school to allow attendance on a daily basis; whether the child, youth or person is required to be in a hospital; whether the child, youth or person is housebound because of a physical impairment or infectious disease; whether the child, youth or person is pregnant; whether the child, youth or person is otherwise unable to attend school on a regular basis; any other matter the Secretary considers relevant.

The Secretary, at any time, may determine that distance education is not to be provided to a particular child, youth or person.