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Homeschool Hub: Free Resources & Guides

Everything you need to homeschool with confidence in New Zealand: how to get started, daily routines, what to teach each year, and free games and worksheets to make learning fun.

🇳🇿 Homeschooling in New Zealand

Yes. In New Zealand, children aged 6 to 16 must be enrolled at a registered school unless the Ministry of Education grants a Certificate of Exemption, which is what allows you to home educate. The Ministry must be satisfied that your child will be taught at least as regularly and well as in a registered school.

  • Apply to your local Ministry of Education office using the home education application form. Applying is free and usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks.
  • Each child needs their own Certificate of Exemption.
  • Your application should show how your child will be taught at least as regularly and well as in a registered school, including how any learning support needs will be met.
  • Families with an exemption can choose to receive a home education supervision allowance, paid twice a year. To keep receiving it, you complete a declaration each April and October confirming you still meet the exemption requirements.
  • The Education Review Office (ERO) can review a home-educated child's learning, and an exemption can be revoked if the child is not being taught as regularly and well as at school.
  • The Government has announced stronger oversight of home education, with new requirements expected to start from 2027. Check the Ministry of Education's website for the latest rules.

Official sources: Ministry of Education: Home education · Education Review Office: About homeschool reviews · NZ Government regulation: Strengthening oversight of home education. Rules can change, so always check the official source. This is general information, not legal advice. Last checked 4 October 2026.

Homeschool guides

How to Start Homeschooling: A Step-by-Step GuideThinking about homeschooling? Follow these 8 practical steps, from checking the rules where you live to planning your first week, plus free learning games.Homeschool Schedule: Sample Daily Routines by AgeSample homeschool schedules for ages 5 to 12, with a daily routine table, tips for a flexible week and how long each subject really needs at home.Homeschool Maths Curriculum: What to Teach at Each AgeWhat to teach in homeschool maths from ages 5 to 12: a year-by-year outline of key skills, from counting to fractions, with free games for each stage.Homeschool Reading and English: A Simple Plan by AgeHow to teach reading and English at home: phonics, fluency, comprehension, spelling and writing, with a simple plan by age and free literacy games.Free Homeschool Resources: Games, Worksheets and MoreThe best free homeschool resources: learning games, printable worksheets, a daily maths challenge, libraries and public broadcasters, and how to use them.Homeschool Record Keeping and Assessment Made SimpleHow to keep homeschool records without stress: portfolios, simple progress tracking, assessing learning at home and preparing for a registration review.Homeschooling Multiple Ages: How to Teach Siblings TogetherPractical ways to homeschool children of different ages together: shared lessons, independent work, a sample routine and tips for keeping toddlers busy.Homeschool Socialisation and Wellbeing: A Parent GuideHow homeschooled children make friends and stay happy: co-ops, clubs, sport, volunteering, healthy screen-time habits and caring for your own wellbeing.

Your free homeschool toolkit

Daily Maths ChallengeA perfect five-minute warm-up to start each homeschool day. Weekly plannerA free printable lesson grid and reading log for each week. Progress trackerA printable skills checklist for each year, linked to free games. Printable worksheetsTimes tables, addition, subtraction and clocks, with answer keys. NZ Curriculum gamesGames matched to the The New Zealand Curriculum (NZC), by year and subject. BadgesRewards for streaks, stars and milestones keep motivation high. Test prepOriginal practice for the tests children sit in New Zealand.

Games by year level

Pick your child’s level to see the games and starting levels that suit them.

PreschoolYear 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 5Year 6Year 7

Frequently asked questions

Is homeschooling legal in New Zealand?

Yes. In New Zealand, children aged 6 to 16 must be enrolled at a registered school unless the Ministry of Education grants a Certificate of Exemption, which is what allows you to home educate. The Ministry must be satisfied that your child will be taught at least as regularly and well as in a registered school.

Can I use these games for homeschooling?

Yes. All 67 games, the printable worksheets and the Daily Maths Challenge are free, with no sign-up. Many homeschool families use them for short daily practice alongside their main lessons.

How many hours a day should we homeschool?

There is no single answer. Younger children often need only 1–3 hours of focused learning a day, because one-on-one teaching is efficient. Older children usually do more.

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