How to Legally Start a Bush School or Micro-School in Australia

You’ve seen it.

Children thriving outside—learning in ways that feel natural, embodied, alive.

You want to create that space. Not just for your own child, but for others.

But then the questions begin.

Is this legal?
What do I need to know?
How do I protect the integrity of my vision while working within the system?

Here’s the truth: It’s not as complicated as they want you to believe.

Alternative education is no longer the fringe—it’s the shift.
And while bureaucracy exists, so do pathways that allow you to start small, grow intentionally,
and build a legally sound learning environment.

Legal Structures: Which Path is Right for You?

Every model carries its own freedoms, responsibilities, and legal considerations. Which one aligns with your vision?

Homeschooling Learning Hub → Families register as homeschoolers, and you provide enrichment. No formal school registration required.

Micro-School Model → Small-scale, tuition-based, and parent-funded. Requires compliance with state regulations.

Bush School (Nature-Based Learning Program) → Outdoor-focused, can operate independently or as part of an umbrella school.

Not-for-Profit or Charity Model → Grants & government funding are possible, but require a board and strict compliance.

Each path has its trade-offs. Each has its possibilities.

✔ Determine Your Legal Structure → Start with your vision, then choose the model that fits.
✔ Understand Your State Regulations → Homeschooling laws, independent school requirements,
or unregistered program allowances vary by state. Know where you stand.
✔ Set Up Your Business/Organization → Register your entity, establish policies, and open financial structures.
✔ Obtain Necessary Permits & Insurance → Risk management isn’t bureaucracy—it’s protection, for you and the families you serve.
✔ Develop a Parent Agreement & Learning Model → Clarity builds trust. A well-defined framework ensures alignment with families.

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

There is a way forward.
One that honours both your vision and the realities of compliance.
One that allows you to create, without compromise.

It doesn’t start with bureaucracy.
It starts with a question.

What kind of learning do you wish existed?

If you feel the pull, perhaps it’s because you’re the one to build it.

📌 Ready for clarity? Join our Legal Checklist & Compliance Workshop—a step-by-step guide through regulations, frameworks, and real-world solutions.