Home Education
Home Education and Section 14 Registration
The Constitution recognises the role of parents and guardians as the primary educators of their children. Parents who choose to educate their child at home take responsibility for ensuring their child receives a suitable education appropriate to their age, aptitude and ability.
If you intend to educate your child at home, you must apply for registration with the Alternative Education Assessment and Registration Service (AEARS). Registration is a legal requirement and is not automatic. You must submit a valid application following the process set out below.
How to Apply
You can also watch the Home Education Applications Video – Overview for a step-by-step guide to completing and submitting your application.
STEP 1 |
STEP 2 |
STEP 3 |
STEP 4 |
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Obtain a Certified Copy
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Complete the R1 Application Form
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Submit Your Application
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✅ Receive Confirmation
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Obtain a certified copy of your child's Birth Certificate or Passport. |
Complete the R1 Application Form in full. |
Submit both the completed R1 Form and certified document to AEARS. |
AEARS will review your submission and confirm when a valid and complete application has been received. |
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A certified copy must be signed and stamped by an authorised certifier. |
• Complete all required sections |
✅ Completed R1 Form |
Once confirmed as valid, your application can progress to the next stage. |
IMPORTANT
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Before You Apply
Before you apply, check that your application includes a fully completed R1 Application Form, a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate or passport, all required declarations and signatures, completed consent sections, and a separate application form for each child. Incomplete applications cannot be validated and may require further information before they can proceed.
About Home Education
Parents as Primary Educators
Parents may choose home education for a variety of reasons and may use a range of educational approaches, resources and supports.
There is no requirement to follow the national curriculum. However, parents are responsible for ensuring that their child receives a certain minimum education appropriate to their age, aptitude and ability.
AEARS assesses educational provision in accordance with the Guidelines on the Assessment of Education in Places Other Than Recognised Schools (2003) to determine whether a child is receiving a certain minimum education and may be entered on the Section 14 Register.
Further information about how assessments are conducted is available in the Home Education Frequently Asked Questions document.
Your Responsibilities
As a parent or guardian you:
- Are responsible for the education being provided
- May use tutors, online programmes or other resources
- Must cooperate with the assessment process
- Must assist an Authorised Person where required during assessment
Who Should Apply?
You should apply if:
✅ You are currently educating your child at home
✅ You intend to begin home education
✅ Your child is resident in the State and falls within the relevant compulsory education requirements
Registration is required under Section 14 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000
What Happens After I Apply?
- Application Received - AEARS reviews your submission.
- Valid Application Confirmed - AEARS confirms that your application is valid and complete.
- Assessment Process - AEARS assesses the educational provision to determine whether the child is receiving a certain minimum education.
- Registration Decision - If the requirements are met, the child is entered on the Section 14 Register.
Application Forms and Guidance
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Assessment Process
To help parents and guardians understand the assessment process, AEARS has published a comprehensive Home Education Frequently Asked Questions document covering assessments, educational provision, registration requirements and common queries. Parents are strongly encouraged to read this document before submitting an application.
Resources and Support
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Home Education applications – Frequently Asked Questions |
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Home Education Applications Video - Overview |
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Home Education Newsletter |
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Need Help?
Home Education Support Team
01 771 8635