Before applying to enrol with SIDE, students and families should review the WA Department of Education eligibility requirements.
A specific enrolment category must be identified, and supporting documentation should be provided during the Online Enrolment Application.
Eligibility Requirements for all students
Open each section to check the requirement and the supporting information needed for an application.
Students must be entitled to live permanently in Australia and have their usual place of residence in Western Australia.
The usual place of residence is the permanent WA address where the student lives day to day. Evidence of WA residency must be supplied with the enrolment application.
Accepted evidence:
- A current council or shire rates notice, or a current 12-month rental agreement.
- A current utilities bill.
The student must be of compulsory school age. Proof of age is required with the enrolment application.
Accepted evidence: birth certificate or valid passport.
Eligible Western Australian residents can enrol when they are unable to access mainstream schooling for at least 20 school weeks or one Western Australian school semester.
All students must have a SIDE Supervisor who oversees their studies, provides duty of care, and supports their learning each school day.
The supervisor communicates regularly with SIDE teachers. This person may be a parent, carer, or another responsible adult who works with the student daily.
Students need a fast and reliable internet connection and a compatible computer. A Windows 11 device or Apple Mac running macOS 10.15 or later is required.
iPads, Windows 10S devices, Android tablets, and Chromebooks are not fully compatible with SIDE online platforms.
Students should also have required software, a USB headset with microphone, webcam, printer, scanner, and data storage.
Full-time enrolment at SIDE is available to students who meet one of the approved enrolment categories. Families should identify the correct category before starting the application.
Enrolment reviews
All enrolments may be reviewed. Students enrolled with SIDE must maintain engagement standards and meet compulsory attendance requirements.
If a student is no longer eligible for distance education, the SIDE enrolment will end. The parent or carer will then need to enrol the student with an approved education provider.
Annual enrolment
Students must apply to enrol at SIDE each year, including students who have enrolled previously.
The yearly process checks that SIDE remains an appropriate learning mode for the student and family at the time of application.
Ready to apply?
Start the enrolment process after checking the student meets the eligibility requirements and has supporting documentation ready.