ABOUT SHEN
Sydney Home Education Network
Sydney’s Leading Home Education Community
The Sydney Home Education Network (SHEN) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to connecting, supporting, and empowering home-educating families across Sydney and Greater Sydney.
Run by home educators for home educators, SHEN provides a welcoming and inclusive community where families can build friendships, access educational opportunities, and share knowledge throughout their home education journey.
As a volunteer-led organisation, we’re committed to strengthening the homeschool community in Sydney by creating meaningful connections, organising enriching events, and providing valuable resources for homeschooling families.
Who We Are
Sydney Home Education Network (SHEN) is one of Sydney’s longest-standing and most active home education support networks.
Our mission is to support families who choose home education, homeschooling, or alternative education pathways outside the traditional school system. Through collaboration, community engagement, and shared learning experiences, we help families navigate and enjoy every stage of home education.
SHEN is entirely operated by volunteers who understand the unique rewards and challenges of home educating. Together, we create opportunities for families to connect, learn, and grow within a supportive and inclusive environment.
Members contribute a small annual fee that helps fund community events, maintain our online platform, and support new initiatives that benefit home-educating families throughout Sydney.
What We Do
SHEN coordinates a diverse range of educational, sporting, social, and community activities designed specifically for home-educated children and their families.
Our annual events and activities include:
- Annual SHEN Swimming Carnival
- Annual SHEN Athletics Carnival
- Educational excursions and cultural experiences, including visits to venues such as the Sydney Opera House
- Community meetups across Greater Sydney
- Interest-based clubs and learning groups
- Workshops, educational programs, and family events
- Social opportunities for both students and parents
These activities provide valuable opportunities for children to learn, develop friendships, build confidence, and engage with the wider home education community.
Why SHEN Exists
Home education can sometimes feel isolating, especially for families new to homeschooling. SHEN exists to make it easier for families to access community support, educational resources, and large-scale events that might otherwise be difficult for individuals to organise.
By pooling membership contributions, SHEN helps cover expenses such as venue deposits, insurance, and organisational costs. This enables us to coordinate larger events and secure opportunities that benefit the wider home education community.
We also help families access educational experiences often designed for schools by acting as a recognised organisation that can facilitate group bookings, venue access, educational programs, and discounted opportunities for home-educated students.
Your Home Education Hub in Sydney
The SHEN website serves as a central hub for home education families in greater Sydney, helping members discover opportunities, build connections, and access valuable information.
Members can:
- Find home education events, excursions, and activities
- Connect with local homeschooling families and support groups
- Promote community events and educational programs
- Discover resources, services, and learning opportunities
- Access information relevant to home education in New South Wales
- Engage with a growing network of experienced home educators
Our goal is to make home education more connected, accessible, and enjoyable for families across Sydney.
Supporting Safer Events and Experiences
SHEN holds public liability and volunteer worker insurance to support members organising events and arranging student work experience.
Need coverage? Visit our Insurance Page to register your event or student placement for SHEN-supported protection.
Join Sydney’s Home Education Community
Whether you’re researching home education in greater Sydney, just beginning your homeschooling journey, or have many years of experience, SHEN welcomes you.
Join a thriving network of families who believe in community, collaboration, and lifelong learning. Become a SHEN member today and help shape a vibrant, supportive, and inclusive future for home-educating families across greater Sydney.
Join SHEN today and connect with Sydney’s home education community.