{"id":"a-1997-87","name":"Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997","slug":"board-of-senior-secondary-studies-act-1997","collection":"act","jurisdiction":"act","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":"87 of 1997","makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":23117,"registerId":"act-a-1997-87-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-01","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997","content":"Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nAustralian Capital Territory\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies\nAct 1997\nA1997-87\nRepublication No 14\nEffective: 6 December 2025\nRepublication date: 6 December 2025\nLast amendment made by A2025-29\n\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nAbout this republication\nThe republished law\nThis is a republication of the Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997 (including any\namendment made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 (Editorial changes)) as in force on\n6 December 2025. It also includes any commencement, amendment, repeal or expiry affecting\nthis republished law to 6 December 2025.\nThe legislation history and amendment history of the republished law are set out in endnotes 3\nand 4.\nKinds of republications\nThe Parliamentary Counsel’s Office prepares 2 kinds of republications of ACT laws (see the ACT\nlegislation register at www.legislation.act.gov.au):\n• authorised republications to which the Legislation Act 2001 applies\n• unauthorised republications.\nThe status of this republication appears on the bottom of each page.\nEditorial changes\nThe Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 authorises the Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial\namendments and other changes of a formal nature when preparing a law for republication.\nEditorial changes do not change the effect of the law, but have effect as if they had been made by\nan Act commencing on the republication date (see Legislation Act 2001, s 115 and s 117). The\nchanges are made if the Parliamentary Counsel considers they are desirable to bring the law into\nline, or more closely into line, with current legislative drafting practice.\nThis republication includes amendments made under part 11.3 (see endnote 1).\nUncommenced provisions and amendments\nIf a provision of the republished law has not commenced, the symbol U appears immediately\nbefore the provision heading. Any uncommenced amendments that affect this republished law\nare accessible on the ACT legislation register (www.legislation.act.gov.au). For more\ninformation, see the home page for this law on the register.\nModifications\nIf a provision of the republished law is affected by a current modification, the\nsymbol M appears immediately before the provision heading. The text of the modifying\nprovision appears in the endnotes. For the legal status of modifications, see the Legislation\nAct 2001, section 95.\nPenalties\nAt the republication date, the value of a penalty unit for an offence against this law is $160 for an\nindividual and $810 for a corporation (see Legislation Act 2001, s 133).\n\nR14\n06/12/25\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\ncontents 1\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nAustralian Capital Territory\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies\nAct 1997\nContents\nPage\nPart 1 Preliminary\n1 Name of Act 2\n2 Dictionary 2\n3 Notes 2\nPart 2 Key concepts\n3A What is senior secondary education? 3\n3B What is a recognised educational institution? 3\n3C What is a national agreement? 4\nPart 3 Board of Senior Secondary Studies\n4 Establishment of board 5\n5 Functions of board 5\n\nContents\nPage\ncontents 2 Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\nR14\n06/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n5A Additional functions about accreditation of courses 6\n5B Additional functions about assessment of students 6\n5C Additional functions about certificates of attainment 7\n5D Additional functions about performance and policies 8\n6 Other functions of board 8\n7 Ministerial directions 9\n8 Membership of board 9\n10 Term of appointment of board members 11\n11 Disclosure of interests by board members 11\n12 Ending board member appointments 13\n13 Time and place of board meetings 13\n14 Presiding member at board meetings 13\n15 Quorum at board meetings 14\n16 Voting at meetings 14\n16A Proxy voting 14\n17 Conduct of meetings etc 14\n18 Delegation by board 15\n19 Consultants 15\n19A Arrangements for staff 15\n20 Protection of board members from liability 15\nPart 4 Accredited and registered courses\nDivision 4.1 Accreditation of courses\n21 Board may initiate accreditation of course 16\n22 Application for accreditation of course 16\n23 Review of conditional accreditation or refusal 16\n24 Considerations relating to accreditation of courses 17\nDivision 4.2 Registration of courses\n25 Application for registration of course 18\nDivision 4.3 Certificates of attainment\n26 Issue of certificates of attainment 18\n26A Application for review if board refuses to issue certificate 19\n27 Review of refusal to issue certificate 19\n\nContents\nPage\nR14\n06/12/25\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\ncontents 3\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nDivision 4.4 Specialist education providers\n27A Approved specialist education providers 20\n27B Criteria for approval 20\n27C Suspension of approval 20\n27D Cancellation of approval 21\nPart 4A Notification and review of decisions\n27E Meaning of reviewable decision—pt 4A 22\n27F Reviewable decision notices 22\n27G Applications for review 22\nPart 5 Miscellaneous\n28 Information about academic performance 23\n29 Register of courses 23\n30 Approved forms 23\nSchedule 1 Reviewable decisions 24\nDictionary 25\nEndnotes\n1 About the endnotes 27\n2 Abbreviation key 27\n3 Legislation history 28\n4 Amendment history 31\n5 Earlier republications 36\n\n\n\nR14\n06/12/25\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\npage 1\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nAustralian Capital Territory\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies\nAct 1997\nAn Act to establish a board of senior secondary studies\n\nPart 1 Preliminary\nSection 1\npage 2 Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\nR14\n06/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 1 Preliminary\n1 Name of Act\nThis Act is the Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997.\n2 Dictionary\nThe dictionary at the end of this Act is part of this Act.\nNote 1 The dictionary at the end of this Act defines certain terms used in this\nAct, and includes references (signpost definitions) to other terms defined\nelsewhere in this Act.\nFor example, the signpost definition ‘senior secondary education—see\nsection 3A.’ means that the term ‘senior secondary education’ is defined\nin that section.\nNote 2 A definition in the dictionary (including a signpost definition) applies to\nthe entire Act unless the definition, or another provision of the Act,\nprovides otherwise or the contrary intention otherwise appears (see\nLegislation Act, s 155 and s 156 (1)).\n3 Notes\nA note included in this Act is explanatory and is not part of this Act.\nNote See the Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal status of notes.\n\nKey concepts Part 2\nSection 3A\nR14\n06/12/25\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\npage 3\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 2 Key concepts\n3A What is senior secondary education?\nEducation is senior secondary education if it is normally provided to\nstudents in the final 2 years of full-time secondary schooling.\n3B What is a recognised educational institution?\n(1) An educational institution is a recognised educational institution if\nit—\n(a) provides, or offers to provide, courses suitable for senior\nsecondary education; and\n(b) is either—\n(i) established or registered under a Commonwealth or State\nlaw; or\n(ii) a school declared under subsection (2).\nNote State includes the Northern Territory (see Legislation Act, dict,\npt 1).\n(2) The Minister may declare a school to be a recognised educational\ninstitution if the school—\n(a) is established and operates in another country; and\n(b) does not operate in Australia; and\n(c) has entered into an agreement with the board in relation to 1 or\nmore of the following:\n(i) the accreditation by the board of courses taught by the\nschool;\n(ii) the assessment by the board of the school’s students;\n(iii) the issue by the board of certificates of attainment to the\nschool’s students;\n\nPart 2 Key concepts\nSection 3C\npage 4 Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\nR14\n06/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(iv) the exercise of other functions of the board in relation to\nthe provision of senior secondary education by the school.\n(3) A declaration is a notifiable instrument.\n3C What is a national agreement?\n(1) This section applies to an agreement if it—\n(a) is entered into by the Territory, the Commonwealth, a State or\nthe Northern Territory; and\n(b) deals with the provision of vocational education.\n(2) The Minister may declare the agreement is a national agreement.\n(3) A declaration under subsection (2) is a notifiable instrument.\n\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Part 3\nSection 4\nR14\n06/12/25\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\npage 5\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 3 Board of Senior Secondary\nStudies\n4 Establishment of board\n(1) The Board of Senior Secondary Studies is established.\nNote The Legislation Act, dict, pt 1, defines establish as including continue in\nexistence.\n(2) The board—\n(a) is a corporation; and\n(b) may sue and be sued in its corporate name; and\n(c) may have a seal.\n(3) The board represents the Territory when exercising its functions,\nunless this Act or another territory law otherwise provides.\n5 Functions of board\nThe main functions of the board are as follows:\n(a) to accredit or register courses taught by recognised educational\ninstitutions;\n(b) to approve, consistent with national agreements, recognised\neducational institutions for teaching vocational education\ncourses;\n(c) to establish guidelines for the development of courses by the\nboard or by a recognised educational institution;\n(d) to establish principles and procedures for the assessment of\nattainments of students and the moderation of the assessments;\n(e) to provide to people who have undertaken courses, or units of\ncourses, certificates and transcripts of their attainments;\n\nPart 3 Board of Senior Secondary Studies\nSection 5A\npage 6 Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\nR14\n06/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(f) to provide information on—\n(i) the performance of students and former students; and\n(ii) the policies and procedures of the board;\n(g) to review its own operations and the operation of this Act;\n(h) to advise the Minister on any matter mentioned in this section\n(including something mentioned in section 5A to section 5D).\nNote A provision of a law that gives an entity a function also gives the entity\npowers necessary and convenient to exercise the function (see Legislation\nAct, s 196 and dict, pt 1, def entity).\n5A Additional functions about accreditation of courses\nFor section 5 (a), the board has the following additional functions:\n(a) to establish guidelines (accreditation guidelines) for the\naccreditation of courses, including vocational education\ncourses;\n(b) to ensure national agreements about the accreditation of\nvocational education and training courses are applied, if\nappropriate;\n(c) to identify the minimum resources necessary for the satisfactory\nprovision of the courses that the board decides.\n5B Additional functions about assessment of students\nFor section 5 (d), the board has the following additional functions:\n(a) to prepare guidelines and requirements for the assessment of\nstudent attainments;\n(b) to make arrangements for the administration by recognised\neducational institutions of the test known as the Australian\nScaling Test, or any other test instead of the Australian Scaling\nTest that is approved by the board;\n\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Part 3\nSection 5C\nR14\n06/12/25\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\npage 7\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(c) to develop and implement procedures for the moderation of\nstudent assessments;\n(d) to develop procedures for—\n(i) recognised educational institutions to review the\nassessments of their students; and\n(ii) the board to review the procedures used by recognised\neducational institutions to assess their students or review\ntheir student assessments; and\n(iii) recognised educational institutions, or the board, to review\ndisciplinary action taken by recognised educational\ninstitutions in relation to their student assessments.\n5C Additional functions about certificates of attainment\nFor section 5 (e), the board has the following additional functions:\n(a) to prepare guidelines for the issue of certificates of attainment;\n(b) to make the arrangements that the board considers appropriate\nto ensure to the greatest extent possible that certificates issued\nby the board are recognised by employers and providers of\nfurther training or higher education;\n(c) to consult institutions that provide tertiary education or\nvocational education or training for the purpose of reviewing\nfrom time to time the effect of their requirements and procedures\nfor the admission of students and to provide appropriate\nguidance to the institutions;\n(d) to issue, consistent with national agreements, certificates or\nother evidence of the achievements of vocational education or\ntraining qualifications.\n\nPart 3 Board of Senior Secondary Studies\nSection 5D\npage 8 Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\nR14\n06/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n5D Additional functions about performance and policies\nFor section 5 (f), the board has the following additional functions:\n(a) to collect and record information about the performances of\nstudents;\n(b) to provide, to institutions that provide tertiary education or\nvocational education or training, information on applicants for\nadmission to the institutions;\n(c) to publicise the guidelines, requirements, procedures and\nstandards for assessments, certification and accreditation used\nby the board;\n(d) to make available, as decided by the board, statistical\ninformation about—\n(i) senior secondary education in the ACT; and\n(ii) the functions of the board;\n(e) if appropriate, to recognise secondary educational attainments\nobtained outside the ACT and provide statements of equivalence\nif asked.\n6 Other functions of board\n(1) The board may—\n(a) appoint the committees and advisory panels that it considers\nappropriate; and\n(b) issue certificates of attainment to people who have undertaken\ncourses or units of courses.\nNote A provision of a law that gives an entity a function also gives the entity\npowers necessary and convenient to exercise the function (see Legislation\nAct, s 196 and dict, pt 1, def entity).\n\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Part 3\nSection 7\nR14\n06/12/25\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\npage 9\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(2) For section 6 (1) (a), if the board appoints a public servant, the public\nservant must be appointed in accordance with any conditions\ndetermined by the head of service.\n(3) A determination is a notifiable instrument.\n7 Ministerial directions\n(1) The Minister may give a direction to the board about the exercise of\nits functions.\n(2) The Minister may not give a direction that relates to a particular\nstudent or a particular assessment.\n(3) The board must give effect to a direction under this section.\n(4) A direction is a disallowable instrument.\n8 Membership of board\n(1) The board must consist of the following members:\n(a) a chair;\n(b) 1 person appointed after consultation with the Canberra Institute\nof Technology;\n(c) 1 person appointed after consultation with vocational education\nand training organisations;\n(d) 1 person appointed after consultation with the Australian\nNational University;\n(e) 1 person appointed after consultation with the University of\nCanberra;\n(f) 1 person appointed after consultation with the Australian\nCatholic University;\n(g) 1 person appointed after consultation with the body known as\nthe Association of Independent Schools;\n\nPart 3 Board of Senior Secondary Studies\nSection 8\npage 10 Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\nR14\n06/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(h) 1 person appointed after consultation with the ACT branch of\nthe Australian Education Union;\n(i) 1 person appointed after consultation with the body known as\nthe Catholic Education Commission;\n(j) 1 person appointed after consultation with the body known as\nthe ACT Principals’ Association Inc.;\n(k) 1 person appointed after consultation with the body known as\nthe ACT Council of Parents and Citizens Associations;\n(l) 1 person appointed after consultation with the Association of\nParents and Friends of the ACT Schools Inc.;\n(m) 1 person appointed after consultation with business and industry\nrepresentative organisations in the ACT;\n(n) 1 person appointed after consultation with the ACT Trades and\nLabour Council;\n(o) the director-general.\n(2) The Minister must appoint the board members (other than the\ndirector-general).\nNote 1 For the making of appointments (including acting appointments), see the\nLegislation Act, pt 19.3.\nNote 2 In particular, an appointment may be made by naming a person or\nnominating the occupant of a position (see s 207).\nNote 3 Certain Ministerial appointments require consultation with a Legislative\nAssembly committee and are disallowable (see Legislation Act,\ndiv 19.3.3).\n(3) The Minister may appoint a person to be a board member only if\nsatisfied that the person has qualifications and expertise relevant to\nthe functions of the board.\n\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Part 3\nSection 10\nR14\n06/12/25\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\npage 11\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n10 Term of appointment of board members\nAn appointment of a board member must be for a term of not longer\nthan 3 years.\nNote A person may be reappointed to a position if the person is eligible to be\nappointed to the position (see Legislation Act, s 208 and dict, pt 1,\ndef appoint).\n11 Disclosure of interests by board members\n(1) A board member who has a material interest in an issue being\nconsidered, or about to be considered, by the board must, as soon as\npracticable after the relevant facts have come to the member’s\nknowledge, disclose the nature of the interest at a board meeting.\n(2) The disclosure must be recorded in the board’s minutes and, unless\nthe board otherwise decides, the board member must not—\n(a) be present when the board considers the issue; or\n(b) take part in a decision of the board on the issue.\nExample\nAlbert, Boris and Chloe are members of the board. They have an interest in an\nissue being considered at a board meeting and they disclose the interest as soon as\nthey become aware of it. Albert’s and Boris’ interests are minor but Chloe has a\ndirect financial interest in the issue.\nThe board considers the disclosures and decides that because of the nature of the\ninterests:\n• Albert may be present when the board considers the issue but not take part in\nthe decision\n• Boris may be present for the consideration and take part in the decision.\nThe board does not make a decision allowing Chloe to be present or take part in the\nboard’s decision. Accordingly, Chloe cannot be present for the consideration of the\nissue or take part in the decision.\n(3) Any other board member who also has a material interest in the issue\nmust not be present when the board is considering its decision under\nsubsection (2).\n\nPart 3 Board of Senior Secondary Studies\nSection 11\npage 12 Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\nR14\n06/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(4) In this section:\nassociate, of a person, means—\n(a) the person’s business partner; or\n(b) a close friend of the person; or\n(c) a family member of the person.\nexecutive officer, of a corporation, means a person, however called\nand whether or not the person is a director of the corporation, who is\nconcerned with, or takes part in, the corporation’s management.\nindirect interest—without limiting the kinds of indirect interests a\nperson may have, a person has an indirect interest in an issue if any\nof the following has an interest in the issue:\n(a) an associate of the person;\n(b) a corporation with not more than 100 members of which the\nperson, or an associate of the person, is a member;\n(c) a subsidiary of a corporation mentioned in paragraph (b);\n(d) a corporation of which the person, or an associate of the person,\nis an executive officer;\n(e) the trustee of a trust of which the person, or an associate of the\nperson, is a beneficiary;\n(f) a member of a firm or partnership of which the person, or an\nassociate of the person, is a member;\n(g) someone else carrying on a business if the person, or an\nassociate of the person, has a direct or indirect right to\nparticipate in the profits of the business.\nmaterial interest—a board member has a material interest in an issue\nif the member has—\n(a) a direct or indirect financial interest in the issue; or\n\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Part 3\nSection 12\nR14\n06/12/25\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\npage 13\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(b) a direct or indirect interest of any other kind if the interest could\nconflict with the proper exercise of the member’s functions in\nrelation to the board’s consideration of the issue.\n12 Ending board member appointments\n(1) This section applies to a board member other than the\ndirector-general.\n(2) The Minister must end the board member’s appointment—\n(a) if the member is convicted, in the ACT, of an offence punishable\nby imprisonment for at least 1 year; or\n(b) if the member is convicted outside the ACT, in Australia or\nelsewhere, of an offence that, if it had been committed in the\nACT, would be punishable by imprisonment for at least 1 year;\nor\n(c) if the member contravenes section 11 (Disclosure of interests by\nboard members); or\n(d) if the member is absent, other than on leave approved by the\nchair, from 3 consecutive meetings of the board.\nNote A person’s appointment also ends if the person resigns (see Legislation\nAct, s 210).\n13 Time and place of board meetings\nMeetings of the board are to be held at the times and places the chair\ndecides.\n14 Presiding member at board meetings\n(1) The chair presides at all board meetings at which the chair is present.\n(2) However, if the chair is absent, the board member chosen by the board\nmembers present presides.\n\nPart 3 Board of Senior Secondary Studies\nSection 15\npage 14 Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\nR14\n06/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n15 Quorum at board meetings\nBusiness may be carried on at a board meeting only if at least 8 board\nmembers (other than the director-general) are present.\n16 Voting at meetings\n(1) At a board meeting, each board member has a vote on each question\nto be decided.\n(2) A question is to be decided by a majority of the votes of the board\nmembers present and voting but, if the votes are equal, the member\npresiding has a deciding vote.\n16A Proxy voting\n(1) A board member may appoint a person as a proxy for a vote at a board\nmeeting.\n(2) The appointment must be in a form approved by the board.\n17 Conduct of meetings etc\n(1) The board may conduct its proceedings (including its meetings) as it\nconsiders appropriate.\n(2) A meeting may be held using a method of communication, or a\ncombination of methods of communication, that allows a board\nmember taking part to hear what each other member taking part says\nwithout the members being in each other’s presence.\nExamples\na phone link, a satellite link, an internet or intranet link\n(3) A board member who takes part in a meeting conducted under\nsubsection (2) is taken, for all purposes, to be present at the meeting.\n(4) The board must keep minutes of its meetings.\n\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Part 3\nSection 18\nR14\n06/12/25\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\npage 15\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n18 Delegation by board\nThe board may delegate the board’s functions under this Act or\nanother territory law to a board member or a consultant engaged\nunder section 19 or a public servant mentioned in section 19A.\nNote For the making of delegations and the exercise of delegated functions,\nsee the Legislation Act, pt 19.4.\n19 Consultants\n(1) The board may, for the Territory, engage consultants to, or to perform\nservices for, the board.\n(2) Consultants are to be engaged on written terms decided by the board\nthat are approved by the Minister.\n(3) However, this section does not give the board a power to enter into a\ncontract of employment.\n19A Arrangements for staff\nThe board may arrange with the head of service to use the services of\na public servant.\nNote The head of service may delegate powers in relation to the management\nof public servants to a public servant or another person (see Public Sector\nManagement Act 1994, s 18).\n20 Protection of board members from liability\n(1) A board member does not incur civil liability for an act or omission\ndone honestly and without recklessness for this Act.\n(2) Any civil liability that would, apart from this section, attach to a\nperson, attaches instead to the Territory.\n\nPart 4 Accredited and registered courses\nDivision 4.1 Accreditation of courses\nSection 21\npage 16 Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\nR14\n06/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 4 Accredited and registered\ncourses\nDivision 4.1 Accreditation of courses\n21 Board may initiate accreditation of course\n(1) The board may, on its own initiative, accredit a course.\n(2) In deciding whether to initiate accreditation of a course, the board\nmust consider the accreditation guidelines.\n(3) An accreditation under subsection (1) may be conditional.\n22 Application for accreditation of course\n(1) A recognised educational institution may apply to the board for the\naccreditation of a course to be taught at the institution.\n(2) The board must either—\n(a) accredit the course; or\n(b) refuse to accredit the course.\n(3) An accreditation is in force for the period that the board decides.\n(4) An accreditation may be conditional.\n(5) The board must tell the applicant, in writing, of its decision.\n23 Review of conditional accreditation or refusal\n(1) This section applies if the board, under section 22—\n(a) accredits a course conditionally; or\n(b) refuses to accredit a course.\n(2) The applicant for accreditation may, within 1 month after the day the\nboard tells the applicant about the board’s decision under section 22,\nask the board, in writing, to review the decision.\n\nAccredited and registered courses Part 4\nAccreditation of courses Division 4.1\nSection 24\nR14\n06/12/25\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\npage 17\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(3) Within 1 month after the day the board receives the request, the chair\nof the board must set up a committee to advise the board about the\nrequest.\n(4) As soon as practicable after the board receives advice from the\ncommittee, the board must review its decision and either—\n(a) confirm the original decision; or\n(b) replace the original decision with a decision that the board may\nmake under section 22.\n(5) The board must tell the applicant, in writing, of the board’s decision.\n24 Considerations relating to accreditation of courses\nIn making a decision under this division, the board must consider the\nfollowing:\n(a) the coherence of the course;\n(b) the appropriateness of the course;\n(c) the clarity of the course;\n(d) how it is intended to teach the course;\n(e) the relevant guidelines of the board;\n(f) the policies of the board.\n\nPart 4 Accredited and registered courses\nDivision 4.2 Registration of courses\nSection 25\npage 18 Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\nR14\n06/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nDivision 4.2 Registration of courses\n25 Application for registration of course\n(1) A recognised educational institution may apply to the board for the\nregistration of a course to be taught at the institution.\n(2) The board must—\n(a) if the application is accompanied by documents and information\nthat satisfies the board that the course complies with the relevant\nguidelines of the board—register the course; or\n(b) in any other case—refuse to register the course.\n(3) A registration is in force for the period that the board decides.\n(4) A registration may be conditional.\n(5) The board must tell the applicant, in writing, of its decision.\nDivision 4.3 Certificates of attainment\n26 Issue of certificates of attainment\n(1) If a person has satisfactorily completed an accredited course or\nregistered course, or a unit of an accredited course or registered\ncourse, at a recognised educational institution, the board must give\nthe person a certificate showing the person’s attainment (a certificate\nof attainment).\n(2) However, the board may give a certificate of attainment only if the\nboard is satisfied that—\n(a) the course has been taught in accordance with—\n(i) the relevant accreditation guidelines; and\n(ii) if the accreditation is conditional—the conditions of the\naccreditation; and\n\nAccredited and registered courses Part 4\nCertificates of attainment Division 4.3\nSection 26A\nR14\n06/12/25\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\npage 19\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(iii) any guidelines and requirements of the board about the\nteaching of the course; and\n(b) the person has been assessed in accordance with any guidelines\nand requirements of the board about the assessment of student\nattainments (see section 5B (a)).\n(3) In making a decision under subsection (2), the board may rely on\ninformation in a certificate from a recognised educational institution.\n(4) A certificate of attainment may state any information that is available\nfrom the records of the board and appears to the board to be connected\nwith the person’s studies.\n26A Application for review if board refuses to issue certificate\n(1) This section applies to a certificate of any kind ordinarily issued by\nthe board to a person who has completed the studies to which the\ncertificate relates, including a certificate of attainment.\n(2) A person dissatisfied by a refusal of the board to issue a certificate\nmay apply, in writing, to the board for a review of the refusal.\n(3) The application must—\n(a) state the grounds on which the review is sought; and\n(b) be given to the board within 1 month after the day the board\nstates is the day when the certificate would have been issued.\n27 Review of refusal to issue certificate\n(1) Within 1 month after the day the board receives an application under\nsection 26A, the chair of the board must set up a committee to advise\nthe board about the application.\n(2) As soon as practicable after the board receives advice from the\ncommittee, the board must review its decision and either—\n(a) confirm the refusal; or\n\nPart 4 Accredited and registered courses\nDivision 4.4 Specialist education providers\nSection 27A\npage 20 Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\nR14\n06/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(b) issue the certificate.\n(3) The board must tell the applicant, in writing, of its decision.\nDivision 4.4 Specialist education providers\n27A Approved specialist education providers\n(1) The board may approve specialist education providers for this Act.\n(2) The board must keep an up-to-date list of approved specialist\neducation providers.\n27B Criteria for approval\nThe board may approve an entity as a specialist education provider\nonly if satisfied that the following criteria (the approval criteria) are\nmet:\n(a) the provider will have premises and equipment that comply with\nany relevant territory laws about health and safety standards;\n(b) the nature and content of the education to be offered by the\nprovider will be satisfactory for the educational levels for which\napproval as a provider is sought;\n(c) the teaching staff will be efficient and effective;\n(d) the facility operated by the provider will be conducted in a\nsatisfactory way;\n(e) the disciplinary policy of the provider will not allow corporal\npunishment.\n27C Suspension of approval\nThe board may suspend the approval of a specialist education\nprovider if the board is no longer satisfied, on reasonable grounds,\nthat the provider meets the approved criteria under section 27B.\n\nAccredited and registered courses Part 4\nSpecialist education providers Division 4.4\nSection 27D\nR14\n06/12/25\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\npage 21\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n27D Cancellation of approval\nThe board must cancel the approval of a specialist education provider\nif, on at least 3 occasions, a ground existed on which the board would\nhave been entitled to suspend the approval of the provider.\n\nPart 4A Notification and review of decisions\nSection 27E\npage 22 Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\nR14\n06/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 4A Notification and review of\ndecisions\n27E Meaning of reviewable decision—pt 4A\nIn this part:\nreviewable decision means a decision mentioned in\nschedule 1, column 3 under a provision of this Act mentioned in\ncolumn 2 in relation to the decision.\n27F Reviewable decision notices\nIf the board makes a reviewable decision, the board must give a\nreviewable decision notice to each entity mentioned in schedule 1,\ncolumn 4 in relation to the decision.\nNote The board must also take reasonable steps to give a reviewable decision\nnotice to any other person whose interests are affected by the decision\n(see ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008, s 67A).\n27G Applications for review\nThe following may apply to the ACAT for review of a reviewable\ndecision:\n(a) an entity mentioned in schedule 1, column 4 in relation to the\ndecision;\n(b) any other person whose interests are affected by the decision.\n\nMiscellaneous Part 5\nSection 28\nR14\n06/12/25\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\npage 23\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 5 Miscellaneous\n28 Information about academic performance\n(1) A person who has completed the person’s senior secondary education\nmay apply in writing to the board for a copy of the information held\nby the board about the person’s academic performance.\n(2) The board must give a copy of the information to the applicant or to\nsomeone else nominated in writing by the applicant.\n29 Register of courses\n(1) The board must keep a register of courses (the register).\n(2) The board must enter in the register details of the following:\n(a) courses that the board has accredited;\n(b) courses that the board has registered;\n(c) anything else decided by the board.\n(3) The register must be kept in the form the board decides.\n(4) The register must be available for inspection by the public during\nordinary office hours at a place decided by the chair of the board.\n30 Approved forms\n(1) The board may approve forms for this Act.\n(2) If the board approves a form for a particular purpose, the approved\nform must be used for that purpose.\n(3) An approved form is a notifiable instrument.\n\nSchedule 1 Reviewable decisions\npage 24 Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\nR14\n06/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nSchedule 1 Reviewable decisions\n(see pt 4A)\ncolumn 1\nitem\ncolumn 2\nsection\ncolumn 3\ndecision\ncolumn 4\nentity\n1 27A refuse to approve\napplication for\napproval as specialist\neducation provider\napplicant\n2 27C suspend approval of\nspecialist education\nprovider\nspecialist education\nprovider\n3 27D cancel approval of\nspecialist education\nprovider\nspecialist education\nprovider\n\nDictionary\nR14\n06/12/25\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\npage 25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nDictionary\n(see s 2)\nNote 1 The Legislation Act contains definitions and other provisions relevant to\nthis Act.\nNote 2 For example, the Legislation Act, dict, pt 1, defines the following terms:\n• ACAT\n• appoint\n• director-general (see s 163)\n• establish\n• exercise\n• function\n• head of service\n• month\n• public servant\n• reviewable decision notice.\naccreditation guidelines—see section 5A (a) (Additional functions\nabout accreditation of courses).\naccredited course means a course accredited under section 21 (Board\nmay initiate accreditation of course) or section 22 (Application for\naccreditation of course).\nboard means the Board of Senior Secondary Studies.\nboard member means a member of the board, and includes the chair.\ncertificate of attainment—see section 26 (1).\ncourse means a course of study for senior secondary students.\nnational agreement—see section 3C.\nrecognised educational institution—see section 3B.\nregistered course means a course registered under section 25.\n\nDictionary\npage 26 Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\nR14\n06/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nreviewable decision, for part 4A (Notification and review of\ndecisions—see section 27E.\nsenior secondary education—see section 3A.\n\nEndnotes\nAbout the endnotes 1\nR14\n06/12/25\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\npage 27\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nEndnotes\n1 About the endnotes\nAmending and modifying laws are annotated in the legislation history and the\namendment history. Current modifications are not included in the republished law\nbut are set out in the endnotes.\nNot all editorial amendments made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 are\nannotated in the amendment history. Full details of any amendments can be\nobtained from the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office.\nUncommenced amending laws are not included in the republished law. The details\nof these laws are underlined in the legislation history. Uncommenced expiries are\nunderlined in the legislation history and amendment history.\nIf all the provisions of the law have been renumbered, a table of renumbered\nprovisions gives details of previous and current numbering.\nThe endnotes also include a table of earlier republications.\n2 Abbreviation key\nA = Act NI = Notifiable instrument\nAF = Approved form o = order\nam = amended om = omitted/repealed\namdt = amendment ord = ordinance\nAR = Assembly resolution orig = original\nch = chapter par = paragraph/subparagraph\nCN = Commencement notice pres = present\ndef = definition prev = previous\nDI = Disallowable instrument (prev...) = previously\ndict = dictionary pt = part\ndisallowed = disallowed by the Legislative r = rule/subrule\nAssembly reloc = relocated\ndiv = division renum = renumbered\nexp = expires/expired R[X] = Republication No\nGaz = gazette RI = reissue\nhdg = heading s = section/subsection\nIA = Interpretation Act 1967 sch = schedule\nins = inserted/added sdiv = subdivision\nLA = Legislation Act 2001 SL = Subordinate law\nLR = legislation register sub = substituted\nLRA = Legislation (Republication) Act 1996 underlining = whole or part not commenced\nmod = modified/modification or to be expired\n\nEndnotes\n3 Legislation history\npage 28 Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\nR14\n06/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n3 Legislation history\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997 A1997-87\nnotified 1 December 1997 (Gaz 1997 No S380)\ns 1, s 2 commenced 1 December 1997 (s 2 (1))\nremainder commenced 1 January 1998 (s 2 (2) and Gaz 1997\nNo S398)\nas amended by\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies (Amendment) Act 1998 A1998-44\nnotified 30 October 1998 (Gaz 1998 No S204)\ncommenced 30 October 1998 (s 2)\nLegislation (Consequential Amendments) Act 2001 A2001-44 pt 38\nnotified 26 July 2001 (Gaz 2001 No 30)\ns 1, s 2 commenced 26 July 2001 (IA s 10B)\npt 38 commenced 12 September 2001 (s 2 and see Gaz 2001 No S65)\nAnnual Reports Legislation Amendment Act 2004 A2004-9 sch 1\npt 1.5\nnotified LR 19 March 2004\ns 1, s 2 commenced 19 March 2004 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.5 commenced 13 April 2004 (s 2 and see Annual Reports\n(Government Agencies) Act 2004 A2004-8, s 2 and CN2004-5)\nEducation Act 2004 A2004-17 sch 2 pt 2.1\nnotified LR 8 April 2004\ns 1, s 2 commenced 8 April 2004 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 2 pt 2.1 commenced 1 January 2005 (s 2)\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2005 A2005-20 sch 3 pt 3.6\nnotified LR 12 May 2005\ns 1, s 2 taken to have commenced 8 March 2005 (LA s 75 (2))\nsch 3 pt 3.6 commenced 2 June 2005 (s 2 (1))\nTraining and Tertiary Education Legislation Amendment Act 2007\nA2007-12 sch 1 pt 1.3\nnotified LR 13 June 2007\ns 1, s 2 commenced 13 June 2007 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.3 commenced 1 July 2007 (s 2 and CN2007-3)\n\nEndnotes\nLegislation history 3\nR14\n06/12/25\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\npage 29\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2008 A2008-28 sch 3 pt 3.7\nnotified LR 12 August 2008\ns 1, s 2 commenced 12 August 2008 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 3 pt 3.7 commenced 26 August 2008 (s 2)\nACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Legislation Amendment\nAct 2008 (No 2) A2008-37 sch 1 pt 1.12\nnotified LR 4 September 2008\ns 1, s 2 commenced 4 September 2008 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.12 commenced 2 February 2009 (s 2 (1) and see ACT Civil\nand Administrative Tribunal Act 2008 A2008-35, s 2 (1) and CN2009-2)\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2009 A2009-20 sch 3 pt 3.7\nnotified LR 1 September 2009\ns 1, s 2 commenced 1 September 2009 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 3 pt 3.7 commenced 22 September 2009 (s 2)\nAdministrative (One ACT Public Service Miscellaneous Amendments)\nAct 2011 A2011-22 sch 1 pt 1.17\nnotified LR 30 June 2011\ns 1, s 2 commenced 30 June 2011 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.17 commenced 1 July 2011 (s 2 (1))\nAnnual Reports (Government Agencies) Amendment Act 2015\nA2015-16 sch 1 pt 1.3\nnotified LR 27 May 2015\ns 1, s 2 commenced 27 May 2015 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.3 commenced 3 June 2015 (s 2)\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Amendment Act 2015 A2015-28\nnotified LR 20 August 2015\ns 1, s 2 commenced 20 August 2015 (LA s 75 (1))\nremainder commenced 21 August 2015 (s 2)\nPublic Sector Management Amendment Act 2016 A2016-52 sch 1\npt 1.8\nnotified LR 25 August 2016\ns 1, s 2 commenced 25 August 2016 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.8 commenced 1 September 2016 (s 2)\n\nEndnotes\n3 Legislation history\npage 30 Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\nR14\n06/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2025 A2025-29 sch 4 pt 4.16\nnotified LR 6 November 2025\ns 1, s 2 commenced 6 November 2025 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 4 pt 4.16 commenced 6 December 2025 (s 2 (5))\n\nEndnotes\nAmendment history 4\nR14\n06/12/25\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\npage 31\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n4 Amendment history\nName of Act\ns 1 sub A2005-20 amdt 3.55\nDictionary\ns 2 orig s 2 om R1 LRA\n(prev s 3) renum A2001-44 amdt 1.372\nsub A2005-20 amdt 3.56\ndef accredited course om A2005-20 amdt 3.56\ndef alternate om A2005-20 amdt 3.56\ndef appointed member om A2005-20 amdt 3.56\ndef board om A2005-20 amdt 3.56\ndef course om A2005-20 amdt 3.56\ndef executive officer om A1998-44 s 4\ndef member om A2005-20 amdt 3.56\ndef national agreement am A2001-44 amdt 1.371\nom A2005-20 amdt 3.56\ndef recognised educational institution sub A1998-44 s 4\nom A2005-20 amdt 3.56\ndef registered course om A2005-20 amdt 3.56\ndef senior secondary education om A2005-20 amdt 3.56\nNotes\ns 3 ins A2001-44 amdt 1.373\nsub A2005-20 amdt 3.56\nKey concepts\npt 2 hdg orig pt 2 hdg renum as pt 3 hdg\nins A2005-20 amdt 3.57\nWhat is senior secondary education?\ns 3A ins A2005-20 amdt 3.57\nWhat is a recognised educational institution?\ns 3B ins A2005-20 amdt 3.57\nsub A2015-28 s 4\nam A2025-29 amdt 4.16\nWhat is a national agreement?\ns 3C ins A2005-20 amdt 3.57\nam A2025-29 amdt 4.16\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies\npt 3 hdg orig pt 3 hdg om A2005-20 amdt 3.72\n(prev pt 2 hdg) renum A2005-20 amdt 3.58\nAccreditation and registration of courses\ndiv 3.1 hdg (prev pt 3 div 1 hdg) renum R2 LA\nom A2005-20 amdt 3.73\n\nEndnotes\n4 Amendment history\npage 32 Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\nR14\n06/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nCertificates of attainment\ndiv 3.2 hdg (prev pt 3 div 2 hdg) renum R2 LA\nom A2005-20 amdt 3.77\nSpecialist education providers\ndiv 3.3 hdg ins A2004-17 amdt 2.1\nom A2005-20 amdt 3.79\nEstablishment of board\ns 4 sub A2005-20 amdt 3.59\nFunctions of board\ns 5 sub A2005-20 amdt 3.60\nAdditional functions about accreditation of courses\ns 5A ins A2005-20 amdt 3.60\nAdditional functions about assessment of students\ns 5B ins A2005-20 amdt 3.60\nAdditional functions about certificates of attainment\ns 5C ins A2005-20 amdt 3.60\nAdditional functions about performance and policies\ns 5D ins A2005-20 amdt 3.60\nOther functions of board\ns 6 sub A2005-20 amdt 3.61\nam A2016-52 amdt 1.37; A2025-29 amdt 4.16\nMinisterial directions\ns 7 am A2001-44 amdt 1.374, amdt 1.375; A2004-9 amdt 1.5;\nA2005-20 amdt 3.62, amdt 3.63; A2015-16 amdt 1.3;\nss renum R11 LA; A2025-29 amdt 4.16\nMembership of board\ns 8 am A1998-44 s 5; A2005-20 amdt 3.64, amdt 3.65; A2007-12\namdt 1.6; A2009-20 amdt 3.18; A2011-22 amdt 1.64;\nA2015-28 s 5, s 6; pars renum R12 LA\nFunctions of board not affected by vacancies\ns 9 om A2005-20 amdt 3.66\nTerm of appointment of board members\ns 10 sub A2005-20 amdt 3.67\nDisclosure of interests by board members\ns 11 sub A2005-20 amdt 3.68\nam A2025-29 amdt 4.16\nEnding board member appointments\ns 12 sub A2005-20 amdt 3.68\nam A2011-22 amdt 1.64\n\nEndnotes\nAmendment history 4\nR14\n06/12/25\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\npage 33\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nRepresentative of chief executive\ns 12A ins A1998-44 s 6\nom A2005-20 amdt 3.68\nTime and place of board meetings\ns 13 am A1998-44 s 7\nsub A2005-20 amdt 3.68\nPresiding member at board meetings\ns 14 sub A2005-20 amdt 3.68\nQuorum at board meetings\ns 15 sub A2005-20 amdt 3.68\nam A2011-22 amdt 1.64\nVoting at meetings\ns 16 am A1998-44 s 8\nsub A2005-20 amdt 3.68\nProxy voting\ns 16A ins A2015-28 s 7\nam A2025-29 amdt 4.16\nConduct of meetings etc\ns 17 sub A2005-20 amdt 3.68\nam A2008-28 amdt 3.36; A2025-29 amdt 4.16\nDelegation by board\ns 18 om A1998-44 s 9\nins A2005-20 amdt 3.68\nam A2016-52 amdt 1.38\nConsultants\ns 19 am A2005-20 amdt 3.69, amdt 3.70; A2011-22 amdt 1.62,\namdt 1.64\nsub A2016-52 amdt 1.39\nArrangements for staff\ns 19A ins A2016-52 amdt 1.39\nProtection of board members from liability\ns 20 sub A2005-20 amdt 3.71\nAccredited and registered courses\npt 4 hdg orig pt 4 hdg renum as pt 5 hdg\nins A2005-20 amdt 3.72\nAccreditation of courses\ndiv 4.1 hdg ins A2005-20 amdt 3.73\nBoard may initiate accreditation of course\ns 21 sub A2005-20 amdt 3.74\n\nEndnotes\n4 Amendment history\npage 34 Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\nR14\n06/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nApplication for accreditation of course\ns 22 sub A2005-20 amdt 3.74\nReview of conditional accreditation or refusal\ns 23 am A1998-44 s 10\nsub A2005-20 amdt 3.74\nConsiderations relating to accreditation of courses\ns 24 am A2005-20 amdt 3.75\nRegistration of courses\ndiv 4.2 hdg ins A2005-20 amdt 3.76\nApplication for registration of course\ns 25 sub A2005-20 amdt 3.76\nCertificates of attainment\ndiv 4.3 hdg ins A2005-20 amdt 3.77\nIssue of certificates of attainment\ns 26 sub A2005-20 amdt 3.78\nApplication for review if board refuses to issue certificate\ns 26A ins A2005-20 amdt 3.78\nReview of refusal to issue certificate\ns 27 sub A2005-20 amdt 3.78\nSpecialist education providers\ndiv 4.4 hdg ins A2005-20 amdt 3.79\nApproved specialist education providers\ns 27A ins A2004-17 amdt 2.1\nCriteria for approval\ns 27B ins A2004-17 amdt 2.1\nSuspension of approval\ns 27C ins A2004-17 amdt 2.1\nCancellation of approval\ns 27D ins A2004-17 amdt 2.1\nNotification and review of decisions\npt 4A hdg ins A2008-37 amdt 1.42\nMeaning of reviewable decision—pt 4A\ns 27E ins A2004-17 amdt 2.1\nsub A2008-37 amdt 1.42\nReviewable decision notices\ns 27F ins A2004-17 amdt 2.1\nsub A2008-37 amdt 1.42\nam A2025-29 amdt 4.16\n\nEndnotes\nAmendment history 4\nR14\n06/12/25\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\npage 35\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nApplications for review\ns 27G ins A2008-37 amdt 1.42\nam A2025-29 amdt 4.16\nMiscellaneous\npt 5 hdg (prev pt 4 hdg) renum A2005-20 amdt 3.80\nInformation about academic performance\ns 28 sub A2005-20 amdt 3.81\nRegister of courses\ns 29 am A1998-44 s 11; ss renum R2 LA\nsub A2005-20 amdt 3.82\nApproved forms\ns 30 ins A2001-44 amdt 1.377\nam A2005-20 amdt 3.83; A2025-29 amdt 4.16\nTransitional\ns 31 (prev s 30) renum A2001-44 amdt 1.376\nom A2005-20 amdt 3.84\nReviewable decisions\nsch 1 ins A2008-37 amdt 1.43\nDictionary\ndict ins A2005-20 amdt 3.85\nam A2008-37 amdt 1.44; A2011-22 amdt 1.63; A2016-52\namdt 1.40\ndef accreditation guidelines ins A2005-20 amdt 3.85\ndef accredited course ins A2005-20 amdt 3.85\ndef board ins A2005-20 amdt 3.85\ndef board member ins A2005-20 amdt 3.85\ndef certificate of attainment ins A2005-20 amdt 3.85\ndef course ins A2005-20 amdt 3.85\ndef national agreement ins A2005-20 amdt 3.85\ndef recognised educational institution ins A2005-20\namdt 3.85\ndef registered course ins A2005-20 amdt 3.85\ndef reviewable decision ins A2008-37 amdt 1.45\ndef senior secondary education ins A2005-20 amdt 3.85\n\nEndnotes\n5 Earlier republications\npage 36 Board of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\nR14\n06/12/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n5 Earlier republications\nSome earlier republications were not numbered. The number in column 1 refers to\nthe publication order.\nSince 12 September 2001 every authorised republication has been published in\nelectronic pdf format on the ACT legislation register. A selection of authorised\nrepublications have also been published in printed format. These republications are\nmarked with an asterisk (*) in column 1. Electronic and printed versions of an\nauthorised republication are identical.\nRepublication\nNo and date\nEffective Last\namendment\nmade by\nRepublication\nfor\nR1 (RI)\n8 Jan 2014\n3 Nov 2000–\n11 Sept 2001\nA1998-44 amendments by\nA1998-44\nR2\n16 Apr 2002\n12 Sept 2001–\n12 Apr 2004\nA2001-44 amendments by\nA2001-44\nR3\n13 Apr 2004\n13 Apr 2004–\n31 Dec 2004\nA2004-9 amendments by\nA2004-9\nR4\n1 Jan 2005\n1 Jan 2005–\n1 June 2005\nA2004-17 amendments by\nA2004-17\nR5\n2 June 2005\n2 June 2005–\n30 June 2007\nA2005-20 amendments by\nA2005-20\nR6\n1 July 2007\n1 July 2007–\n25 Aug 2008\nA2007-12 amendments by\nA2007-12\nR7\n26 Aug 2008\n26 Aug 2008–\n1 Feb 2009\nA2008-28 amendments by\nA2008-28\nR8\n2 Feb 2009\n2 Feb 2009–\n21 Sept 2009\nA2008-37 amendments by\nA2008-37\nR9\n22 Sept 2009\n22 Sept 2009–\n30 June 2011\nA2009-20 amendments by\nA2009-20\nR10\n1 July 2011\n1 July 2011–\n2 June 2015\nA2011-22 amendments by\nA2011-22\nR11\n3 June 2015\n3 June 2015–\n20 Aug 2015\nA2015-16 amendments by\nA2015-16\nR12\n21 Aug 2015\n21 Aug 2015–\n31 Aug 2016\nA2015-28 amendments by\nA2015-28\n\nEndnotes\nEarlier republications 5\nR14\n06/12/25\nBoard of Senior Secondary Studies Act 1997\nEffective: 06/12/25\npage 37\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nRepublication\nNo and date\nEffective Last\namendment\nmade by\nRepublication\nfor\nR13\n1 Sept 2016\n1 Sept 2016–\n5 Dec 2025\nA2016-52 amendments by\nA2016-52\n© Australian Capital Territory 2025","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The original 1997 Act focused primarily on course accreditation and certification. Over 28 years of amendments (particularly the 2005 rewrite and subsequent changes), the legislation has expanded significantly to include: specialist education provider regulation (2004/2005), detailed governance structures for the Board including proxy voting (2015), national vocational education agreements (2005), and comprehensive review rights through ACAT (2008). The 2025 amendments added electronic meeting provisions and refined notification requirements. The Act now functions as both an education quality regulator and a corporate governance statute, well beyond its original narrow remit of curriculum oversight."},"complexity_factors":["Moderate length (37 pages, 30 sections plus schedule and dictionary)","14 defined terms in the Dictionary, plus signpost definitions to sections 3A-3C","Cross-references to the Legislation Act 2001 for standard machinery provisions (appointment, delegation, disallowable instruments)","Some conditional logic in Division 4.4 regarding specialist education provider approvals (suspension triggers vs cancellation triggers)","Structured review mechanisms in Part 4A linking to Schedule 1 table for reviewable decisions","Multiple 'additional functions' sections (5A-5D) that elaborate on main functions in section 5, creating some structural redundancy","Board membership requirements involve consultation with 14 different stakeholder organisations"],"plain_english_summary":"The Act creates an independent Board of Senior Secondary Studies to oversee Years 11–12 in the ACT, accrediting courses, assessing students and issuing official senior certificates. It registers specialist providers and supplies information to universities and employers.\n\nIt affects ACT students, schools, training organisations and parents by ensuring consistent, credible senior qualifications recognised locally, nationally and internationally."},"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The Act’s operational scope has expanded since enactment through amendments that added detailed accreditation/assessment functions (s 5A–5D), specialist provider approval and sanctions (s 27A–27D), formal review/notice rights (pt 4A, sch 1) and staffing/delegation arrangements (s 18–19A). These insertions broaden the board’s regulatory, procedural and intergovernmental roles compared with the original, as recorded in the amendment history."},"complexity_factors":["Governance and appointments: multiple named stakeholders must be consulted for particular board appointments, and terms are limited to 3 years (s 8, s 10).","Ministerial oversight: the Minister may give directions the board must follow, except about particular students or assessments, which limits board autonomy (s 7).","Discretion and delegated powers: the board has broad discretion to accredit/initiate accreditation, register courses, set guidelines and delegate functions to members, consultants or public servants (s 21, s 25, s 5A–5D, s 18, s 19, s 19A).","Review and procedural safeguards: conditional accreditation, refusals and refusals to issue certificates have internal review procedures and ACAT reviewability for specified decisions, creating procedural steps and timelines (s 22–24, s 26A–27, pt 4A, sch 1).","Compliance and evidence rules: issuance of certificates depends on the board being satisfied courses were taught and assessed to its guidelines; the board may rely on institution certificates, shifting evidential burdens (s 26).","Provider regulation: criteria, suspension and cancellation rules for specialist education providers create regulatory triggers and recurring compliance monitoring (s 27A–27D).","Operational requirements: quorum (8 members), proxy voting, minutes, approved forms and a public register impose administrative processes (s 15, s 16A, s 17, s 29, s 30).","Intergovernmental interface: provisions for recognising national agreements and vocational qualifications require alignment with Commonwealth/state arrangements and may constrain local policy choices (s 3C, s 5A, s 5C)."],"plain_english_summary":"Creates a corporate Board of Senior Secondary Studies for the ACT that sets and enforces standards for senior secondary education. The board accredits and registers courses, oversees student assessment and moderation, issues certificates, approves specialist providers, keeps a public course register and publishes performance information. It affects recognised educational institutions, students seeking senior secondary qualification evidence, tertiary and vocational admission bodies, and providers of vocational training, because the board’s accreditation, assessment and review powers determine which qualifications are recognised and impose compliance obligations on institutions and students."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/board-of-senior-secondary-studies-act-1997","history":"/api/acts/board-of-senior-secondary-studies-act-1997/history","analysis":"/api/acts/board-of-senior-secondary-studies-act-1997/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/board-of-senior-secondary-studies-act-1997/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/board-of-senior-secondary-studies-act-1997/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/board-of-senior-secondary-studies-act-1997/documents"}}