104Distance education

104 Distance education

(1)  The following persons may apply to the Secretary for the provision of distance education, being education up to and including the last year of secondary education:

(a) a parent of a school-aged child or youth on behalf of that child or youth;

(b) a school-aged child who is living independently from his or her parents;

(c) a youth;

(d) any other person who, under this Act is entitled, or may be allowed in the circumstances specified in this Act, to attend a State school.

(2)  An application is to be made in a form approved by the Secretary.

(3)  The Secretary may –

(a) grant an application with or without conditions; or

(b) refuse to grant an application.

(4)  In determining whether to grant or refuse to grant an application, the Secretary may take into account any of the following matters:

(a) whether the school-aged child, youth or person lives in an isolated area which is too distant from a school to allow attendance on a daily basis;

(b) whether the child, youth or person is required to be in a hospital;

(c) whether the child, youth or person is housebound because of a physical impairment or infectious disease;

(d) whether the child, youth or person is pregnant;

(e) whether the child, youth or person is otherwise unable to attend school on a regular basis;

(f) any other matter the Secretary considers relevant.

(5)  The Secretary, at any time, may determine that distance education is not to be provided to a particular child, youth or person.