The Office of Non-Government Education was formally established as a department on 1 July 1994 as a direct outcome of the State Cabinet's decisions on the Report of the Review of Education and Training, chaired by Dr Robert Vickery. Non-government school responsibilities previously held by the Education Department and the Office of Education and Training were transferred to the new Office of Non-Government Education. The Office was responsible for the co-ordination and provision of advice on education policy, planning and funding in the non-government sector, and the registration of non-government schools.

The Office of Non-Government education ceased operations as a separate legal entity on 30 June 1996. Its responsibilities were assumed by the new Department of Education Services on 1 July 1996.