Parents of prospective grades 1 and 8 learners, who have not yet applied for placement for the 2025 academic year, are reminded that the window for late applications closes on Sunday, 12 May 2024.

The Western Cape Education Department has advised parents to submit their applications as soon as possible. These late applications will be marked as such and considered after the applications are submitted during the initial on-time window.

As of now, the department received late applications for an additional 11,464 learners for Grades 1 and 8, bringing the total number of applicants to 114,144.

“We thank the parents who have already applied so far, as they are helping us to plan better for a place for their child in a school next year.”

According to the department, 87% of the applications received have been completed online by parents. The online admissions system does not require any personal data. Parents who need assistance with their application can visit their local education district office.

“Parents of Grade 1 and 8 learners who did not apply before 12 May 2024, will need to contact their district office for assistance as soon as possible thereafter. We urge parents not to wait until the last minute to apply.”

The application window for Grade R and transfer requests for Grades 2-7 and 9-12 will be open from 1 to 16 August 2024.

Post application processes

Parents who have not applied during the first admissions window should note that they do not need to submit certified hard copies at this stage. According to the WCED, these documents are only required after receiving and accepting an offer from a school.

Parents can expect to see the outcomes of their on-time applications online starting from 30 May 2024. Successful applicants must accept or decline offers by 14 June 2024.

“It is especially important for parents to confirm their choice of school speedily when they have received offers from multiple schools. These parents are essentially ‘double parking’ on the system, stopping schools from offering these places to other applicants until they make their choice.”

For parents who do not confirm their choice by 14 June 2024, the system will automatically confirm their top-ranked school offer. All other offers will be withdrawn to make room for other applicants.

The WCED has asked parents who do not receive an offer on 30 May 2024 to remain optimistic, as spots often become available as others finalize their choices.

“We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to place every learner whose parents applied on time as quickly as possible.”