The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has called on parents of prospective grades R,1 and 8 learners to apply for a place in school for their child for next year if they have not done so yet. This is because the late school application window is still open.

Following the closure of the on-time admissions window on 15 April 2025, the department noted that the online admissions system remained open for late applications.

According to the department, it has received late applications for 8,603 learners for these grades so far, bringing the total number of learners applied for thus far to 173,872.

The online system will, however, close on Friday, 16 May 2025, and parents will then need to submit their late applications at education district offices or schools.

Department spokesperson, Bronnagh Hammond, added that schools will only consider late applications after the applications received during the on-time window have been considered.

“We appeal to parents to submit their late applications as soon as possible. It helps us to plan better if additional school places are required.”

On-time applications outcome

Hammond has confirmed that schools are currently considering the applications received during the on-time window and are applying their admissions policies to select successful applicants.

Schools are expected to make offers of acceptance to parents from the end of May and parents will need to confirm their acceptance by 17 June 2025.

The department has pleaded with parents to ensure that they update the WCED if their contact details change before schools make the outcome of their applications available.

“Every year, we face challenges with parents who are uncontactable when an offer is available for their child, so we urge parents to assist us by providing accurate details.”

Parents can contact the WCED call centre on 0861 819 919 (press 1 for admissions) to make the necessary changes to their contact details.

Student transfer applications window

The online window for transfer applications for Grades 2 to 7 and 9 to 12  will reportedly open on 4 August 2025 and close on 18 August 2025. According to the department, transfer applications for learners who have reached their highest grade in their school or whose parents have relocated will be prioritised.

The online admissions system, as well as more information about the admissions process, is available on the WCED website.

READ MORE: WCED: 2026 school applications for Grades R, 1 & 8 officially open