You are reminded that the school transfer window is now open. The Western Cape Education Department says parents and caregivers have until 17 August 2026 to submit their school transfer application for Grades 2-7 and Grades 9-12.

The school transfer window is open

The Director of Communication at the Department, Bronagh Hammond, has invited parents and caregivers wishing to transfer their child to another school for the 2027 school year to submit an application before the 17th. She says the application process has changed slightly this year and has asked those involved to take note of this. Hammond says parents must find out whether their application must be done online, or directly at the school or district.

More about Online Transfer Applications

According to a WCED statement, online applications are available only for learners who meet specific transfer criteria. Hammond says parents whose circumstances do not fall within these criteria must apply directly to the school they wish their child to attend.

Parents may submit an online transfer application only if one of the following criteria applies:

• Highest grade reached: The learner has reached the highest grade offered by their current school (for example, a school that accommodates learners only up to Grade 3 or Grade 9).
• Relocation of work: A parent or caregiver has moved employment to another area, making a transfer necessary.
• Relocation of residential address: The learner’s family has moved residence to a different area.

Applications can be submitted online at: https://admissions.westerncape.gov.za/admissions/admission.sm_admissions_tracking.homepage

She says parents who have not previously registered on the WCED Admissions System will first need to create an account before submitting an application.

Direct hard-copy applications at schools

Hard-copy transfer forms are to be submitted to schools if the following applies:

• Parents who wish to transfer their child solely because they prefer another school, and whose circumstances do not fall under one of the approved transfer criteria above, must apply directly to the school concerned.

In these cases, a hard-copy Transfer Request Form must be submitted to the school of choice.

Due to the sensitive nature of the following criteria, parents or caregivers must also submit their hard copy application to the school only: 

• Verified vulnerability concern: There is a documented concern relating to the learner’s safety, wellbeing, or protection.
• Access to medical or psychological treatment: The learner requires access to specific medical or psychological services/treatment that are not reasonably accessible from the current school location, and supporting documentation must be provided.
• Ward of the State: The learner is under the care and protection of the State through an appointed guardian or relevant statutory authority.
• Transfer Request Forms

Transfer Request Forms are available:

• Under the Resources section on the WCED Admissions website
• At schools
• At district offices

Supporting Documents Required

Parents and caregivers will need to provide:

• The learner’s latest school report
• An ID, birth certificate, passport, study permit, proof of application, or police affidavit
• Proof of residential address or a police affidavit

Grade R, Grade 1 and Grade 8 Applications

Hammord says schools are currently finalising admission lists and confirming placements for Grade R, Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners for the 2027 school year. She says parents and caregivers who have not yet applied for Grade R, 1 or Grade 8 are urged to contact their district office as soon as possible for assistance. The online admissions platform for these applications is currently closed.

For more information, visit:

https://www.westerncape.gov.za/education/service/learner-admissions

or call 0861 819 919 (Press 1 for Admissions).