It’s the final call for parents who have not yet completed their 2026 school applications, as the on-time window for Grades R, 1 or 8 applications closes on Tuesday, 15 April 2025.
The Western Cape Education Department has therefore appealed to any parent or guardian who has not yet applied to do so immediately online or at their education district office.
The department has especially expressed concern about the high number of current Grade 7 learners at schools in the Western Cape whose parents have not yet applied for a place in Grade 8. As of the end of last week, the number of Grade 7 learners with no applications filed stood at over 25,000.
“Parents have the opportunity to help us by taking the responsible step to apply on time, and we urge parents to step up and apply immediately.” WCED MEC David Maynier
Maynier has noted that parents who apply late will, unfortunately, have to wait until on-time applicants are final and have been considered before late applications will be considered.
The department says it has already received Grade R, 1 or 8 applications for 132 226 learners.
” – We thank their parents for making sure that they have applied on time.”
The admissions system, as well as background information and step-by-step guides on how to apply, are available here: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/education/service/learner-admissions
READ MORE: WCED: 2026 school applications for Grades R, 1 & 8 officially open
