The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has received a record-breaking 164,565 on-time applications for Grade R, 1, and 8 placements for the 2026 school year. This marks an increase of 12,577 applications compared to the same period last year and is the highest number of on-time submissions received to date.

The department has extended its sincere thanks to parents and guardians who submitted their applications by the on-time deadline of 15 April 2025.

“We cannot overstate the importance of applying on time and how this assists us to plan better for additional school places in the coming school year,” the WCED said in a statement.

Schools across the province will now review all applications received during the on-time window and apply their admissions policies to select successful applicants.

Starting 30 May 2025, schools will begin issuing offers of placement to parents. Once an offer is received, parents will have until 17 June 2025 to confirm acceptance.

The WCED has urged parents to ensure that their contact information is up to date to avoid any issues with receiving placement offers.

“Every year, we face challenges with parents who are uncontactable when an offer is available for their child,” the department noted.

Parents can update their contact details by calling the WCED Call Centre on 086-181-9919.

Late applications still open

While the department saw a substantial reduction in the number of Grade 7 learners without applications, from over 25,000 to just 8,900, it continues to encourage outstanding parents to submit their applications promptly.

After 16 May, late applications must be submitted in person at local education district offices. However, it’s important to note that late applications will only be considered after all on-time applications have been processed.

“We appeal to parents to submit their late applications immediately, as waiting until later in the year can result in delays in placement and will make it much harder for us to plan for additional school places,” the WCED said.

Transfer applications in august

The WCED also announced that the online window for transfer applications for Grades 2 to 7 and 9 to 12 will open on 4 August 2025 and close on 18 August 2025. Priority will be given to learners who have reached the highest grade at their current school or whose families have relocated.

More information and access to the online admissions system is available on the WCED’s official website.