WCED: 2026 school applications for Grades R, 1 & 8 offically open

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has called on parents and guardians of prospective grades R, 1 and 8 learners of next year, to get their documents ready and apply on time as the 2026 school application window has officially opened

The on-time admissions application window for learners attending Grade R, 1 and 8 in the province next year opens on Tuesday, 11 March 2025, and closes on Tuesday, 15 April 2025.

The department has encouraged all parents to ensure that they are ready to apply by having the following required supporting documents:

1. Identification – any one of the following can be submitted:

Identity document (ID) or birth certificate of the learner;
Foreign learners: a passport or a copy of the parent’s refugee or asylum seeker permit on which the learner’s name should appear;
If the learner has foreign parents but was born in South Africa: a handwritten birth certificate (DHA 19 form); or
If the learner was not born in South Africa, a passport, refugee, or asylum seeker permit was issued in the learner’s name

2. Immunisation card or Road to Health chart – applicable only to pre-primary and primary schools.

3. Latest official school report or academic report.

4. Proof of residence e.g. rates account/lease agreement/an affidavit made at a police station confirming residence.

wced - 2026 school applications

“If any of these documents are unavailable, parents can submit a police affidavit indicating this in place of the missing document.” – added the WCED

Applications are to be submitted online, and documents must be scanned and uploaded to the online admissions system. 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

The department has clarified that parents will not have to drop off certified hard copies of the documents when they apply. They will only submit certified hard copies to the school once they have been offered and accepted a place in a school.

Parents who are not able to access the online system can receive assistance in person at their education district office, at one of our pop-up admissions sites, or at the school to which they wish to apply.

“We encourage parents to bring all the necessary documentation with them when seeking assistance in person.”

The WCED added that on-time applications will help the Western Cape Government to plan better for school placement for learners next year. This is as hundreds of learners were left unplaced at the start of the year due to late and extremely late applications.

“Don’t wait! Apply for a place in a school for your child during the on-time admissions window.”