The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has encouraged parents of prospective Grades R, 1 and 8 learners of 2027 to collect the required documents so that they are ready to apply when the on-time school admissions application window opens.

The on-time applications window opens on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, and will close on Tuesday, 14 April 2026.

According to the department, applying on time is essential to ensure that your child is included in the first round of applications and to support the WCED’s planning for the 2027 school year.

“Parents are responsible for ensuring that they submit their applications for admission on time.”

Documents required for all applications

Parents and caregivers must upload copies of the following documents when submitting an application:

• The learner’s most recent official school report (where applicable)
• Certified proof of identity of the learner:
• Birth certificate, ID or passport.
• For foreign learners: a passport, a study permit, proof of application for a permit, or a copy of the parents’ asylum seeker or refugee permit.
• If none of the above is available, a South African Police Service affidavit will be accepted.
• Immunisation card (Road to Health Certificate) – required for primary school applications
• Proof of residence (such as a municipal account, lease agreement, or affidavit confirming residence.

“Preparing these documents before the application period opens will make the process quicker, easier, and less stressful.”

To complete the online application, parents can access the WCED platform without using mobile data by using the following link:
https://www.westerncape.gov.za/education/service/learner-admissions

The department added that it will also host pop-up admission sites across the province during the on-time application window. These sites will support parents who need help completing online applications or who do not have internet access.

Information about these pop-up sites will be shared on the WCED website:
https://www.westerncape.gov.za/education/service/learner-admissions

READ MORE: WCED 1683 Grades R 1 and 8 learner placements still underway