14-05-2025
Apply by Friday for Grade R, 1 and 8 placements in Western Cape
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape has issued a final reminder to all parents and guardians: the window for late applications to secure Grade R, 1 and 8 school placements for the 2026 school year closes on Friday, 16 May. With just two days remaining, officials urge families to act swiftly to avoid disappointment.
'Parents and guardians who have not yet applied must take advantage of this final opportunity to secure a place for their child at a school in the Western Cape,' said Leon van Wyk, MPP.
He added that understanding each school's admissions policy is key to preventing unmet expectations.
Furthermore, applications can be completed online via the admission website. For those unable to access the digital platform, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) offers in-person support through its Admissions Walk-in Centre in Foreshore, Cape Town, operating weekdays from 7:30 to 16:00. Schools and district offices also remain available for direct support.
To complete the process, applicants must provide several essential documents: an identification document (such as a birth certificate or passport), an immunisation card (for Grades R and 1), the child's most recent school report, and proof of residence.
In cases where some documents are unavailable, the WCED allows the submission of a sworn police affidavit as a temporary substitute. This measure ensures that parents are not turned away due to missing paperwork.
The DA emphasised that timely applications are not just about meeting a deadline.
'Applying for admission is not just a formality,' the party stated, 'it is an essential step in securing a child's future.'
Additionally, once a late application is submitted, parents should print a copy for their records. The WCED will publish outcomes for Grades R, 1, and 8 applications on its admissions website on 30 May.
Timely submissions also assist the WCED in planning effectively for the next academic year, ensuring that every learner has access to education from day one.
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