Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane announced that only 4858 learners remain unplaced as part of the 2026 online admissions process for Grade One and Grade Eight.
This reflects sustained progress in learner placement across Gauteng for the 2026 academic year.
As of January 6, the Gauteng Department of Education’s online admissions system recorded a total of 4858 unplaced learners, translating to 1381 learners for Grade One and 3477 learners for Grade Eight.
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This represents approximately 1.5% of the total 358 574 complete applications received for the 2026 academic year, comprising 175 792 Grade One and 182 782 Grade Eight applicants.
The department continues to release placement and transfer offers daily, supported by targeted interventions in high-pressure districts, to ensure that all remaining learners are placed as efficiently and fairly as possible, in line with regulated admissions criteria and available school capacity.
Placement per district: high-pressure areas
Placement data per district indicates that the majority of the remaining unplaced learners are concentrated in urban and metropolitan districts, where sustained population growth and infrastructure constraints continue to place pressure on available school capacity.
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Ekurhuleni Districts
Ekurhuleni remains the highest-pressure district, with a combined total of:
• Ekurhuleni North: 1741 unplaced learners (Grade One: 381; Grade Eight: 1360).
• Ekurhuleni South: 1181 unplaced learners (Grade One: 569; Grade Eight: 612).
• Gauteng East: 247 unplaced learners (Grade One: 85; Grade Eight:162).
This results in a total of 3169 unplaced learners in Ekurhuleni, with pressure particularly at Grade Eight level in Ekurhuleni North.
“The department has prioritised Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg as high-pressure districts, with intensified district-based placement, continued release of placement and transfer offers, and strategic utilisation of available capacity across neighbouring schools,” said Chiloane.
Late applications for Grade One and Grade Eight remain open
The late applications period, which commenced on December 17 will close on January 30, and has to date recorded a total of 11 183 late applications, comprising of 5701 Grade One learners and 5482 Grade Eight learners.
Chiloane added that late applications processed during this period result in final placements at the school selected by parents or guardians, subject to available capacity.
“Parents are advised to visit the selected school from January 14 to submit all required documentation,” said Chiloane.
Chiloane reminds parents and guardians that the admissions system remains open for late applications, particularly for those who did not apply during the main application period or whose applications were incomplete.
Parents and guardians are urged to apply online by registering or logging on to www.gdeadmissions.gov.za.
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During the late application period, only schools with available space will appear on the system. Applicants may select one school only, and once selected, the learner will be finally placed for the 2026 academic year. Placements made during this period cannot be declined, and no objections or appeals will be permitted thereafter.
“We are encouraged by the steady progress made in placing learners across Gauteng. We once again urge parents and guardians to remain patient and co-operative as the department continues to work tirelessly to ensure that every Grade One and Grade Eight learner is placed for the 2026 academic year,” said Chiloane.
