Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane wishes to announce that only 4 858 learners remain unplaced as part of the 2026 Online Admissions process for Grade One and Grade Eight, reflecting sustained progress in learner placement across Gauteng for the 2026 academic year.

As of Tuesday, January 6, the Gauteng Department of Education’s Online Admissions system recorded a total of 4858 unplaced learners, translating to 1 381 Grade One and 3 477 Grade Eight learners.

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 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.

Ekurhuleni District

Ekurhuleni remains the highest-pressure district, with a combined total of:

• Ekurhuleni North: 1741 unplaced learners (Grade 1: 381; Grade 8: 1360)

• Ekurhuleni South: 1181 unplaced learners (Grade 1: 569; Grade 8: 612)

• Gauteng East: 247 unplaced learners (Grade 1: 85; Grade 8: 162)

This results in a total of 3169 unplaced learners in Ekurhuleni, with pressure particularly at Grade 8 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.

Late applications

The Late Applications period, which commenced on December 17, 2025 and will close on January 30, 2026, has to date recorded a total of 11 183 late applications, comprising:

• 5 701 Grade 1 learners

• 5 482 Grade 8 learners

All 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.

Chiloane reminds parents and guardians that the 2026 Online 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.

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.

Appeals and objections

The Department confirms that a grand total of 6 736 placement appeals have been lodged as part of the 2026 Online Admissions process, and only 637 objections await adjudication.

The appeals adjudication process is at an advanced stage, with outcomes communicated directly to parents and guardians as finalisation progresses.

Parents are reminded that appeal outcomes are final.

“We are encouraged by the steady progress made in placing learners across Gauteng. We once again urge parents and guardians to remain patient and cooperative 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.

For more information, contact the Gauteng Department of Education’s Spokesperson, Steve Mabona on 072 574 3860 or Spokesperson for Gauteng Education MEC, Xolani Mkhwemte on 084 513 9285.