What to do as online applications for Grades 1 and 8 open on May 13
This is what you need to know about the online system
The online application for Grades 1 and 8 for the 2020 academic year will go live on May 13 and will close at midnight on July 15.
This year the process will be undertaken under new admission regulations that seek to ensure equitable access to all learners regardless of class, race or language. The regulations also define new feeder zones that aim to overcome the apartheid geography, said Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng MEC for Education.
Parents are urged to use the online system and log on to www.gdeadmissions.gov.za.
To apply, parents should click on Apply for 2020 and follow the prompts through the three-step process, namely:
Step 1 – Enter parent/legal guardian details
Step 2 – enter learner details
Step 3 – Apply to a school
Parents can also visit the nearest public school, district admissions centre, a community library or community centre for assistance to apply online.
The admissions online application system can accommodate 50 000 simultaneous users.
When applying online, parents have a choice to submit a maximum of five applications using the following options:
Option 1: Home address: the place of residence closest to the school within the feeder zone. The system will generate waiting list reference WA1.
Option 2: Sibling – applicant has a sibling attending the school. This does not apply if the sibling is currently in grade 7 or grade 12. Reference number WA2 will be generated by the system.
Option 3: Work address – the place of employment of at least one of the parents within the feeder zone of the school. A waiting list reference WA3 will be generated by the system.
Option 4: 30km radius – the applicant resides within a 30km radius of the school. Waiting list reference number WA4 will be generated by the system.
Option 5: Beyond 30km radius – applicant resides over 30km radius of the school. The system will generate reference number WB.
Parents or applicants with children in Grade R in the current school should also apply online.
Applications for Grade 8 in schools of focused learning or schools of specialisation should also be made online.
Once the online application is complete, the applicant will receive an SMS notification with a reference number. All communication with the parent will be conducted through the supplied cell phone number or email address.
Applicants should submit the following documents to the school within seven working days:
• Certified copy of ID of the parent/legal guardian or a sworn affidavit in case parent/legal guardian does not have an ID.
• Proof of home address.
• Certified copy of child’s birth certificate.
• Clinic immunisation card if applying for grade 1.
• Current school academic report and transfer if applying for Grade 8.
• Proof of sibling relationship where sibling option is used.
The placement of learners by the department will take place from August 27 to September 20. Applicants will receive an SMS notification of successful and unsuccessful application to the school. They have an obligation to accept or reject the placement offer within seven days.
If a parent fails to do this, they will forfeit the offer.
Placement will be conducted on a first-come-first-serve basis on the following prioritisation:
1. Home address closest to school within feeder-zone.
2. Sibling at the school.
3. Work address within feeder zone.
4. Home address within 30km.
5. Home address is beyond 30km of the school.
Parents should understand that living closer to the school does not entitle a person to automatic admission. Placement will depend on the time the application was made and availability of space.
For queries, parents are advised to contact the department:
Call Centre on 011 355 0000;
Toll free number 0800 000 789; or
Email: Gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za
