In a latest update regarding learner placements for the 2026 academic year, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane announced that only 4 858 learners remain unplaced through the 2026 Online Admissions process for Grade One and Grade Eight, reflecting sustained progress across the province.

According to Chiloane, as of January 6, the Gauteng Department of Education’s Online Admissions system recorded a total of 4 858 unplaced learners, broken down as follows:

• Grade One: 1 381 learners
• Grade Eight: 3 477 learners

This represents about 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, Chiloane said.

He added that 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 most of the remaining unplaced learners are concentrated in urban and metropolitan areas, where ongoing population growth and infrastructure constraints continue to place pressure on available school capacity.

The West Rand and Sedibeng districts have shown significant placement progress, with comparatively lower numbers of unplaced learners, and are largely stabilised.

According to the department, priority interventions have been focused on high-pressure districts such as Johannesburg, including intensified district-based placement efforts, the continued release of placement and transfer offers, and the strategic use of available capacity at neighbouring schools.

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

• 5 701 Grade One learners
• 5 482 Grade Eight learners

All late applications processed during this period will 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 reminded parents and guardians that the 2026 Online Admissions system remains open for late applications, particularly for those who did not submit their applications 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.

The department further confirmed that a total of 6 736 placement appeals have been lodged as part of the 2026 Online Admissions process, with only 637 objections still awaiting adjudication. The appeals process is at an advanced stage, and outcomes are being 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 learner is placed,” Chiloane concluded.