Deadline looms for Grade R, 1 and 8 late applications

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has issued a final reminder to parents and guardians to submit late online applications for Grade R, 1, and 8 placements for the 2026 academic year by the deadline on Friday, 16 May 2025.

According to the WCED, the on-time application period closed on 15 April 2025, but the admissions portal has remained open for late submissions.

So far, 8 603 late applications have been received, adding to a total of 173 872 learner applications across the province.

“We encourage any parent who still needs to apply to do so urgently,” the WCED stated.

“After this date, late applications will need to be submitted at education district offices or schools.”

Late applications may face delays

The department cautioned that late applications will only be considered after schools have finalised placements for those who applied during the official window.

“It helps us to plan better if additional school places are required,” the statement said, emphasising the importance of early submissions.

Late applicants could face limited placement options, depending on the availability of space at schools after initial allocations.

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Next steps for on-time applicants

Meanwhile, schools are currently reviewing applications submitted by the April deadline, using their own admissions policies to assess and rank applications.

“Schools will start to make offers of acceptance to parents from 30 May 2025,” the WCED confirmed.

“Parents will need to confirm their acceptance by 17 June 2025.”

The department urged parents to keep their contact details up to date to avoid missing out on placement offers.

“Every year, we face challenges with parents who are uncontactable when an offer is available for their child,” the department noted.

Parents are advised to contact the WCED call centre on 0861 819 919 (press 1 for admissions) to update their details if needed.

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Transfer applications open in August

In addition, the WCED has announced that transfer applications for grades 2 to 7 and 9 to 12 will be open from 4 August to 18 August 2025.

Priority will be given to pupils who have completed the highest grade offered at their current school or whose families have relocated.

More details about the admissions process and the online system are available on the official WCED website.

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