Gauteng’s schools face growing pressure after more than 800 000 applications were submitted for grades 1 and 8 places for 2027.
According to Gauteng Education MEC spokesperson Onwabile Lubhelwana, the province received 805 688 applications before the admissions period closed at midnight on September 4.
The applications came from 357 468 applicants, with 169 396 Grade 1 learners and 177 481 Grade 8 learners seeking placement. This represents 346 877 individual learners requiring placement.
Lubhelwana said the figures highlighted pressure on schools, particularly sought-after schools. Among Grade 8 applicants, Hoërskool Langenhoven in Tshwane West recorded the highest number with 3 462 applications, followed by Alberton High School with 2 756 and Katlehong Secondary School with 2 747.
Katlehong Engineering School of Specialisation received 2 573 applications, while Parktown Boys’ High School recorded 2 448. For Grade 1, Laerskool Akasia received 1 355 applications, followed by Palmridge Primary School with 1 330, Alston Primary School with 1 207, Lakeside Primary School with 1 162 and Stoneridge Primary School with 1 153.
The spokesperson said the figures showed where communities were expanding and demand was placing pressure on capacity.
He added that the department was looking at how existing capacity could be used more effectively, particularly where one school is overcrowded, and another nearby has available classrooms.
“An application to a particular school therefore does not automatically create additional physical capacity at that school.”
Lubhelwana said placement will be based on criteria including the learner’s home address, proximity to the school, siblings attending the school, the parent’s work address and distance from the school.
Where selected schools have no available space, he said the department may offer placement at the next closest school with capacity. Parents will have seven days to accept or decline such offers, with objection and appeal processes available.
Lubhelwana added that infrastructure delivery must keep pace with population growth, migration and new housing developments.
“The department is considering public-private partnerships, mobile classrooms, leasing arrangements and e-learning to ease capacity shortages.”
He stressed that mobile classrooms should be temporary measures, not replacements for permanent infrastructure.
Parents with outstanding documents have until noon on September 11 to submit certified copies. Applications without proof of home address or fraudulent documents will be regarded as incomplete.
Placement offers are scheduled to begin on October 15 and will be sent by SMS.
Lubhelwana said placements would continue throughout the year as spaces were identified.
WATCH:
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel
