Grade 1 and 8 parents in the Tshwane Metro were among the many individuals to submit applications on August 5, as the Gauteng Department of Education’s (GDE) 2027 online admissions system opened.

According to the GDE, the Tshwane West District emerged as one of the province’s busiest education districts within the first few hours of applications.

The department announced that by 12:00, just four hours after the system went live at 8:00, it had received 210 055 Grade 1 and Grade 8 applications across Gauteng.

Before applications officially opened, 12 058 parents had already joined the online queue, ready to submit their applications.

For metro families, demand was particularly high in Tshwane West, which the department identified as one of the busiest education districts during the opening hours of the admissions period.

Among the province’s most sought-after secondary schools included are those located in the Tshwane West District such as Hoërskool Langenhoven which received 1 168 applications, while Hoërskool Akasia recorded 917 applications within hours of applications opening.

At primary school level, Rachel de Beer received 474 applications; Laerskool Akasia, 461; and Laerskool Voortrekker Eeufees, 411.

The strong response follows last week’s announcement by Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebohang Maile that parents should prepare their supporting documents in advance and complete all compulsory applications before the September 4 closing date.

“The application process has since proceeded smoothly without any major technical incidents,” the GDE said.

According to the department, the online admissions system continues to simplify learner placement by replacing long queues outside schools with a digital application process.

This year’s admissions cycle also introduces improvements aimed at enhancing the user experience, including improved system stability during periods of high demand, faster processing times, strengthened document verification, automated SMS reminders and notifications, and the ability for parents to view each school’s Language of Learning and First Additional Language offerings before applying.

Maile encouraged parents not to delay their applications until the final days of the admissions period.

“Applying early allows sufficient time to upload supporting documents, resolve any outstanding matters and improve the likelihood of a seamless placement process,” said Maile.

He reminded parents to complete all five compulsory application steps, apply to a minimum of three and a maximum of five schools, and upload or submit certified supporting documents within seven days of submitting their applications.

The MEC also warned parents not to fall victim to individuals claiming they could secure school placements for payment.

“Online admissions are completely free of charge. No individual, company or organisation is authorised to charge parents or influence learner placements,” warned Maile.

Parents in the metro who require assistance can visit the department’s decentralised walk-in centres, district offices or public schools, where trained officials are available to assist free of charge throughout the application period.

The department also encouraged young people to help parents, grandparents and elderly members of their communities complete online applications, saying access to quality education remains a shared responsibility.

Applications for the 2027 academic year remain open until midnight on Friday, September 4, with parents and legal guardians required to apply through the GDE’s online admissions system.

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