Everything you need to know about 2026 school applications in Limpopo
From application dates to age requirements, here’s your guide to the 2026 school admissions process for Grades R to 12 in Limpopo.
POLOKWANE – The Limpopo Department of Education (DoE) is calling on parents and guardians to enroll children for the 2026 academic year between June 2 and July 31, 2025 to ensure every child is in school on the first day of the new calendar year.
Mosebjane Kgaffe, DoE communication services, said while learner admissions are managed at school level, the department has a constitutional obligation to ensure that all children have access to basic education, as guaranteed by Section 29 of the Constitution and the South African Schools Act (Sasa).
“This Act requires ordinary public schools to admit learners without unfairly discriminating them in any way. The department will make sure that every qualifying learner is admitted in the next academic year (2026),” she said.
Key Admission Dates:
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Gr’s R, 1 and 8:
June 2 – July 31, 2025 -
Gr’s 2–7 and 9–12:
August 25 – 29, 2025
Priority will be given to learners from feeder primary schools for high school placements. Parents will be notified of the outcomes by the end of September 2025.
Age Requirements:
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Gr 1: Child must be five-years-old turning six on or before June 30, 2026
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Gr R: Child must be four-years-old turning five on or before 30 June 2026
Required Documents for Admission:
For South African citizens:
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Birth certificate or proof of birth date
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Immunisation card
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Transfer card (if applicable)
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Latest school report
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Proof of residence
For non-citizens:
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Study or work permit
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Valid residence permit (temporary/permanent)
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Proof of application to stay in South Africa
Admission registers and appeals:
Kgaffe said school principals are required to maintain an admissions register recording all learner entries.
“If a learner is not admitted, parents may lodge a formal complaint at their nearest circuit office. The department urges schools to enroll learners in line with their carrying capacity to avoid overcrowding and ensure a quality learning environment. Regular monitoring will be conducted to safeguard the right to education for every learner,” she said.
