Late applications for Grade One and Grade Eight admissions are still open and will close on January 30.

According to Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane, all late applications processed during this period result in final placements at the school selected by parents or guardians, subject to available capacity.

This means there is no waiting period for late applicants. During the late application period, only schools with available space appear on the admissions system. Once a late applicant selects a school, the learner is placed immediately and automatically.

Parents or guardians are then advised to visit the selected school from January 14 to submit all required documents. However, placements made during this period cannot be declined, and no objections or appeals will be permitted thereafter.

Chiloane says the system remains open for late applications, particularly for parents or guardians who did not apply during the main application period or whose applications were incomplete.

Placement of learners

As of January 6, Chiloane announced that only 4 858 learners remain unplaced, translating to 1 381 Grade One and 3 477 Grade Eight 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.

“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,” said Chiloane.

He added that the West Rand has also demonstrated impressive performance gains, achieving notable placement success despite having relatively lower participant numbers, and has largely stabilised its position.

Parents and guardians are urged to apply online by registering or logging on to www.gdeadmissions.gov.za.

Progress on appeals and objections

The department reports that a substantial number of placement appeals have been lodged as part of the 2026 Online Admissions process, with a grand total of 6 736 appeals received.

Encouragingly, the appeals adjudication process is well underway, with only 637 objections remaining to be addressed.

Outcomes are being communicated directly to parents and guardians as they are finalised, and it is noted that appeal outcomes are final.