The Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, has announced that 4 858 learners remain unplaced as part of the 2026 Online Admissions for the Grade One and Grade Eight. This reflects sustained progress in learner placement across Gauteng for the 2026 academic year.

The Gauteng Department of Education’s Online System (GDEOS) has recorded a total of 4 858 unplaced learners, translating to 1 381 Grade One learners and 3 477 Grade Eight learners.

This represents about 1.5% of the total of 358 574 complete applications received for the 2026 academic year.

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Placement data per district indicated that the majority of the remaining unplaced learners are concentrated in urban and metropolitan districts, where sustained population growth and infrastructure constraints continue to place pressure on available school capacity.

Ekhuruleni remains the highest-pressure district with a total of 3 169 unplaced learners, with pressure particularly at the Grade Eight level in Ekhuruleni North.

Only two Johannesburg districts account for a significant number of remaining unplaced learners, while the Tshwane district has shown significant progress in placing learners, and Sedibeng and West Rand districts have also shown tremendous placement progress with comparatively low numbers as well.

Chiloane reminds parents and guardians that the 2026 Online Admission system remains open for Late Applications from December 17 and will close on January 30.

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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, in line with regulated admissions criteria and available school capacity.

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