By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane announced that online applications for Grade 1 and Grade 8 placements for the 2026 academic year will open on 24 July 2025 at 8:00 AM and close on 29 August 2025 at midnight.
Chiloane spoke during a media briefing on Thursday at Greenside High School in Johannesburg.
The MEC stated that the online admissions system currently serves applications for Grade 1 and Grade 8 only. He emphasised the importance of parents applying within the designated application period, as schools may reach full capacity, making late applications unavailable.
“We will be doing aggressive marketing and campaigning to prepare parents for that particular application period,” said Chiloane.
The department indicated that parents can only apply for five schools, and applications to other grades must be made directly at the schools. Parents are required to submit certified copies of their identity documents, the child’s birth certificate, and the clinic card for Grade 1 applicants and Grade 7 reports. The placement SMSes are expected to be sent from October 16, 2025.
“We will not be starting with Grade R for now because we have not fully implemented the Bela Act, and not all schools have Grade R,” said Chiloane
The MEC said there are about 400,000 spaces available in schools across the province and has called on parents to apply early for a better chance of admission.
Chiloane said to make resources accessible, the department has set up 81 decentralised walk-in centres across the province to assist parents with registration and applications.
Parents are encouraged to ensure that their information is correctly captured on the registered profile when being assisted with registration and applications at these centres to avoid errors.
Chiloane emphasised the department’s commitment to ensuring that every learner is placed in a suitable school.
He urged parents and guardians to adhere strictly to the application timelines and requirements to facilitate a smooth placement process. For further information or assistance, parents can contact the GDE’s call centre at 0800 000 789 or visit the official admissions website at www.gdeadmissions.gov.za.