Western Cape Education Department extends deadline as over 8,600 late applications flood in for 2026 school admissions
Deadline for late applications for Grade R, 1, and 8 in Western Cape extended
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The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has confirmed that while the on-time admissions window for Grade R, 1, and 8 in 2026 closed on 15 April 2025, the online admissions system has remained open for late applications.
To date, the department has received late applications for 8,603 learners for these grades, bringing the total number of applications received so far to 173,872.
The WCED advised parents and guardians that the online system will officially close on Friday, 16 May 2025. After this date, any late applications will need to be submitted in person at education district offices or directly at schools.
Late applications will only be considered by schools after all on-time applications have been reviewed.
The department has appealed to parents to submit their late applications as soon as possible, noting that early submissions help with planning for additional school placements where required.
Next steps for on-time applicants:
Schools are currently reviewing applications submitted during the on-time admissions period and applying their admissions policies to select successful applicants.
Offers of placement will begin from 30 May 2025, and parents must confirm their acceptance by 17 June 2025.
The WCED stressed the importance of parents ensuring their contact details are up to date, as each year many offers cannot be finalised due to parents being unreachable. Updated contact details can be submitted by calling the WCED Call Centre at 0861 819 919 (press 1 for admissions).
Transfer Applications (Grades 2-7 and 9-12)
The online window for transfer applications for Grades 2 to 7 and 9 to 12 will open on 4 August 2025 and close on 18 August 2025. Applications from learners who have reached the highest grade available at their school, or whose families have relocated, will be prioritised.
For more information and to access the online admissions system, visit the WCED website: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/education/service/learner-admission
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