The Gauteng Education Department has launched its online admissions system for Grade 1 and 8 learners for the 2026 academic year.
Gauteng School Online Admissions for Grade 1 and 8 Officially Open
Parents and guardians must now apply through the department’s website, as walk-in applications are not allowed.
To apply, parents must first register on the Gauteng Department of Education’s website. This includes creating a profile with correct and accurate information.
After registration, parents can submit their applications for their children to enter Grade 1 or Grade 8.
MEC for Education Matome Chiloane explained that both parents and learners’ identity documents must be uploaded, along with proof of home or work address.
For foreign nationals, valid permits or study visas are also required.
“It’s important that you put the correct details, correct and accurate, so all information must align,” said Chiloane.
He also warned that failure to submit required documents within seven school days will result in incomplete applications.
Who Gets Placed First?
Placement is not based on who applies first. Instead, applications are sorted using the following order of priority:
- Home address within the school’s feeder zone.
- Sibling already attending the school.
- Parent’s work address within the feeder zone.
- Home address within a 30 km radius.
- Home address beyond 30 km.
Children who fall under the top categories are placed on Waiting List A, while others are placed on Waiting List B. Final decisions are made by the education department, not individual schools.
Within 21 school days after the application period ends, parents will be told if their application was successful. Those offered a place must confirm it within seven days. If the offer is not accepted, the learner may be considered unplaced, even if a spot was allocated.
Parents who are not successful will receive written reasons and may object or appeal the decision.
Public schools are not allowed to use tests to decide who gets in, unless it is a focus school with official permission. Focus schools are specialised institutions that may offer training in areas such as sports or the arts.
Next Steps for Unplaced Learners
If a child is not placed within 30 school days after the admission period ends, the Department will assign them to any school with available space. This placement will consider how close the school is to the child’s home or a parent’s workplace.
The Department has advised all parents to act within the timelines, ensure their documents are complete, and check that all details provided are correct.