More than 600,000 successful applications have been submitted for Grade 1 and Grade 8 placements across Gauteng, just two weeks after the 2026 Online Admissions system opened.
MEC for Education Matome Chiloane confirmed the achievement, describing it as a strong sign of public confidence in the province’s education system.
“As of 14:00 on Tuesday, 5 August, the system had recorded 600 936 applications, 254 251 for Grade 1 and 346 685 for Grade 8,” Chiloane said.
Important reminders for Gauteng applicants
Parents and guardians who have not yet applied are urged to complete the process before the deadline on 29 August by visiting www.gdeadmissions.gov.za. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) emphasised that incomplete applications will not be considered, and all applicants must follow the five-step application process.
Parents are also required to upload certified copies of necessary documents online or deliver them to selected schools within seven days of applying. Once documents are submitted, schools will receive prompts to verify and update their status. SMS notifications will confirm when documents are verified, and parents should retain all communication for reference.
Support available for those without digital access
To ensure no child is left behind due to lack of internet access, the department has set up 81 decentralised walk-in centres across the province. Additionally, all Gauteng public schools are available to assist with applications.
Parents should apply to at least three and no more than five schools to improve placement chances. From 16 October, those with complete applications will receive placement offers via SMS.
The GDE contact centre remains open for support, offering assistance via toll-free phone, WhatsApp, and email.
With nearly a month left before the deadline, the department remains hopeful that more parents will take advantage of the system.
“We continue to urge all parents to apply online,” said Chiloane.
Will Gauteng meet the placement demands once the record number of applications turns into real classroom seats?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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