School admissions for Grade R, 1, 8 now open in the Western Cape

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Grade R, 1 and 8 school admissions in the Western Cape opened today, 11 March 2025, and parents have been urged to apply.

Applications are open until April, however, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has called on parents to apply as soon as possible. Here’s all the information you need to apply.

SCHOOL ADMISSIONS OPEN FOR GRADE R, 1 AND 8 IN THE WESTERN CAPE

David Maynier, Minister of Education in the Western Cape, issued a statement on 10 March 2025 regarding the opening of applications for school admissions for these grades.

“The on-time admissions applications window for learners attending Grade R, 1 and 8 in the Western Cape in 2026 opens on Tuesday, 11 March 2025, and closes on Tuesday, 15 April 2025.

“We encourage all parents of learners who will be entering Grade R, 1 or 8 next year to apply for a place for their child on time,” the statement read.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED WHEN APPLYING FOR SCHOOL ADMISSION

The province’s education department has provided a list of documents needed when applying for school admission. Parents will need to provide the certified documents listed below.

IDENTIFICATION

Birth certificate or ID document of the child and parent or caregiver
For foreign learners a passport or copy of parent’s refugee or asylum seeker permit showing the learner’s name
Learners with foreign parents but were born in South Africa can provide a handwritten birth certificate (DHA 19 form). Also, the parent’s or caregiver’s identification
Learners not born in South Africa can submit a passport, refugee or asylum seeker permit in the learner’s name and the parent’s or caregiver’s identification

IMMUNISATION CARD OR ROAD TO HEALTH CHART

This is only required when applying to pre-primary or primary schools

LATEST SCHOOL OR ACADEMIC REPORT

This document will also be needed when applying for school admissions

PROOF OF RESIDENCE

This can be in the form of a rates account, lease agreement or affidavit from the police station

NOTE: If any of these documents are missing, parents can submit affidavits instead.

HOW TO APPLY FOR SCHOOL ADMISSION?

The department has encouraged parents to apply online for Grade R, 1 and 8 school admissions. However, those who are not able to do so, can use other means provided.

“Applications are to be submitted online, and documents will need to be scanned and uploaded to the online admissions system, which is zero-rated for data.

“We are making in-person assistance available for parents who are not able to access the online system, through 125 pop-up events at shopping malls and schools. Parents can also receive assistance in person at their education district office. Or at the specific school to which they wish to apply.

“We encourage parents to bring all the necessary supporting documentation with them when seeking assistance in person,” the department said.

Parents applying for school admission can access the admissions system, application step-by-step guide and more information here.