All Grade R, Grade 1, and Grade 8 enrolment windows for the 2026 school year are now complete in all provinces.
Eligibility Criteria
As per government guidelines:
- Grade R: Child must be 4 years old, turning 5 by 30 June 2026.
- Grade 1: Child must be 5 years old, turning 6 by 30 June 2026.
Application Windows by Province
Western Cape
- On-time online applications opened 11 March 2025 and closed 15 April 2025.
- Late applications were accepted online until 16 May 2025, and thereafter via district offices.
- Placement decisions started being issued 30 May 2025, with acceptance required by 17 June 2025.
Gauteng Province
- Applications for Grade 1 and Grade 8 opened at 08:00 on 24 July 2025 and closed at midnight on 29 August 2025.
- Only online submissions are accepted for these grades — no automatic progression from Grade R to Grade 1.
- Placements were communicated via SMS starting mid‑October 2025. Up to five preferred schools may be selected.
Other Provinces (including Eastern Cape, Free State, KZN, North West, Northern Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga)
- Application windows typically ran between March and April 2025, with late or transfer applications accepted into August.
- Exact dates vary; parents should consult their local Department of Education.
Documents Required
Prepare certified copies of the following:
- Child’s birth certificate (baptismal certificates not accepted)
- Immunisation card (or Road to Health Chart) for Grade R/1
- Latest report card or transfer card (for Grade 8 or transfers)
- Parent/guardian ID or passport
- Proof of residence (e.g. utility bill, lease, or affidavit)
For foreign learners: study permits, residence documentation, or evidence of application is required.
Admissions Process
Western Cape:
- Online applications for Grades R, 1 & 8: 11 March – 15 April 2025
- Late online applications until 16 May 2025, then in-person submissions
- Schools review on-time applications, then late ones
- Offers start 30 May 2025; confirmation due by 17 June 2025
- Final placements and district interventions run through July 2025
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Gauteng:
- Online system open from 24 July to 29 August 2025
- Create a new account (old credentials no longer work); choose up to 5 schools; upload documentation; confirm consent to POPIA terms
- Support is available via 81 walk-in centres across the province
- Placement SMS notifications begin mid‑October
Tips for Parents
- Submit applications within the on-time window — late applications are only considered after on-time ones.
- Choose multiple school preferences (3‑5) to improve placement chances.
- Keep all documents ready and upload or take certified copies as required.
- Update contact information immediately if it changes — placements depend on being reachable.
- Avoid scams — the application system is free, and no legitimate fee is charged.
Summary Table – 2026 Deadlines
| Province | Grades R/1/8 Application Window | Late Applications Until | Placement Outcome & Confirmation |
| Western Cape | 11 Mar – 15 Apr 2025 | 16 May 2025 (online/in-person) | Offers from 30 May; confirm by 17 June 2025 |
| Gauteng | 24 Jul – 29 Aug 2025 (online only) | No late online period | SMS from mid‑Oct 2025 |
| Other Provinces | Typically Mar–Apr 2025, varies by province | Varies (some until Aug) | Check provincial DoE announcements |
Final Thoughts
- The 2026 enrolment windows are officially closed.
- Any remaining applications now need to go through provincial district offices as walk‑ins.
- Parents should now begin preparing for 2027 admissions, expected to open March–April 2026.
- Stay up to date through your provincial Department of Education website, or trusted media updates.