By Johnathan Paoli
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has announced that only 5 464 Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners remain unplaced in the province as part of the 2026 online admissions process, marking significant progress in preparations for the new academic year.
In a media statement issued on Monday, Chiloane said the reduced number of unplaced learners reflected sustained efforts by the Gauteng Department of Education to ensure that every eligible child secures a school place for 2026.
“We are pleased at the progress made in learner placements in Gauteng. We once again urge parents and guardians to exercise patience and cooperation as the Department continues to work tirelessly to ensure that every Grade 1 and Grade 8 learner is placed for the 2026 academic year, in line with regulated admissions criteria and available capacity,” he said.
The department confirmed that, as of the same date, the unplaced learners comprised 1 478 Grade 1 applicants and 3 986 Grade 8 applicants.
According to the MEC, the department continues to release placement and transfer offers on a daily basis through the 2026 Online Admissions system.
These placements are being prioritised in high-pressure areas where demand for school places traditionally exceeds available capacity.
The department has implemented focused interventions in these communities to ensure that the remaining learners are placed as efficiently, fairly and transparently as possible.
Chiloane also confirmed that late applications for Grade 1 and Grade 8 admissions remain open.
The online system has recorded a total of 7 118 late applications for the 2026 academic year, all of which are currently being processed in line with available school capacity across the province.
The MEC urged parents and guardians who did not apply during the main application window, or whose applications were left incomplete, to make use of the late application period while it remains open.
He emphasised that the online admissions system continues to accept late applications specifically for Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners.
Parents and guardians are required to register or log in to the online admissions portal to submit a late application.
During this phase of the admissions process, only schools with available space are displayed on the system.
Applicants are permitted to select only one school, and once the selection is made, the learner will be finally placed for the 2026 academic year.
The department has cautioned that placements made during the late application period are final.
Once a learner is placed, the offer may not be declined, and no objections or appeals will be allowed thereafter.
This, the department said, is necessary to bring certainty to the admissions process and allow schools to plan effectively for the start of the academic year.
In addition to placements and late applications, the department provided an update on the appeals process.
A total of 6 855 placement appeals have been lodged as part of the online admissions cycle.
Of these, 73% have already been adjudicated, placing the appeals process at an advanced stage.
The department confirmed that appeal outcomes are being communicated to parents and guardians as finalisation continues.
Parents were reminded that all appeal decisions are final and that no further recourse is available once an outcome has been issued.
Chiloane welcomed the progress made to date and appealed for continued cooperation from parents and guardians.
The department reiterated its commitment to completing the admissions process before the start of the 2026 school year, ensuring stability for schools, educators and learners across the province.
INSIDE EDUCATION
