By Johannah Malogadihlare
The Gauteng department of education has urged parents to take the last opportunity to submit 2025 online late applications for Grade 1 and 8 admissions by Thursday.
Since December, there have been 32,587 late applications.
The department said parents who have not yet secured a space for their children in public schools could visit their website before the end of tomorrow.
The 2025 online admissions application for grades 1 and 8 opened from July to August last year, allowing parents to apply for the school of their choice.
“…the GDE placed a resounding total of 325,858 learners (Grade 1 – 157,406 and Grade 8 – 168,452) with complete applications before the commencement of late application period on 11 December,” department spokesperson Steve Mabona said on Wednesday.
According to the department, around 1500 out of 2079 Gauteng schools were available on the online admissions system for late applications, and applicants received immediate placement upon completing their application.
However, the GDE introduced an additional number of satellite schools that provided over 4417 spaces in high pressure areas where late applications were concentrated.
“These satellite schools have provided critical relief for parents, having successfully accommodated more learners who might otherwise have been left without space,” he said.
The department said the satellite schools highlight its strategic effort to address capacity challenges and ensure every learner has access to quality education.
Additionally, parents were reminded that inner-grade applications could be done directly through schools and districts.
Gauteng education MEC, Matome Chiloane said the department would assist and respond to any queries regarding the applications.
“Our efforts to address all queries and placements at our offices are progressing efficiently, with noticeable reductions in the length as we continue to assist all parents and guardians to secure space for their children,” Chiloane said.
Chiloane encouraged parents to embrace satellite schools as they assist the department to alleviate pressure in some areas.
INSIDE EDUCATION
