News Desk Reporter
The Gauteng Department of Education will open online applications for Grade 1 and Grade 8 admissions for the 2027 academic year on 5 August.
Applications will open at 08:00 and close at midnight on 4 September.
Announcing the timetable today, Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile said the online system helps the department plan for growing demand at public schools.
“Online admissions are far more than an annual registration process. Every application submitted by a parent contributes directly to government’s planning for teacher provisioning, classroom allocation, learner transport, school nutrition, learner support material, furniture, infrastructure development and budget allocations. The integrity, accuracy and timeliness of every application therefore determine how effectively government responds to the growing demand for quality public education across Gauteng,” said Maile.
Parents and legal guardians have been urged to prepare all the required supporting documents before applying. They should also verify their personal information and identify suitable schools.
Applicants must complete the department’s five-step process and apply to between three and five public schools. Supporting documents must be uploaded or submitted within seven school days of completing the online application.
The department said registration alone does not constitute a valid application.
Maile said proof of residence remains the most important supporting document. He warned that submitting fraudulent proof of residence, falsified identity documents or any other false information could lead to disqualification, criminal investigation and other legal consequences.
He also warned parents not to pay anyone who claims they can secure a school placement.
“No public school place in Gauteng is for sale. The Gauteng Department of Education does not charge any fee for assisting parents with online admissions, and every official support service remains completely free,” said Maile.
To assist parents, the department has established 48 decentralised walk-in centres. These include all 15 district offices, the Gauteng Department of Education head office and every public school in the province.
Maile encouraged parents to apply as early as possible, use authentic supporting documents and follow every step of the admissions process carefully to improve their chances of securing placement.