4858 GRADE 1 AND GRADE 8 LEARNERS REMAIN TO BE PLACED IN GAUTENG

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane wishes to announce that only 4858 learners remain unplaced as part of the 2026 Online Admissions process for Grade 1 and Grade 8.

As at Tuesday, 6 January 2026, the Gauteng Department of Education’s Online Admissions system recorded a total of 4858 unplaced learners, translating to:
Grade 1: 1381 learners
Grade 8: 3477 learners

This represents approximately 1.5% of the total 358 574 complete applications received for the 2026 academic year, comprising 175 792 Grade 1 and 182 782 Grade 8 applicants.

The Department continues to release placement and transfer offers daily, supported by targeted interventions in high-pressure districts, to ensure that all remaining learners are placed as efficiently and fairly as possible, in line with regulated admissions criteria and available school capacity.

LATE APPLICATIONS FOR GRADE 1 AND GRADE 8 REMAIN OPEN

The Late Applications period, which commenced on 17 December 2025 and will close on 30 January 2026, has to date recorded a total of 11 183 late applications, comprising:
5 701 Grade 1 learners
5 482 Grade 8 learners

All late applications processed during this period result in final placements at the school selected by parents or guardians, subject to available capacity. Parents are advised to visit the selected school from 14 January 2026 to submit all required documentation.

MEC Chiloane reminds parents and guardians that the 2026 Online Admissions system remains open for Late Applications, particularly for those who did not apply during the main application period or whose applications were incomplete.

Parents and guardians are urged to apply online by registering or logging on to www.gdeadmissions.gov.za.

During the Late Application period, only schools with available space will appear on the system. Applicants may select one school only, and once selected, the learner will be finally placed for the 2026 academic year. Placements made during this period cannot be declined, and no objections or appeals will be permitted thereafter.

“We are encouraged by the steady progress made in placing learners across Gauteng. We once again urge parents and guardians to remain patient and cooperative as the Department continues to work tirelessly to ensure that every Grade 1 and Grade 8 learner is placed for the 2026 academic year,” said MEC Chiloane.