The deadline is looming for the late online applications for Grade 1 and 8 in Gauteng for the 2025 academic year.
Gauteng parents and guardians have until 30 January 2025, to ensure their children who are going to grades one and eight in the new academic year, have been placed.
Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) announced on its social media pages that late applications will be open from 11 December 2024 to 30 January 2025.
The department clarified that only schools with available space will be listed on the system.
The department also advised parents to apply to only one school, and note that placement at the chosen school is automatic and final.
"Parents who applied without submitting valid proof of home address must login and select a school available for space for placement. For late applications, select register and follow the process," the department explained.
Late applications are open for parents who have not submitted any applications.
How to navigate the online system
The Gauteng Online School Admission System is designed to simplify the process of enrolling learners into public schools in Gauteng. Whether you are registering a child for Grade 1 or Grade 8, understanding the step-by-step process can make the experience seamless and efficient.
The Gauteng Department of Education has outlined a number of important items that parents and guardians must keep in mind before, and during the admissions process.
First, parents must choose a number of schools before applying, minimum three school choices and maximum of five. These should be nearby schools that you are interested in.
The department has also warned against only choosing one school, as it could mean 'your child does not find placement in time.'
The process of choosing schools in Gauteng can be done on the online school admissions portal – found here www.gdeadmissions.gov.za.
You will find Application Options and they are as follows:
- Option 1 – The applicant learner’s place of residence is closest to the school within the feeder zone (your residential area),
- Option 2 – The applicant has a sibling at the school you are applying to OR the school where the applicant learner is currently in Grade 7 is close to the new school you are applying for,
- Option 3 – The place of employment of at least one of the applicant learner’s parents/guardians is within the feeder zone of the school,
- Option 4 – The applicant learner’s place of residence is within a 30km radius of the school,
- Option 5 – The applicant learner’s place of residence is beyond a 30km radius of the school.
How to begin your online school admission for Gauteng grade 1 and 8 learners:
The process to apply for your children to enter new schools for Grade 1 or Grade 8 takes just five steps.
It begins with heading to the official website after the commencement date and time.
Then the following steps:
- Step 1 – Parents and guardians must register their details on the system. Once details are registered you will receive an SMS on your phone with a Username and Password that the system has made for you,
- Step 2 – With the Username and Password, you will be able to log in to the system and must now register details of your home address (which is the address of the learners),
- Step 3 – Register details of the learner that is applying,
- Step 4 – Apply to a school (see above Application Options),
- Step 5 – After you have applied to your schools of choice, you will receive SMSs with waiting list numbers. The final step is to begin uploading certified copies of documents within seven (7) days of the application.
Documents you will require to complete your Gauteng online school admissions process:
The final part of the entire process is to upload and submit relevant documents for your children unto the system. These documents will be used by the schools of choice to accept or decline your children.
Importantly, these documents have to be digital copies (scans) of real copies which are certified. You can get documents certified at your local police station free of charge, and all you need are the copies and the originals. These must all be uploaded unto the system within seven days of starting the application.
The following documents must be uploaded (certified digital copies):
- Parent ID/Passport/Refugee permit, Asylum Seeker Permit/Permanent Residence Permit, Study Permit,
- Child SA birth certificate,
- Proof of home address,
- Latest school report (for Grade R or Grade 7),
- Vaccination card, Clinic immunisation card.
Once you have uploaded all documents, and completed all processes, you must now simply wait.
Once a placement offer is made, you must log in to the system and accept or decline it within the specified timeframe. Failing to respond could result in losing the spot.
After accepting the placement, visit the school to complete the final admission process. Bring all original documents for verification and discuss any further requirements with the school administration.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply Early: The system operates on a first-come, first-served basis for school preferences within the proximity criteria.
- Double-Check Information: Ensure all details entered are accurate to avoid errors that could delay the process.
- Keep Copies: Retain copies of all documents and your application reference number.
- Follow Deadlines: Submit documents and accept placements within the given timeframes to secure your child’s spot.
The Gauteng Online School Admission System offers a convenient way to enroll your child in a public school. By understanding the process and adhering to deadlines, you can secure the best possible placement for your child with ease.
If parents need assistance or clarification regarding their application or placement status, they can contact the GDE’s Contact Centre at 0800 000 789 or via WhatsApp at 060 891 0361.
Additionally, parents can visit any of the department’s 15 District Offices for further support, where officials are ready to assist with any queries related to the admissions process. – SAnews.gov.za
