GDE Admissions
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has officially opened online applications for Grade 1 and Grade 8 admissions in public schools for the 2025 academic year. Parents and guardians can now submit Gauteng school online applications to secure their child's placement at a school in the province next year.
GDE Login To Admissions Portal
Parents and guardians with children entering Grade 1 or Grade 8 in 2025 are urged to login to the GDE admissions portal. The GDE has emphasised the importance of submitting timely applications to ensure the child’s placement in a preferred school within the appropriate feeder zone.
Applications can be completed using any computer device or smartphone. The Department added that parents who require assistance may visit one of the 80 decentralised walk-in centres and all public schools.
Related Article: When Does the School Application Period Close?
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Register Parent/Guardian Details: Complete this step to receive an SMS with a username and password.
Step 2: Register Address Details: Provide accurate address information for the application.
Step 3: Register Learner Details: Enter the necessary details about the learner.
Step 4: Apply to a School: Select your preferred schools and receive an SMS with a waiting list number.
Step 5 Upload/Submit Documents: Submit certified copies of the required documents within 7 days.
Required Documents For GDE Registration
When you want to register your child for a public school in Gauteng the GDE requires the following documents for registration.
- Parent's ID or passport
- The child's birth certificate or passport
- Proof of work address
- Latest Grade 7 school report (for Grade 8 applications)
- Immunisation report
- Proof of home address
Important Guidelines for Applicants
When applying for admission, parents and guardians must use their ID number as the username and create a memorable password. Applicants must provide one reliable cell phone number when registering parental details on the system, as all Time Passwords (OTPs) and application-related SMS notifications will be sent to this number.
Following registration, parents will have to enter their address details and provide information about the learner. The home address helps the department place learners at schools within their feeder zone or near where they live.
Certified copies of required documents must be uploaded or submitted to the schools for verification within 7 days of the application.
What is a School Feeder Zone?
A School Feeder Zone is a designated residential area from which a school admits learners. To ensure a smooth application process, parents should apply to schools that fall within their home address’s feeder zone. All schools that cover the applicant’s home address will be displayed during the application process.
Options For School Placements
Parents can apply to a maximum of five schools using various admission criteria, also known as application options.
One of the primary criteria is the proximity of the applicant's house to the school within the feeder zone. This ensures that learners are placed in schools close to their homes.
Another option is sibling preference, which gives priority to applicants who already have a sibling attending the desired school. This option is aimed at helping families keep their children in the same school.
Additionally, the proximity of the previous school is considered for Grade 7 learners, making it easier for students to transition smoothly into Grade 8. This is useful for those who want to continue their education in a nearby secondary school.
Where a parent works is also an option when applying to a school. This option provides convenience for working parents by allowing their children to attend schools near their place of employment.
Lastly, the residence of the applicant within a 30-kilometre radius of the school is taken into account. If no suitable school is available within this radius, residence beyond a 30-kilometre radius becomes an option.
Placement Period
The GDE confirmed that the placement period will commence on 16 September 2024 and will continue until all learners are placed. During this time placement offers will be sent to the parent's cell phone number, and the offer must be accepted within 7 days.
The department urged all parents and guardians to adhere to these guidelines and deadlines to ensure a smooth and efficient admission process for their children entering Grade 1 and Grade 8 in 2025.
