Kwazulu-Natal's Department of Education has officially opened school admissions applications for the 2024 school year. Applications have opened today, 12 April 2023, will close on 30 September 2023.
Parents/guardians applying on behalf of their children who are hoping to enter Grades One and Eight are encouraged to apply early, in order to avoid late applications.
In addition to sending in a child's application ahead of the closing date, parents/guardians are also urged to apply to at least three schools, not only one, as it is wise to have options.
The Department has explained that this is important, so that parents can secure places for their children and that it "increases the chances for the child to be placed in one of them, be it second or third choice".
After three months of submitting applications, parents/guardians should follow up with the schools they applied to.
Across all nine provinces, issues with late applications have been a grievance each year.
Late applications are strongly discouraged, as it has happened in the past where learners are left without a school and remain at home even after the academic year has begun.
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“Late applications rob learners of their right to quality education as any learner that does not have space by the first day, does not get taught for that day or days prior to securing the space,” said KZN's Education MEC, Kwazi Mshengu, last year.
Late admissions could also result in overcrowding in schools, which is already a major issue in South African schools.
If a child's school application was declined, parents/guardians are then advised to approach the Circuit Office.
