The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) received more than 164,000 on-time admission applications for the 2026 school year. This record number of applications was received over 35 days.
Western Cape school applications are submitted online using the westerncape.gov.za/education website. The record number of admission applications received for the 2026 school year represents an increase of 12,577 applications compared to the number the Provincial Education Department received last year.
The WCED thanked parents for applying for admission on behalf of their children during the on-time application window. This allows the department to undertake effective planning in preparation for the 2026 academic year.
We cannot overstate the importance of applying on time and how this assists us to plan better for additional school places in the coming school year, so we appreciate the parents who have supported us by doing so.
The WCED confirmed that schools will evaluate all on-time applications based on their admissions policies. Placement offers will be made from 30 May 2025, and parents are required to confirm acceptance by 17 June 2025.
Parents are urged to ensure their contact details are up to date, as being unreachable may result in missed placement offers. Changes can be made by calling the WCED Call Centre on 0861 819 919 (press 1 for admissions).
Late Applications for Grades R, 1, and 8
WCED late applications are open until 16 May 2025 via the online admissions system.
Parents who do not submit an admissions application during the late application period must submit applications at education district offices. These will only be considered once all on-time applications are processed.
The WCED has urged parents to apply as soon as possible to avoid placement delays.
We appeal to parents to submit their late applications immediately, as waiting until later in the year can result in delays in placement and will make it much harder for us to plan for additional school places.
Transfer Applications (Grades 2–7 and 9–12)
The online application window for school transfers will run from 4 August 2025 to 18 August 2025. Priority will be given to learners who are in their school’s final grade or whose families have relocated.
