The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) opened school admission applications for 2025 in March and is now wrapping up the school admission processes with the WCED saying:
With regards to Grade 1 and Grade 8 applications, schools are currently finalising their admission lists, confirming placements for children on their waiting lists. This process is ongoing.
Now, the department has opened the appeals process for parents who saw their child being refused admission to a school. An appeal is a plea or request to the Provincial Minister of Education to overturn the decision taken.
The department urges parents and guardians to "engage with the school to make sure you have explored all internal options and understand the school’s reasons for refusing the learner’s admission".
How To Submit A WCED Appeal
Parents can submit their appeal by:
- using the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) online admissions platform, click on “Admission Appeal” and follow the prompts; or
- directing an email to [email protected]; or
- posting or hand-delivering a hard copy appeal to the office of the Minister.
The following should be included in the appeal application:
- Name and CEMIS number of the learner;
- Name of the school whose decision is being appealed, and the grade applied to;
- Reasons why you feel the school’s decision should be overturned by the Minister;
- Any sections in the school’s admission policy that support your appeal; and
- Any evidence you want to submit.
2025 School Calendar
The 2025 school calendar will run from 15 January to 10 December, making it a total of 199 school days.
Typically, schools situated within inland provinces will have a different starting date than schools located in coastal provinces, usually with a week's difference between the two groups.
2025 School Term Dates
| First Term | 15 January - 28 March |
| Second Term | 8 April - 27 June |
| Third Term | 22 July - 3 October |
| Fourth Term |
13 October - 10 December |
The WCED had urged parents who have not yet submitted admission applications to contact a WCED district office for assistance with 2025 school applications.
Alternatively, parents can visit a school and request help with submitting an admissions application. However, this does not necessarily mean the application is for that particular school; the school is simply assisting with capturing the information.
Parents can also call the WCED admission office on 0861 819 919 between 7:30 AM and 5 PM.
