At the beginning of the school year, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) is always faced with the challenge of unplaced learners.
Basic Education spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga said one of their biggest challenges was always "late and sudden applications" that were not planned for.
Mhlanga has advised parents and guardians to apply as soon as the applications are open where they are.
Online admission applications for learners who will need to be enrolled in the Western Cape for the 2024 school year opened on 13 March 2023.
In a statement, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) Minister David Mayenier announced:
The 2024 online application process is still open until 14 April 2023.
As of 5 April 2023, the Education Department received applications for 103,796 learners for the 2024 school year in the province.
Whilst some parents apply for more than one school for their children, the total number of individual applications to schools received thus far is 342,497.
Parents of over 44,000 learners who are currently in Grade seven have not yet submitted an application for their child for Grade eight next year.
“We urge these parents to submit an application this week, and will ask their current primary school to contact them to remind them of this,” said Mayenier.
Which documents will be needed?
For children who are transferring to new schools or starting high school, the last official report card from the previous school is needed.
Other documents are as follows:
- ID, Birth certificate, passport of the learner
- A study permit (foreign learners)
- Proof of application (study permit)
- Immunisation card (Road to Health Chart) [Primary Schools Only]
- Proof of Residence (Rates account, Lease agreement, an affidavit confirming residence).
According to WCED spokesperson, Kerry Mauchline, a lot of parents have contacted the department about losing either a child's birth certificate or clinic card.
Mauchline has advised these parents to get a police affidavit and provide the Education Department with an official document to say you're trying to get a replacement.
When parents submit all of the necessary documentation and information, they secure a spot for their child.
The department also encouraged parents and guardians to apply on time for 2024, so that it can plan more effectively for places for their children.
Data from the Education Department’s admissions system will help the department determine where there is additional demand, so that it will be in a better position to provide the necessary resources and infrastructure in time for the start of the 2024 school year.
