Western Cape Education Department extends deadline as over 8,600 late applications flood in for 2026 school admissions

Apply by Friday for Grade R, 1 and 8 placements in Western Cape

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape has issued a final reminder to all parents and guardians: the window for late applications to secure Grade R, 1 and 8 school placements for the 2026 school year closes on Friday, 16 May. With just two days remaining, officials urge families to act swiftly to avoid disappointment. “Parents and guardians who have not yet applied must take advantage of this final opportunity to secure a place for the…

Western Cape Education Department extends deadline as over 8,600 late applications flood in for 2026 school admissions

Deadline looms for Grade R, 1 and 8 late applications

The department said late applications will only be considered after schools have finalised placements.

Don't wait! Late applications for Grades 1 & 8 are closing, warns WCED

For guardians fretting about school applications for their kids entering Grades R, 1 and 8 in 2026, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has confirmed that its online admissions system is currently open for late applications, reports Cape {town} Etc. While the on-time admissions period for these grades closed on 15 April 2025, the department is accepting late applications online until Friday, 16 May 2025. Thereafter, guardians will be re…

WCED: Late 2026 school applications still open but closes soon

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has called on parents of prospective grades R,1 and 8 learners to apply for a place in school for their child for next year if they have not done so yet. This is because the late school application window is still open.   Following the closure of the on-time admissions window on 15 April 2025, the department noted that the online admissions system remained open for late applications. […]