As many parents and learners prepare for the start of the 2026 academic year - which starts on Wednesday for learners and for educators on Monday - the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) revealed that it still needs to place 7 540 learners in Grade R, 1, and 8. As of 7 January 2026, the WCED said it has successfully placed 180 960 (96% of) learners for whom applications were received for Grade R, 1, and 8 for the 2026 school year.
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PIXABAYHowever, the WCED said late applications continue to affect placement
progress.
‘’The WCED is currently processing a significant number of
late school applications for the 2026 academic year. Since 1 November 2025, the
WCED has received 10 666 late applications: November 2025: 5 873 new late
applications; December 2025: new late 4 035 applications; January 2026 (up to 7
January): 758 new extremely late applications,’’ said bronagh Hammond, WCED
spokesperson.
‘’Late applications create considerable challenges for the
WCED. They disrupt planning for learner placement, resource allocation, and
staffing, and place additional strain on the department to place learners
immediately during a period when schools are closed for the holidays. This
means that discussions around placement can only resume once schools reopen,
delaying the process further,’’ she added.
Hammond stressed that parents need to apply on time.
‘’Applying late not only affects their child’s placement,
especially during the school holidays, but also impacts the entire system.’’
The WCED said it is working to secure placement
opportunities for learners who are still awaiting allocation.
‘’With schools reopening for staff on Monday, we will
engage more extensively with principals and management teams to identify
additional spaces. Further movement within the system is expected as schools
finalize promotion, progression, and enrollment lists, which often create
additional capacity,’’ said Hammond.
‘’In addition, the WCED will conduct its 10-day snap survey once schools have been open for ten days. This survey provides accurate data on learner numbers in each grade, allowing the system to settle before reporting. The information gathered is critical for determining where additional resources—such as furniture and equipment—are needed and where further placement opportunities may exist.’’
To reduce the number of learner placement, the WCED said it
has built 175 new classrooms through the building of new schools and the
expansion of existing schools.
‘’We understand that this is a stressful and anxious period
for parents who are waiting for a place, and we are asking parents to work with
us as we try to accommodate their children as soon as possible,’’ said Bronagh Hammond,
WCED spokesperson.
Parents who has not yet applied for the 2026 school year are
urged to do so immediately at their education district office.
District office details are available here: https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/admissions-officials
Done By: Mitchum George
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