Gauteng parents have just over a week to get ready. Online applications for Grade 1 and Grade 8 in 2027 open on 5 August, and the Education MEC is already warning families to watch out for people selling school places.
Speaking during a media briefing yesterday in Joburg, Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, outlined the application timeline and urged parents to prepare their documents ahead of time.
Maile said Gauteng’s public education system now serves over 2.4 million learners across 2 111 schools, with enrolment expanding by more than 23 000 learners over the past year.
“Accordingly, we are pleased to announce that applications for admission to Grade 1 and Grade 8 for the 2027 academic year will officially open at 08h00 on Wednesday, 5 August, and close at 00h00 (midnight) on Friday, 4 September,” said Maile.
The Department emphasised that the online system applies strictly to children entering Grade 1 and Grade 8. Parents seeking places for Grades 2 through 7 or Grades 9 through 12 must apply directly at individual public schools.
Maile said applicants are required to create new login credentials on the Department’s portal at www.gdeadmissions.gov.za, as previous usernames and passwords will no longer work.
“The department advises families to select between three and five schools to increase their placement options. To finalize a valid application, parents must complete the online registration and upload or submit certified supporting documents within seven school days,” he said.
MEC Maile also issued a firm warning against fraudulent schemes to families seeking placements in high-demand schools.
“No public school place is for sale,” Maile said, cautioning parents against paying individuals who claim they can guarantee admission.
“We encourage every parent and legal guardian to apply as early as possible, submit authentic supporting documents, follow every step of the application process carefully and make full use of the Department’s official support services whenever assistance is required.”
The department said learner placement notifications will be sent to parents via SMS starting on 25 October, adding that families requiring technical assistance or access to the internet can visit designated decentralised walk-in centres across the province or contact the department’s toll-free helpline at 0800 000 789.
