CAPE TOWN — The Western Cape Department of Education is urging parents to finalize their applications for Grades 1 and 8 for the 2025 school year before the late application window closes on May 12, 2024. This comes after the regular admission period ended on April 12.

According to South African Government News Agency, since the close of the on-time admissions window, there have been late applications for an additional 11,464 learners, bringing the total to 114,144 applications for the upcoming school year. The department expressed gratitude towards those who have applied, noting that early applications help with better planning and allocation of school places.

The department highlighted that 87% of these applications were submitted by parents using the online system, which is zero-rated and does not require data usage. For those needing assistance, support is available at local education district offices. Parents who miss the May 12 deadline are advised to contact their district office immediately for help.

Furthermore, the application window for Grade R, as well as transfer requests for Grades 2 to 7 and 9 to 12, will open from August 1 to 16. Parents are only required to submit certified hard copies of documents after they receive and accept a school offer.

Notification of the outcomes from the on-time applications will begin on May 30, and parents will have until June 14 to accept or decline offers. The department also urged parents with offers from multiple schools to make their selections promptly to avoid holding up the process for others.

If a choice is not confirmed by June 14, the system will automatically accept the offer from the highest-ranked school, and other offers will be withdrawn to free up spaces for other applicants. The department reassured parents who do not receive an offer on May 30 that additional spaces typically become available as other parents finalize their decisions, committing to placing every timely applicant as quickly as possible.