WCED Receives Over 164 000 School Applications for 2026 — Late Applications Still Open
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has set a new record with over 164,000 on-time school admission applications submitted for the 2026 academic year — all received within just 35 days. This marks an increase of 12,577 applications compared to the previous year and reflects the growing trust in the WCED’s streamlined online admissions system.
Where and How Parents Applied
All applications were submitted through the WCED’s official online platform:
www.westerncape.gov.za/education
The department has praised parents for their cooperation in applying on time, which significantly helps schools and the department to plan ahead for classroom space, staffing, and resources for the upcoming year.
“We cannot overstate the importance of applying on time and how this assists us to plan better for additional school places in the coming school year,” said the WCED.
Key Dates for Parents
- Placement Offers Begin: 30 May 2025
- Deadline to Confirm Offers: 17 June 2025
➤ Parents must confirm their child’s school placement by this date to secure the spot.
Important: Ensure your contact details are up to date! If schools or the WCED can’t reach you, you may miss out on an offer.
Update your details by calling the WCED Call Centre at 0861 819 919 (press 1 for admissions).
Still Need to Apply? Late Applications Now Open
If you missed the initial deadline, late applications for Grades R, 1, and 8 are now open until:
16 May 2025
Apply via the online admissions system.
“We appeal to parents to submit their late applications immediately, as waiting until later in the year can result in delays in placement and will make it much harder for us to plan for additional school places,” the WCED advised.
Late applications submitted after this window must be handed in at education district offices and will only be considered after all on-time applications are processed.
School Transfer Applications (Grades 2–7 and 9–12)
Planning a school transfer? The application window for learners in these grades will run from:
4 August 2025 to 18 August 2025
Priority will be given to:
- Learners finishing their school’s final grade
- Families who have recently relocated
Final Reminder
Applying on time — or during the late application period — is essential for securing a school place for 2026. With record numbers already in the system, the earlier you apply, the better your chances of a smoother placement process.
Stay updated with the WCED by visiting www.westerncape.gov.za/education
