GDE School Placements Continue

With only a few days left before the 2026 academic year begins, many parents are still waiting for their children to be placed in schools, particularly learners who are ad vancing to Grades 1 and Grade 8. In a statement dated 16 December 2025 by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), it was reported that learners who are still waiting for placement are 10 295 for both grades, with Grade 1 sitting at 2 848 learners On the issue of appeals parents will be af forded a period of seven days after a place that still need to be placed, while Grade 8 is sitting at 7 447 learners. The GDE also opened a late application window on 17 December for parents and guardians who did not get a chance to apply during the main application window last year. “During the late applications window, only schools with available space will be availa ble on the system. Parents and guardians will be able to select one school only, and once selected, the learner will be finally placed at that school,” the statement read. ment to file their responses and appeals. Adding that placements made during the Late Application period cannot be declined, and no objections or appeals will be permit ted once a school has been selected. As the pressure mounts, nearing schools’ reopening, the department has reassured par ents and guardians that the placement pro cess remains active across all districts. They also touched on the fact that transfer offers will only be issued after confirmation that all schools selected by a parent have reached full capacity. “Parents who are dissatisfied with an ob jection outcome may submit an appeal within seven days. Appeals constitute a second and f inal adjudication process, and outcomes are provided within 14 days of receipt,” said the department. They added that appeal outcomes are final, and no alternative placement will be offered thereafter