Johannesburg: The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has issued a reminder to parents that the deadline for the 2025 online admissions late application period for Grade 1 and Grade 8 is set for Thursday, 30 January 2025.
According to South African Government News Agency, the late application period, which commenced on 11 December 2024, was initiated to support parents who missed the initial 2025 Online Admissions Application period that concluded on 14 August 2024. Parents who have not yet secured a spot for their children are encouraged to apply at www.gdeadmissions.gov.za before the deadline.
The initial application period for Grade 1 and Grade 8 admissions in Gauteng ran from 11 July 2024 to 14 August 2024. Before the late application phase began, the GDE successfully placed 325,858 learners, with 157,406 in Grade 1 and 168,452 in Grade 8. Since the late application period opened, an additional 32,587 learners have been placed.
The GDE reported that approximately 1,500 out of 2,079 Gauteng schools were made available on the Online Admissions System for late applicants when the late application phase started. Late applicants who submitted their applications online received immediate placement.
To further support late applicants, the GDE established satellite schools, providing over 4,417 spaces in high-pressure areas where late applications were concentrated. These satellite schools have been crucial in accommodating more learners and addressing capacity challenges, ensuring access to education for all.
Parents are also reminded that Inner-Grade Applications, for grades other than 1 and 8, should be conducted directly through schools and districts. Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane emphasized ongoing efforts to address queries and placements efficiently, urging parents to consider satellite schools as a solution to alleviate pressure in certain areas.
The GDE contact centre remains operational to assist with queries, reachable at 0800 000 789, via WhatsApp at 060 891 0361, or through email at gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za or talktothemec@gauteng.gov.za.