Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has confirmed that the placement period for Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners entering the 2026 academic year will begin on 16 October 2025. The announcement was made during a briefing at Parktown High School for Girls in Johannesburg.
Gauteng Education Placement Process and Deadlines
From 16 October, parents and guardians who submitted complete applications by the end of August will start receiving placement offers via SMS. Chiloane emphasised that the rollout will be phased, meaning not all applicants will receive notifications on the first day.
Parents will have seven days to accept or decline offers. Failing to respond within the allocated time could affect a learner’s chances of being placed in a preferred school. In cases where learners receive multiple offers, accepting one will automatically release the others, allowing more placements to be finalised.
Incomplete Applications and Outstanding Documents
“If you have not completed the application and you’ve just registered on the system and left it, we are not going to place. We’re not even going to consider your child now,” Chiloane warned.
The department revealed that 51,947 applications remain incomplete due to missing documents such as proof of address. These learners will not be included in the first round of placements but could be considered at a later stage once documents are submitted. Chiloane stressed that affidavits will not be accepted as proof of address; parents must submit certified utility bills or equivalent documents.
Appeals and Objections
Parents dissatisfied with their placement outcome will have the option to lodge an objection online within seven days. Objections will be reviewed within 14 days. If still unhappy, parents may escalate the matter by submitting an appeal to the MEC within another seven-day period. Appeals will be finalised within 14 to 21 days.
Important Reminders
Chiloane cautioned parents about school fees, urging them to review affordability before confirming offers. He warned that no exemptions or transfers would be granted later on the basis of financial difficulties. The MEC also highlighted the growing threat of scams, where fraudsters demand payment for school placements, reminding parents that placements are completely free through the official online portal.
Placement Targets
The Gauteng Department of Education aims to achieve 100% learner placement by the end of November 2025. Any learners still unplaced by then will be automatically assigned to available schools to ensure that every child has a seat for 2026.
Support and Next Steps
Parents needing assistance are encouraged to visit the official admissions portal at www.gdeadmissions.gov.za or seek help from any of the province’s 15 district offices.
Chiloane also provided an update on readiness for the upcoming 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, set to start on 21 October, though the primary focus of his briefing was ensuring smooth placement for Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners.
With the placement window now opening, the department is reinforcing its commitment to fair, transparent, and accessible education for all learners in Gauteng.
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