The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is actively working on placing students for the 2026 school year through their online admissions system. Placement offers are being sent out daily, so keep an eye on your SMS and the online portal!
GDE Clarifies the Placement Process
The GDE has clarified that every applicant with a complete application will receive a placement offer. There are no technical hiccups holding things up. If your application is still being processed, remain patient. If you've received an offer, accept it promptly to secure your child's spot.
Here's what you need to know:
- If you receive an SMS confirming placement in Grade 1 or Grade 8, consider it a success! No need to log in to accept.
- If you applied to multiple schools, you can accept an offer while waiting for others. However, if you don't receive further offers within 7 days of accepting one, it likely means the other schools have reached capacity.
- Your child will then be placed at the school where you accepted the last offer.
How Placement Offers Are Determined
Placement offers aren't based on a first-come, first-served system. Priority is given based on these criteria:
- Home address within the school's feeder zone
- Sibling(s) already attending or previous school attended
- Work address within the school's feeder zone
- Home address within a 30km radius
- Home address beyond a 30km radius
Keep in mind that placement is also subject to school capacity and the availability of space.
Beware of Scammers!
The GDE also issued a strong warning against scammers. Be vigilant and only trust official communications from the department. Do not provide personal information or payment details to unofficial sources.
If you can't be accommodated at any of your chosen schools due to capacity, the GDE will provide transfer offers to the next closest available school.