The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has confirmed the successful placement of all remaining Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners for the 2026 academic year.
In a statement issued on 4 March 2026, Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane announced that the department has finalised the placement of learners whose parents and guardians applied through the 2026 Online Admissions system.
Approximately 484 Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners had remained unplaced in parts of Ekurhuleni, particularly in Tembisa and Kempton Park. However, by Tuesday evening, 3 March 2026, the department confirmed that all outstanding learners had been successfully accommodated at alternative schools within their respective areas.
According to the department, a total of 392,224 Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners were placed through Gauteng’s Online Admissions system for the 2026 school year. The main application window, which ran from 24 July to 5 August 2025, accounted for the majority of submissions.
The department further revealed that 8.5% of the applications — amounting to 33,650 learners — were received during the late application period between 17 December 2025 and 30 January 2026.
The GDE expressed appreciation for the patience and resilience shown by parents and guardians during the placement process, particularly while efforts were underway to secure placements for all learners. Schools are expected to implement catch-up plans to assist learners in recovering any curriculum time that may have been lost.
Chiloane said the Online Admissions system remains a critical transformation tool aimed at ensuring fair and accessible school placements across the province. While pleased with the final outcome, he acknowledged the frustrations experienced by some families and committed to improving the system.
In addition to system enhancements, the Gauteng government plans to construct 18 new schools to increase capacity in identified high-pressure areas.
The department has encouraged parents and guardians to continue following official platforms for updates and further information.
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