The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has opened online applications for Grade 1 and Grade 8 admissions in public schools for the 2025 academic year. Parents and guardians can now apply through the GDE admissions portal to secure placements for their children.
GDE online applications will open on Thursday, 11 July at 8 AM and close on 12 August at midnight. This gives parents just 32 days to submit an admissions application and secure their child's placement at a school in the province.
GDE Admissions Application Process
To apply, parents and guardians need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Register Parent/Guardian Details: Complete this step to receive an SMS with a username and password.
Step 2: Register Address Details: Provide accurate address information for the application.
Step 3: Register Learner Details: Enter the necessary details about the learner.
Step 4: Apply to a School: Select your preferred schools and receive an SMS with a waiting list number.
Step 5 Upload/Submit Documents: Submit certified copies of the required documents within 7 days.
Required Documents
- Parent's ID or passport
- Child's birth certificate or passport
- Proof of work address
- Latest Grade 7 school report (for Grade 8 applications)
- Immunisation report
- Proof of home address
Important Guidelines
- Use your ID number as the username and create a memorable password.
- Provide one reliable cell phone number for all communications.
- Submit certified copies of required documents within 7 days for verification.
Understanding School Feeder Zones
A School Feeder Zone is a designated area from which a school admits learners. It is important to apply to schools within your home address’s feeder zone. All schools covering the applicant’s home address will be displayed during the application process.
Options for School Placements
Parents can apply to a maximum of five schools using various criteria:
- Proximity to Home: Preference for schools close to the applicant's home.
- Sibling Preference: Priority for applicants with siblings already attending the desired school.
- Proximity to Previous School: Consideration for Grade 7 learners transitioning to Grade 8.
- Proximity to Parent's Workplace: Convenience for working parents.
- Residence within 30-Kilometre Radius: If no suitable school is available, options beyond a 30-kilometre radius are considered.
Placement Period
The placement period will start on 16 September 2024, continuing until all learners are placed. Placement offers will be sent to the parent's cell phone number, and must be accepted within 7 days.
The GDE urges parents and guardians to adhere to these guidelines and deadlines to ensure a smooth admission process for their children entering Grade 1 and Grade 8 in 2025.
