The Western Cape Education Department is gearing up to start the next school year by processing more than 150 000 new school applications for 2024. The department’s school application period closed on 14 April 2023 and is currently only accepting late applications.
Western Cape Education MEC, David Maynier, expressed his gratitude to the support teams who worked tirelessly to process the 165 993 unique learner applications received to date for the 2024 school year.
Of these, 156 093 were submitted on time during the admissions application window, while a further 9 900 were submitted after the deadline but will still be considered by schools.
Maynier visited the Metro East Education District office in Kuils River, which offered assistance to parents who could not access the online application system. He also visited the department's head office and the Department of the Premier to acknowledge the teams' hard work during the admissions period.
With parents applying to more than one school, the total number of applications to schools is a staggering 536 764, which presents a significant administrative challenge. Maynier commended the staff for their efforts in getting the applications processed and resolving any technical challenges, stating that they have shown what it means to have a government for the people.
WCED School Late Applications
However, all applications received before the deadline of 25 May 2023 will be considered late applications and will only be considered by schools after they have processed the applications received on time. Parents can still submit applications on the online system, but these will be flagged as late applications.
Maynier emphasized the importance of not delaying applications any further to ensure a smooth start to the 2024 academic year. He urged parents to apply on time to avoid affecting planning processes and potential delays in placing their children.
