The Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) is now accepting applications for the 2025 school year. Parents with children approaching school age are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible to secure a spot in their preferred schools.
The application deadline is set for 30 June.
Important Dates and Age Requirements
For Grade R (reception year), children must be turning four years old by June 30, 2024. This means they must be born by that date. For Grade 1, children must be turning five years old by June 30, 2024.
The ECDoE acknowledges that these are the official admission ages. Parents have the flexibility to wait and enrol their child in Grade R at age five or Grade 1 at age six.
Benefits of Early Childhood Education
While Grade R attendance is not mandatory, the ECDoE highly recommends it. Early Childhood Education helps prepare children for formal schooling through play-based learning and interaction with peers.
These experiences foster the development of essential learning skills.
Required Documents (may vary by school)
- Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement)
- Immunisation card (Grade R applicants only)
- Last official school report card (if applicable)
- Learner's ID, birth certificate, or passport
- Study permit or application proof (for foreign learners)
- In some cases, a police affidavit may be required
Applying to Schools
Parents are not restricted to applying only to schools in their immediate neighbourhood. The application process is open to any public school within the Eastern Cape province. It's recommended to contact the preferred schools directly to learn more about their specific admissions procedures and available spaces.
Feeder Zones and Admissions Priority
Schools have designated areas called feeder zones to manage student enrollment. Students residing within a school's feeder zone are given priority for admission. This doesn't prevent parents from applying to schools outside their zone, but securing a spot becomes less certain.
Don't wait! Apply today to ensure your child has the opportunity to attend a great Eastern Cape school in the coming 2025 academic year.