The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has officially opened late applications for school admissions for the 2024 academic year throughout South Africa. The late application period seeks to ensure that all children enjoy their constitutional right to education.
As the commencement of the 2024 school year comes, many school children are not yet placed at a school in the country. This is often due to circumstances beyond their control as parents pursue economic opportunities in different provinces, changes in living arrangements and many other circumstances.
The DBE has emphasised that no child will be left behind, and late registrations for learner placement are currently underway in all provinces. However, the department made it clear that only schools with available space are accepting late applications.
Parents are reminded that they are allowed to apply to only one school during this late application period.
Here are specific instructions for late applications in different provinces:
Western Cape
Parents interested in late applications for the 2024 school year in the Western Cape should contact their district education office. If they are unsure of which district office to contact, they can simply visit a school close to where they live and ask under which education district they fall under.
Northern Cape
The deadline for late applications for school admission in the Northern Cape is 16 January. Interested parents can submit applications through the Northern Cape Department of Education's school admissions website.
Gauteng
Late applications for Grade 1 and Grade 8 admission in Gauteng for the 2024 school year will close on 31 January. The application process must be completed online on the GDE admissions website.
2024 School Calendar
Additionally, for the 2024 school year, public schools across the country will have 203 instructional days spread over 43 weeks, with term dates as follows:
- First Term: 17 January - 20 March
- Second Term: 3 April - 14 June
- Third Term: 9 July - 20 September
- Fourth Term: 1 October - 13 December
Parents are encouraged to seize opportunities to secure their child's education and future success.
