WCED urges parents not to miss online application deadline for grade R, 1 & 8 placements

CAPE TOWN - The deadline to apply on time for a placement in grades R, 1 or 8 for 2026 in the Western Cape is looming.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is appealing to parents to apply before the online admissions window closes on Tuesday.

Applying on time will help officials plan better for the 2026 academic year.

"The WCED urgently appeals to parent or caregivers with children entering to grade R, 1, and 8 in 2026 to please ensure that they apply before midnight on Tuesday, 15 April 2025," said the department's Bronagh Hammond.

"There are still thousands of applications outstanding. Applications done after this date will be considered as a late application. Please don’t wait, apply today."