Western Cape Education Department opens late applications for 2027 placements

Parents who missed the initial deadline for school placements in the Western Cape must now submit late applications to secure a spot for the 2027 academic year.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirmed that over 160,000 applications for Grade R, Grade 1, and Grade 8 were received before the midnight cutoff.

For those who did not meet this window, the department has provided a second opportunity through a "late application window," which will remain open until 17 May 2026.

Education MEC David Maynier emphasised that while the primary window has closed, the online portal remains accessible for those trailing behind.

"The on-time applications window for Grade R, 1, and 8 [for] 2027 closed at midnight. Parents who did not apply by the deadline will still be able to submit late applications online until the 17th of May 2026," said Maynier.