1. Demand for learning spaces at schools in the Western Cape continues to grow annually. In order to manage admissions effectively schools are requested to adhere to the following existing measures.

2. The measures outlined in this circular apply to applications received in 2015 for admission to schools in 2016.

3. Alignment of timeframes for application for admission to Western Cape Education Department (WCED) schools:
3.1 All schools are hereby requested to adhere to the current WCED admission timeframes contained in the WCED Admission Policy which stipulates that the first phase for applications to schools must close at the end of June.
3.2 This alignment is necessary as it is evident that schools have varying periods for admission which stretch from February until December.
3.3 It translates into uncertainty in the system as parents wait for the outcome of applications which they receive at different times throughout the year.
3.4 It furthermore makes it very difficult for the WCED to manage unplaced learners and plan for the provision of spaces before the start of the new school year.

4. Capture of school’s admission dates for 2016 on SAMI:

The School Admission Management Information (SAMI) function will be available for capturing applications by 31 March 2015.

Principals should ensure that the dates for the school’s admission period are captured on the SAMI function on CEMIS by 20 April 2015.


5. Capture of planned enrolment for 2016 on SAMI:

Principals should capture and sign off planned learner enrolment for 2016 on CEMIS by 20 April 2015.


6. Capture and processing of applications for admission to the school for 2016:
6.1 Schools are required to capture the applications of ALL learners who have applied for admission to the school for 2016 on CEMIS.
6.2 All applications received must be captured.
6.3 Schools must indicate the outcome of applications on SAMI.
6.4 The SAMI function generates a list of unplaced learners. Parents will be directed to their nearest school, district or satellite office to ensure that the learner’s details are captured on the database.

7. Resolving cases where learners have not been placed at schools:

The relevant district officials charged with admission administration will have access to the lists of unplaced learners and the available spaces at schools in the district. These officials will be required to assist in resolving the placement of learners by liaising with schools in their respective districts and circuits.


8. Summary: Admission dates 2015/16

  Activity Dates
1 Opening of SAMI for capturing 31 March 2015
2 Due dates for capturing of:
  • School's admission dates for 2016
  • Planned enrolment for 2016 on SAMI
  • 20 April 2015
    3 Close of applications for admissions (Applicable to all schools – first round) 26 June 2015

    9. In light of the increased demand for spaces at schools, the WCED trusts that these measures will assist schools and parents. We wish to thank principals, governing bodies and officials for their support in placing all learners in schools.

    10. All queries in respect of the above can be directed to the relevant district official.

    11. Kindly bring the content of this circular to the attention of all concerned.


    SIGNED: PA VINJEVOLD
    HEAD: EDUCATION
    DATE: 2015:03:19