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

2. The measures outlined in this circular apply to applications received in 2016 for admission to ordinary public schools in 2017.
2.1 This alignment is important as it is evident that schools have varying periods for admission which stretch from February until January the following year.
2.2 This impact negatively on planning for the provision of classrooms, staff establishments, procurement of LTSM and all other systemic processes required to ensure that schools are ready to start each year.
2.3 The different admission dates of schools also mean that parents wait for the outcome of applications which they receive at different times throughout the year.
2.4 It is therefore necessary to adjust the admission process so that the WCED is in a better position to identify what is required to meet the demand for places in schools.
2.5 Schools are requested to adhere to the following WCED admission timeframes which will be applicable to all ordinary public schools:

Activity Date
Schools capture planned enrolment on SAMI 29 January 2016
School admissions open (all ordinary public schools) 01 February 2016
School admissions close (all ordinary public schools) 11 March 2016
Parents are informed of the outcome by letter 24 June 2016 (End of 2nd Term)
Parents confirm acceptance 25 July 2016
Schools fill available places 3rd Term 2016

3. Capture of school's admission information for 2016 on the WCED School Admissions Management Information (SAMI):
3.1 Kindly note that in the case of an admissions appeal, dispute or a legal challenge, schools may be required to provide the details of the application such as when and how the application was processed. The details will then be taken from the SAMI system as the official WCED admissions information database.
3.2 Schools are therefore required to capture ALL applications received on the SAMI system.
3.3 Due dates for capturing admissions information on SAMI:

3.3.1 SAMI opens for planned enrolment: 21 January 201
3.3.2 Schools sign off planned enrolment: 29 January 2016
3.3.3 Schools capture all applications received on SAMI: 01 March – until all places are filled
3.3.4 Schools indicate the outcome of applications on SAMI: End of 2nd Term
3.3.5 Schools fill available places: 3rd Term 2016
3.4 The SAMI function generates a list of unplaced learners and indicates which schools have available places as the applications are processed.
3.5 It is therefore vital that schools capture and process the applications by the due dates to ensure that officials have accurate information which will be used to inform parents of available places.

4. Resolving cases where a learner has not secured a place at a school:
The relevant district officials charged with admission administration will have access to the lists of unplaced learners and the available places 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.

5. In the light of the increased demand for places 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.

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

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


SIGNED: PA VINJEVOLD
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2015:08:07