Learner Admissions FAQ
How do I apply for my child for admission to a public school?
- Schools determine placement by exercising and applying their own admission policy which should be aligned to the South African Schools Act, 1996 (Act 84 of 1996). The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) cannot guarantee placement at schools of choice.
- Apply early. Don’t wait until the last day.
- Parents should apply to a minimum of three schools, including the school closest to their residence.
What is the admission age for Grade R and 1?
- Compulsory school-going age (Grade 1) is seven years in the year that the child is in Grade 1.
- Admission age to Grade R is six years in the year that the child is in Grade R.
What documents are required to register a child at a public school?
Certified copies of the following documents are required:
- Identification (any of the following):
- Identity document (ID) / birth certificate (learner)
- Foreign learners: a passport / a copy of parent’s refugee or asylum seeker permit on which the learner’s name should appear
- If the learner of foreign parents was born in South Africa (SA): a handwritten birth certificate (DHA 19 form).
- If the learner was not born in SA: a passport/a refugee or asylum seeker permit issued in the learner’s name.
- Immunisation card / Road to Health chart (pre-primary and primary schools only)
- Latest official school / academic report of learner
- Proof of residence e.g. rates account / lease agreement / an affidavit made at a police station confirming residence
Application for Grade R, 1 & 8?
11 March – 15 April 2025. Parents apply online.
Can a child be refused permission if they do not live in a school’s feeder zone?
The WCED has not declared any feeder zones/areas.
Can schools charge a registration fee before accepting learner?
No. Schools may not charge a fee before accepting a learner.
How do parents apply?
Apply online.
How do I appeal against a school’s decision not to enrol my child?
Information on the appeal process for the 2025/2026 school year will be announced at the end of May 2025, when parents are notified of the outcome of their application.
Where do parents go if they do not find a place?
How to RESET your password for Learner Admissions
- Click on RESET Password.
- Type in ID | Passport or Permit number.
- Click on RESET.
- Type in the OTP that is sent via SMS to your phone.
- Click on VERIFY.
- Create a new password and complete the Security information.
- Click on Register.
- Your password has been RESET.
Log in using your new password.
Can’t find “Cape Town” on the admission application form?
You can find “Cape Town” on the “Town” link by selecting “City of Cape Town”.
Can’t select Province and Country on the admission application form?
The selection of Country and Province has been disabled due to it being irrelevant for this application as you should be situated in the Western Cape. So please ignore these two boxes when applying.
