GDE: Some 4,800 Grade 1 & 8 pupils yet to be placed

This figure includes 1,381 pupils in Grade 1 and 3,477 in Grade 8.

The remaining unplaced learners represent approximately 1.5% of all applications.

“The department continues to release placement and transfer offers daily, with interventions focused on high-pressure districts to ensure learners are placed according to regulated admissions criteria and available school capacity,” said spokesperson Steve Mabona. 

Ekurhuleni has the highest number of unplaced learners, totalling 3,169, with pressure particularly high at Grade 8 in Ekurhuleni North. 

Johannesburg districts also account for a notable number of unplaced learners, with placement pressure highest in Johannesburg East due to demand for secondary school placements. 

Tshwane has made progress in placing learners, with only 14 remaining to be placed.

“The department has prioritised Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg as high-pressure districts, with intensified district-based placement, continued release of placement and transfer offers, and strategic utilisation of available capacity across neighbouring schools,” Mabona said. 

The department has also received 11,183 late applications to date. 

All late applications processed during this period will result in final placements at the school selected by parents or guardians, subject to available capacity. Parents are advised to visit the selected school from 14 January 2026 to submit the required documentation,” said Mabona, who added that the online admissions system remains open for late applications, particularly for those who did not apply during the main application period or whose applications were incomplete.

The Gauteng Online Admissions system has been used in recent years to manage school placements for all public primary and secondary schools in the province.

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