Johannesburg – 6 January 2026
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has confirmed that just 4 858 learners remain unplaced in Grade 1 and Grade 8 for the 2026 academic year, marking significant progress in the province’s Online Admissions process.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane announced that the remaining unplaced learners represent approximately 1.5% of the 358 574 completed applications received for 2026. Of these, 1 381 are Grade 1 learners, while 3 477 are Grade 8 learners, with placement pressure largely concentrated in high-density urban districts.
Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg Under the Most Pressure
According to the Department, Ekurhuleni remains the most affected district, accounting for 3 169 unplaced learners, particularly at Grade 8 level. Ekurhuleni North alone has 1 741 learners still awaiting placement, while Ekurhuleni South accounts for 1 181.
In Johannesburg, placement pressure is most pronounced in Johannesburg East, where 1 173 learners are yet to be placed. Johannesburg South follows with 352 unplaced learners, while Johannesburg North has only three remaining Grade 8 cases.
Other districts have largely stabilised, with Tshwane North reporting only 14 unplaced learners, and Sedibeng East recording 70 Grade 8 learners still awaiting placement.
Late Applications Still Open
The GDE confirmed that the Late Application period, which opened on 17 December 2025 and closes on 30 January 2026, remains active. To date, 11 183 late applications have been recorded, split almost evenly between Grade 1 and Grade 8.
Parents and guardians who apply during this period will receive final placements, subject to available school capacity. The Department has emphasised that late placements cannot be declined and that no objections or appeals will be allowed once placement is finalised.
Appeals Nearing Completion
The Department also reported progress on appeals, revealing that 6 736 appeals were lodged during the admissions process. Only 637 objections remain under adjudication, with final outcomes being communicated directly to parents.
Call for Patience
MEC Chiloane welcomed the progress made and urged parents to remain cooperative as the Department finalises placements.
“We are encouraged by the steady progress made in placing learners across Gauteng. We urge parents and guardians to remain patient as we work tirelessly to ensure that every learner is accommodated,” he said.
Parents are encouraged to apply via the GDE Online Admissions portal and to submit required documentation directly to schools from 14 January 2026
