WC Education Department in race against time to place thousands more learners

WITH only two days before schools reopen, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) received hundreds more late applications, which officials say place additional strain on the department to place learners immediately during a period when schools are closed for the holidays. 

“The WCED is currently processing a significant number of late school applications for the 2026 academic year. As of 7 January 2026, the WCED has successfully placed 180 960 (96% of) learners for whom applications were received for Grade R, 1, and 8 for the 2026 school year. Placement is still in progress for 7 540 learners in these grades.

"However, late applications continue to affect placement progress. Since 1 November 2025, the WCED has received 10 666 late applications,” said WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond.

A total of 5 873 new late applications were received in November, 4 035 in December and 758 new "extremely late" applications from the beginning of the month up to January 7. 

“Despite extensive public communication and advocacy encouraging parents to apply on time, thousands of applications are still being submitted well after the official deadlines. Late applications create considerable challenges for the WCED. They disrupt planning for learner placement, resource allocation, and staffing, and place additional strain on the department to place learners immediately during a period when schools are closed for the holidays. This means that discussions around placement can only resume once schools reopen, delaying the process further.”

“The information gathered is critical for determining where additional resources—such as furniture and equipment—are needed and where further placement opportunities may exist,” said Hammond.  

The recently built 175 classrooms will contribute towards the placement of learners.

“We understand that this is a stressful and anxious period for parents who are waiting for a place, and we are asking parents to work with us as we try to accommodate their children as soon as possible.”

Any parent who has not yet applied for the 2026 school year has been urged  to do so immediately at their education district office. District office details can be accessed via:  https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/admissions-officials

Cape Times