2026 Gauteng School Admissions: Key Dates and Application Guide

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If you’re a parent or guardian in Gauteng preparing to enroll your child in Grade 1 or Grade 8 for the 2026 academic year, it’s essential to understand the key dates, the step-by-step process, and what documentation is required for a successful application. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has officially released the online admissions schedule, and staying informed can ensure your child doesn’t miss out on placement at a preferred school.

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This article outlines everything you need to know about the 2026 Gauteng school admissions from application dates to document submissions and placement criteria.

2026 Admission Application Dates

The online admissions process for public schools in Gauteng will open on:

Thursday, 24 July 2025 at 08:00 AM

And close on:

Friday, 29 August 2025 at 11:59 PM

All applications must be submitted within this window through the official GDE Admissions Portal at www.gdeadmissions.gov.za.

Once applications close, the department will begin reviewing applications and placements. Parents will start receiving SMS placement offers from 16 October 2025.

How to Apply for 2026 Gauteng School Admissions

The application process is entirely online and involves five key steps:

Register Parent/Guardian Details
Create a profile on the GDE admissions portal with your personal and contact information.
Register Home Address
Enter your residential address accurately. This determines the feeder zone schools your child is eligible for.
Register the Learner’s Details
Add your child’s personal information, including their name, birth date, and current academic level.
Apply to Schools
Select a maximum of five schools for your child. Prioritize schools based on proximity and your preferences.
Submit Supporting Documents
Upload or hand-deliver certified documents to the schools you’ve applied to within seven school days of completing your application.

Important: Your application will be considered incomplete if all five steps are not completed. Simply registering your details without selecting schools will disqualify your child from placement.

Required Documents

To ensure your application is processed smoothly, you will need the following certified documents:

Parent/Guardian ID (South African ID or valid passport)
Child’s Birth Certificate
Proof of Home Address (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.)
Proof of Work Address (if applying based on workplace proximity)
Latest School Report (for Grade 8 applicants)
Clinic Card/Immunization Record (for Grade 1 applicants)

Documents can be uploaded via the GDE portal or submitted directly to the schools you are applying to.

Placement Criteria

Gauteng school admissions do not work on a first-come, first-served basis. Placement is determined using the following criteria:

Home address within the school’s feeder zone
Sibling currently attending the school
Parent’s work address within the feeder zone
Attendance at a feeder primary school (for Grade 8)
Available space at the school

The department urges parents to apply to schools that are close to home or work to improve chances of placement.

Need Help? Here’s Where to Get Assistance

If you encounter any challenges during the application process, the GDE provides multiple support options:

Call Centre: 0800 000 789
Email: [email protected]
District Offices: Visit your local district office for in-person assistance

Tips for a Successful Admission Application

Apply early to avoid last-minute delays.
Choose schools wisely, preferably those within your home or work area.
Have all documents ready in certified format to upload or submit on time.
Keep an eye on SMS notifications starting 16 October 2025 for placement updates.

Key takeaways

The 2026 Gauteng school admissions season is approaching fast, and preparation is key. By following the official application guidelines, gathering the right documents, and submitting everything on time, you can secure a place for your child in a public school that meets your expectations.

For more details and official updates, visit www.gdeadmissions.gov.za.