Gauteng’s online admissions process for the 2027 academic year has received close to half a million applications, highlighting continued demand for places in public schools across the province. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) said it is strengthening its admissions management plan to improve learner placement and support as applications continue. Education MEC Lebogang Maile outlined the department’s updated approach during a media briefing in Johannesburg on Monday, saying the focus is shifting from the number of applications received to ensuring learners are successfully placed before the new school year begins.