Parents can go to the school closest to where they live or work, to pick up application forms, which should be returned to the school between April 21 and May 26.
By registering early, the department hopes to avoid a similar situation to the one they were faced with last year, which saw almost 30 000 late applications, which is double the number usually received during this period.
This prompted the department to provide additional ordinary Alternative Construction Technology (ACT) classrooms in schools where there was high demand.
It is, therefore, critical for parents to register their children during this period, to avoid the challenges that come with late registration, in January.
Applying late, outside of the stipulated period, reduces the chances of parents getting the school of their choice, where they meet the criteria.
It also means that learners will be placed at a school where there is space available, and this might not be close to where their parents work or reside.
The department would like to remind parents that the admission of learners is on a first come first served basis.
Although the department has a constitutional obligation to place every learner in a school, application is not necessarily a confirmation of admission.
A number of factors are considered before placement is achieved, including the availability of both teaching staff and learning material.
It should, however, be noted that every learner who applies for space in government schools will be placed.
“By applying now, you will be enabling us to plan properly; no applications will be accepted in January 2016,” said Gauteng Education MEC Panyana Lesufi.
The following documents are required for application:
- Certified copy of birth certificate.
- Proof of the parent’s residential or work address.
- Immunisation card for Grade One.
- Latest report card.
- Copy of parents’ identity documents.
- Study permit for legal immigrants.
- Proof of legal guardianship if not a biological parent.
The application process includes:
- Collecting forms at the nearest schools.
- Submitting completed forms with supporting documents back to the school between April 21 and May 26.
- Upon submission of completed application forms, parents must ensure that the school provides written proof of receipt, with the date and time of submission.
- Parents will receive an automated waiting list number on their cellphone, email address or in person from the school, once the forms are captured on the system.
