Over 500k online applications received for Grade 1 and 8 in Gauteng
“We have received almost half a million applications for grades one and eight in just six days since July 11,” said Matome Chiloane, Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation.
Matome Chiloane, Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, is delighted to report an overwhelming response for the 2025 online admissions application system for the 2025 academic year.
The system received 512 237 applications on July 17. This is equivalent to 214 843 Grade One applications and 297 394 Grade Eight applications.
The application window for Grade One and Grade Eight admissions is open until August 12, 2024, and the MEC highly encourages all parents to complete the entire five-step application process.
People can apply at www.gdeadmissions.gov.za.
Individuals must note that incomplete applications will not be considered for placement.
Matome said: “Currently, we have identified over 12 000 parents who have not completed the full process.”
To guarantee a smooth application process, parents must either upload certified copies of essential documents online or mail them to all selected schools within seven days of applying.
“Online document uploads need to be done only once for all selected schools to view. We strongly recommend applying to a minimum of three and a maximum of five schools to increase the chances of successful placement.”
All parents are advised to give accurate mobile numbers, as further contact about their application will be delivered via SMS notifications.
Documented parents’ usernames are their 13-digit ID number, passport number, or permit number, however, undocumented parents will be given a 13-digit username.
All parents must create a password to be kept safe along with the provided username.
According to Matome, applicants who have completed complete applications can expect to receive placement offers starting September 16.
“We strongly advise parents who have already submitted applications to log in to their accounts using their username and password to ensure they have completed all necessary steps.”
The GDE remains committed to supporting parents who may not be able to apply online. All schools in the province, as well as our 80 Decentralised Walk-In Centres, are accessible to assist with the application process, ensuring that no child falls behind owing to technological difficulties.
The GDE contact centre operates as follows: Monday to Thursday from 07:00 – 17:00, Fridays from 07:30 – 16:30, and Saturdays from 09:00 – 13:00 to assist accordingly.
Parents or guardians may call 0800 000 789 for assistance. Alternatively, they may send a query on WhatsApp at 060 891 0361 or email us at gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za.
“The phenomenal number of applications we’ve received demonstrates the trust parents place in our education system. The Gauteng Department of Education remains committed to providing quality education for all and ensuring a fair and transparent admissions process.
“As we move forward with this crucial process, we look forward to accommodating everyone in our schools. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all parents for their cooperation and understanding during this important period,” said Chiloane.
