Parents flock to schools to apply for their children

Public and private schools have opened their doors for registration of pupils for the 2015 academic year.

Public schools will accept applications until 27 May. However, each private school has its own application dates.

The Gauteng Education Minister, Barbara Creecy said there is a “high demand for space” at public schools in the province.

“We have over 2 000 public schools that accommodate 1.9 million pupils,” explained Creecy.

“Apply early so that we can accommodate you. For us it means we will be able to plan for the number of children who are coming into our system, for parents it means they will be able to get a school that is closer to their place of work or residence.”

Dedicated parents have flocked to their preferred schools, many dressing warmly and waiting until 12am to apply, therefore, increasing their chances.

The department processed over 20 000 late school applications for this year, an increase from 15 000 in last year.

Parents who wish to register their children for admission in a public school must first fetch application forms from the school for pupils who want to start grade 1 or 8 in 2015, fill them in, and return them before 27 May.

Along with the completed forms, parents should bring the following documentation:

• Birth certificate or certified copy (a baptismal certificate is not acceptable)
• At least one parent’s identity document
• Proof of residence or work address
• Immunisation card (for grade 1)
• Study permits for legal immigrants
• Asylum documents for refugees and asylum seekers
• The latest school report card

The education department urged parents to ensure that, when registering their children, schools provide them with a waiting list number.

This will indicate if the child is on waiting list A (for parents within a feeder area of a school) or waiting list B (parents outside of a feeder area).

Pupils who are not in entry grades, that is grades 1 and 8, are also required to re-enroll.