And so the pupil registration period for 2016 begins

It is now one week since the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) opened its doors for parents who wish to register their children for admission into Gauteng public schools for the 2016 academic year.

As of 13 April parents can go to a school closest to where they reside or work to pick up application forms. These application forms should be returned to the school between 21 April and 26 May 2015.

According to GDE spokesperson Phumla Sekhonyane “The demand for space in public schools in Gauteng increases every year. The 2015 academic year had 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 comes 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. This also means that learners will be placed at a school where there is space available, this might not be close to where their parents work or reside.

“The department would like to remind parents that admission of pupils is on a first come served basis. Although the department has a constitutional obligation to place every learner in a school, application is not necessarily a confirmation of admission. Therefore, a number of factors are considered before placement is achieved. Amongst others, key factors taken into consideration when effecting pupil placements are the availability of resources both Human Resource and education material. Every learner who applies for space in our schools will be placed.”

The Gauteng MEC for Education, MEC Panyaza Lesufi on Wednesday last week also officially launched the department’s Admission Advocacy Campaign. The launch involved the distribution of pamphlets and encouraging parents to register on time and avoid last minute rush in 2016.

“By applying now, you will be enabling us to plan properly. No applications will be accepted in January 2016,” MEC for Education Mr Panyaza Lesufi said.

The following documents are required for application:
• Certified copy of birth certificate
• Proof of the parent’s residential or work address
• Immunization card for Grade 1
• Latest report card
• Parents’ copy of identity document
• Study permit for legal immigrants
• If not a biological parent, proof of legal guardianship

The application process includes:
• Collecting forms at the nearest schools from 13 April 2015
• Submitting completed forms with supporting documents back to the school between 21 April and 26 May 2015
• Upon submission of completed application forms, parents must ensure that the school provides written proof with the date and time of submission
• Parents will receive an automated Waiting List number on their cell phone/e-mail or in person from the school, once the forms are captured on the system