ON April 13, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) opened the doors for all parents who wish to register their children for admission into Gauteng public schools for the 2016 academic year.
Parents can go to a school closest to where they reside or work, to pick up application forms, from today.
These forms should be returned to the school between April 21 and May 26, 2015.
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 a 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.
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 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.
Therefore, a number of factors are considered before placement is achieved. Among others, key factors taken into consideration when effecting learner placements are the availability of resources, both Human Resources and educational material. Every learner who applies for space in Gauteng schools will be placed.
“By applying now, you will be enabling us to plan properly. No applications will be accepted in January 2016,” said MEC for Education Panyaza 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.
* 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 April 13, 2015.
* Submitting completed forms with supporting documents back to the school between April 21 and May 26, 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 cellphone or email or in person from the school, once the forms are captured on the system.
