THE Gauteng Department of Education calls on parents to first register and verify their details and then apply for space for Grades 1 and 8 for the 2017 academic year.
The applications for Grades 1 and 8 for the 2017 academic year officially starts on April 13 and end on September 7 this year.
First-time Grade 1 and 8 applicants, including those relocating from other areas, are encouraged to register their details online by visiting www.gdeadmissions.gov.za.
Parents who do not have internet access can visit help desks in their districts for assistance.
The process will proceed in phases.
Phase 1: Registration and verification of details, April 13
Parents are urged to register or verify their details and learner details from April 11. First-time users will be required to click the ‘Register’ button to register parent information before applying.
Parents who registered in 2015 and those who have learners in schools currently must verify information by clicking the verification tab. The verification process will require parents to enter their ID/passport number.
Phase 2: Application, April 19
The application period commences on April 19 at 08:00 and will close at midnight on June 1. Application criteria include:
1. A school close to residential or work address.
2. A sibling attends the same school (not applicable if the learner is in Grade 7 or 12).
3. School of choice.
The following documents are required to complete the verification/registration and application process:
• ID copy of the parent
• Birth certificate of the learner
• Passport and study permit obtained from Home Affairs
• Proof of address for home or work.
An automated SMS will be sent to the parent’s cellphone number to confirm the submission of the online application. Once SMS confirmation has been received it is important to submit all the required documents needed at the schools within two weeks.
Phase 3: Placement
The placement of learners will commence from June 24 until September 7.
For learners who are currently in Grades 2 to 6 in primary schools and Grades 8 to 11 in secondary schools, applications will be processed by schools from April 11 to 18.
Parents who are relocating and would like to apply for the in-between grades (Grades 2 to 7 and Grades 8 to 11) must consult with the school to verify availability of spaces. Spaces will be confirmed pending the current learner enrolment, learner retention in each grade and in line with the capacity of the school.
The online application cannot be used to apply for Grade R and schools for learners with special educational needs.
The department has opted for an online application process because it is convenient, easy to access and enables planning and fair distribution of learners across the Gauteng education system. Starting the admission process early is crucial to ensure allocation of resources, such as learning and teaching materials, furniture, human resources and infrastructure.
In addition, this enables teaching and learning to commence on the first day of school in 2017. Equally important is for schools to have sufficient time to prepare timetables, recruit teachers and, where necessary, arrange nutrition and scholar transport.
“We urge all governing bodies to work with us to ensure the admissions process runs smoothly and all learners who start primary or secondary school in 2017 are able to access quality basic public education,” said Gauteng Department of Education’s Acting Head of Communication, Oupa Bodibe.
The department can be reached as follows: Gauteng Department of Education: 111 Commissioner Street, Johannesburg, 2001. Postal Address: PO Box 7710, Johannesburg, 2000. Switchboard: 011 355 0000, Call Centre: 011 355 0966 / 0559 / 0198 / 0600, toll free number: 0800 000 789. Or email: gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za
