More than 5 000 learners in Gauteng are still without school places for the 2026 academic year, just weeks before the new school term begins, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane confirmed on Monday.
According to the latest figures from the department’s online admissions system, 1 478 Grade 1 learners and 3 986 Grade 8 learners – a total of 5 464 children – have not yet been placed. The department continues to release placement and transfer offers daily in an effort to clear the backlog before schools reopen in January.
Speaking to the media, MEC Chiloane acknowledged the ongoing challenge but emphasised that progress is being made. “We are working around the clock to ensure every learner finds a place,” he said. “Offers are being issued daily, and parents are urged to accept them promptly.”
Gauteng Education Department spokesperson Steve Mabona attributed the remaining unplaced learners primarily to parental preferences. “The main issue is that parents often refuse alternative schools,” Mabona explained. “When their preferred school is full, they reject the next available option, saying ‘This is not the school I applied for.’ High-demand schools receive thousands of applications for limited spaces, so we must offer alternatives – and that’s where the negotiation happens.”
Mabona added that while capacity exists across the province, pressure is concentrated in popular urban and suburban areas, making it impossible to accommodate every first-choice application.
The department has urged parents to log into the online admissions portal (www.gdeadmissions.gov.za) regularly to check for offers and to accept placements without delay. Late applications remain open for schools with available spaces, though applicants are limited to selecting only one school, with no right of appeal.
Education officials have appealed for cooperation from families to help resolve the remaining cases swiftly. The call centre (0800 000 789) is available to assist parents experiencing difficulties with the system.
With the 2026 school year fast approaching, the Gauteng Education Department has vowed to continue daily updates and placements until every learner is enrolled. Parents are reminded that accepting an offered place is critical to securing a spot and avoiding further delays.