The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has issued an urgent reminder to parents and guardians to complete their 2026 school applications before the September 9 deadline. With over 800,000 online applications received for 2026 school placements, the department remains concerned that more than 50,000 submissions remain incomplete.
Critical Deadline Approaching
According to GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona, the application period for Grades One to Eight closed on August 29. However, thousands of parents who started the process have yet to complete it. As of August 28, the system recorded impressive numbers: over 300,000 applications for Grade One and almost 500,000 for Grade Eight.
The department has identified two main issues with incomplete applications:
- Parents who registered profiles but failed to finalize their school selections
- Families who completed applications but haven’t submitted required documents
Document Submission Requirements
Parents must ensure all certified copies of required documents are submitted to schools or uploaded online by midnight on September 9, 2025. Proof of home address is particularly important, as placement is based on feeder zones. Applications without this document will be regarded as incomplete, warns Mabona.
The consequences for incomplete applications are severe: incomplete applications will not be considered for placement offers. Additionally, any fraudulent or invalid documents will result in automatic disqualification.
Understanding the Placement Process
It’s crucial for parents to understand that placement is not based on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, the GDE uses a priority-based system with clear criteria:
- Home address within the school’s feeder zone, closest to the school
- Sibling at the school or previous school attended
- Work address within the feeder zone
- Home address within a 30km radius
- Home address beyond a 30km radius
Timeline for Placement Announcements
The placement process will begin on October 16, 2025, and continue until all eligible learners have been placed. SMSes with Placement Offers will be sent to parents from 16 October 2025.
Final Appeal from Education MEC
Education MEC Matome Chiloane has made a direct appeal to parents who haven’t completed the five-step application process. “Failure to act before the deadline will result in disappointment and loss of placement priority,” he emphasized.
For parents experiencing difficulties with the application process, 80 Decentralised walk-in centres are located across the 15 education district offices where officials will safely assist with applications. In addition, 47 Libraries will also be available to assist parents to apply.
Get Help If You Need It
Parents needing assistance can contact the GDE through multiple channels:
- Phone: 0800 000 789
- WhatsApp: 060 891 0361
- Email: gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za
With just days remaining until the September 9 deadline, parents are urged to act immediately to avoid disappointment and ensure their children’s educational future for 2026.