The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has officially entered the next phase of the 2026 school admissions process, following the closure of the confirmation deadline for Grade R, 1, and 8 placement offers on Tuesday, 17 June.
Speaking on VOC Breakfast, Kerry Mauchline, spokesperson for the MEC of Education, explained that the online system will now automatically confirm each applicant’s top-ranked school choice.
This move will release thousands of previously held spots for learners still awaiting placement.
“Parents who received more than one offer of a place for their child in Grade R, 1, or 8 in 2026 were able to confirm their choice of school up until the deadline,” said Mauchline.
“These parents had essentially been ‘double-parked’, holding up spaces that could now be offered to others.”
She noted that schools will continue to fill any remaining places until the end of July. Parents whose children have not yet been placed are encouraged to stay in contact with the schools they applied to, as additional spaces may still open up.
“We urge parents who have not yet received an offer to not be disheartened,” said Mauchline. “We are still very early in the placement process for 2026.”
The department has also reminded parents to regularly check their online admissions profiles for updates and to respond promptly to any new offers that may arise in the coming weeks.
VOC News
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