Parents who wish to apply for Grade R or a school transfer for the 2025 school year can do so from Thursday 1 until Friday 16 August.
Grade R applications
For admission to Grade R, a child must turn 6 the year the grade starts. Parents applying online will need the following supporting documents: immunisation card, identity document, birth certificate, passport, study permit or proof of application or police affidavit, and proof of address or police affidavit.
Grade R applications can be done online at: https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/admissions.
Parents who have not registered on the online system previously will first need to register on the online site. Once registration is complete they can then proceed to the application.
Online video tutorials and step by step guidelines are available at https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/admissions.
Transfer applications
Transfer applications are to be done at the relevant school in which the parent/caregiver wishes to apply to or their nearest WCED office.
This applies to school transfer requests for learners already attending school in Grade 2-7 and Grade 9-12.
Please note schools can capture applications only for their own institution, but district officials can capture applications for multiple schools.
Parents or caregivers will be required to fill in the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) application form, which can also be downloaded from the WCED website, but can be submitted to schools or the district office from Thursday 1 August onwards.
Visit the department’s admissions site for the form and relevant details (https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/admissions).
The parents or caregivers will also be required to submit the relevant supporting documentation: the last school report card, identity document, birth certificate, passport, study permit or proof of application or police affidavit, and proof of address or police affidavit.
Parents can drop the application form and supporting documents off at the school directly. They can also contact the school for details on electronic (e-mail) submissions on the official WCED form only.
With regard to Grade 1 and Grade 8 applications schools are currently finalising their admission lists, confirming placements for children on their waiting lists. This process is ongoing.
The WCED does, however, appeal to all parents and caregivers who have not yet applied for Grade 1 and Grade 8 for the 2025 school year to do so immediately. They can contact their district office or call 0861 819 919 for more information.
