The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is encouraging parents to enrol their children for the 2021 school year, which opened on Monday 17 February and closes on 17 March.
MEC for Education Debbie Schäfer says this window period allows all parents plenty of time to complete their applications.
“I encourage parents to apply to at least three schools, including their closest school, and apply as early as possible – don’t wait until the last minute,” Schäfer said.
She encourages parents to use the online system, piloted last year, to apply. The minister said this year this would be extended to all schools across the province.
She said schools will assist parents to apply online if they do not have the means to do so. If this is not possible, then the school will provide a paper-based application to complete she said.
Schäfer said schools may also ask parents for further information, depending on their admissions policy, as long as it is in line with the South African Schools Act and national and provincial policies on admissions.
“I advise parents to contact schools they would like to apply to beforehand to check their admissions policy and to ensure that they supply all the documents required by these schools.” Registering on the admissions website or submitting an application does not mean the learner has been enrolled at a school the MEC said.
Parents will be informed by email or SMS between May 15 and 22.
Schäfer said if a learner is offered a place parents must confirm acceptance of a space by 5 June. She says if parents receive an offer after 5 June they must confirm acceptance within three days.
The required documents for an application are: Certified copy of ID/Birth Certificate, Immunisation card/Road to Health chart (Primary Schools only).
The learner’s last school report (if the learner has already been in school). A study permit issued by Home Affairs (if the learner is a foreign national)
