Parents in the Western Cape started applying for school transfers for the 2026 school year on Monday 4 August. This applies to school-transfer requests for learners already attending school in Grades 2 to 7 and Grades 9 to 12. Transfer applications are open until Monday 18 August.
Applications can be done online by visiting westerncape.gov.za/education/service/learner-admissions. Transfer applications can also be done at the relevant school in which the parent/caregiver wishes to transfer or the relevant district office.
Parents applying will need the following supporting documents:
- The last school report card.
- ID, birth certificate, passport, study permit or proof of application or police affidavit.
- Proof of address or police affidavit.
Parents who have not registered on the online system previously will first need to register on the online site. Once registration is completed, they can then proceed to the application. Online video tutorials and step-by-step guidelines are available on the website: wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/admissions. Please note that schools can capture applications for their institution, but the online system can capture applications for multiple schools.
Parents or caregivers will be required to fill in the Western Cape Education (WCED) application form, which can also be downloaded from the WCED website and can be submitted to schools or the district office since 4 August 2025. Visit their admissions site for the form and relevant details: https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/admissions. Bronagh Hammond, spokesperson for the WCED, said parents can drop off the application form and supporting documents at the school directly. They can also contact the school for details on electronic (e-mail) submissions on the official WCED form only.
“About Grade R, 1 and Grade 8 applications, schools are currently finalising their admission lists and confirming placements for children on their waiting lists. This process is ongoing. We do, however, appeal to all parents and caregivers who have not yet applied for Grade 1 and Grade 8 for the 2026 school year to do so immediately. The online platform is closed for these late applications. They can contact their district office or call 0861 819 919 for more information.”
