CAPE TOWN – The Western Cape Department of Education says that 96% of learners, which account for 180 960 children in Grade R, 1, and 8, have been placed in schools for the 2026 academic year as of Wednesday 7 December. Placement is still in progress for 7 540 learners.
One of the main challenges they face is late applications for placement in the Western Cape, despite the department’s ample warnings that applications should be made in time, the department said.
According to Bronagh Hammond, Director of Communication, the Western Cape Department of Education received 10 666 late applications since 1 November 2025. Of these 5 873 were in November, 4 035 in December and 758 extremely late applications were made in up to 7 January.
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“Late applications create considerable challenges for the WCED. They disrupt planning for learner placement, resource allocation, and staffing, and place additional strain on the department to place learners immediately during a period when schools are closed for the holidays. This means that discussions around placement can only resume once schools reopen, delaying the process further,” Hammond said.
Placement quicker once schools reopen
She said that the placement of learners who are still awaiting allocation will progress faster once the schools open for staff on Monday 12 January. “We will engage more extensively with principals and management teams to identify additional spaces. Further movement within the system is expected as schools finalise promotion, progression, and enrollment lists, which often create additional capacity.”
The department will conduct its 10-day snap survey once schools have been open for ten days. This will enable them to gather accurate data on learner numbers in each grade. This information is valuable as it gives an accurate indication of opportunities for further placement as well as the available resources, such as furniture and equipment, that are needed.
Department adds 175 classrooms
The department has added 175 new classrooms to existing schools, to be able to accommodate all the learners.
“We understand that this is a stressful and anxious period for parents who are waiting for a place, and we are asking parents to work with us as we try to accommodate their children as soon as possible,” she said.
“We also urge any parent who has not yet applied for the 2026 school year to do so immediately at their education district office. District office details are available here: https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/admissions-officials.”
According to the department it spent R58.7 million so that schools were able to order top-up textbooks between 12 and 23 May last year, with full delivery completed by October 2025.
Stationery for non-section 21 schools to the value of R25.3 million was delivered by November last year, and an additional R31.6 million worth of goods were delivered by December.
