How to apply for Grade R, 1, and 8 in the Western Cape for 2026

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is reminding parents that applications for Grade R, 1, and 8 for the 2026 academic year open on Tuesday and close on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

Parents of learners entering these grades are encouraged to apply on time to secure a school placement for their child.

When applying, parents must submit certified copies of the following documents:

Identification (any one of the following):

• Identity document (ID) or birth certificate of the learner
• For foreign learners: Passport or a copy of a parent's refugee/asylum seeker permit (with the learner’s name included)
• If the learner has foreign parents but was born in South Africa: A handwritten birth certificate (DHA-19 form)
• If the learner was not born in South Africa: A passport or a refugee/asylum seeker permit issued in the learner’s name

✅ Immunisation card or Road to Health chart (for pre-primary and primary schools only)

✅ Latest official school or academic report

✅ Proof of residence (e.g. rates account, lease agreement, or an affidavit made at a police station confirming residence)

If any of these documents are unavailable, parents can submit a police affidavit in place of the missing document.

Online Applications should follow the below process: 

• Applications must be submitted online, and all required documents must be scanned and uploaded to the zero-rated online admissions system.
• Access the admissions portal, background information, and step-by-step guides at the Western Cape Education Admissions Portal

For parents who cannot access the online system, 125 pop-up events will be held at shopping malls and schools across the province.

Assistance will also be available at education district offices and directly at schools.

Parents are encouraged to bring all necessary supporting documents when seeking in-person assistance.

Applying within the official admissions window helps the Western Cape Government plan better for your child’s schooling in 2026.

Cape Argus