Parents apply for schools in Western Cape as deadline looms. Image: Flickr
WCED: Parents urged to submit applications for Grades 1 and 8
Western Cape Education Department urges parents to apply for grades 1 and 8 placements as 14 April deadline comes closer.
Parents apply for schools in Western Cape as deadline looms. Image: Flickr
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has urged parents and guardians to hand in placement applications for Grades 1 and 8.
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This also includes transfer applications for the 2024 school year, before the incoming deadline on 14 April 2023.
Parents applying for schools
As of 5 April, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) had received 103 796 applications.
A total of 342 497 applications have been lodged, considering those who have applied to more than one school.
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Online applications opened on 13 March and will close on Friday, 14 April.
Department’s progress
The Western Cape’s education MEC, David Maynier, said it was a regular occurrence for the department to receive applications closer to the deadline.
However, he reiterated the importance of applying on time.
“It is extremely important for parents to apply on time for the coming school year so that we can plan effectively for places for their children.”
David Maynier
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One particular concern is Grade 7, as 44 000 pupils are said to be yet to apply for Grade 8 next year.
Maynier says the department aims to contact several schools and encourage Grade 7 parents to apply.
Parents face application issues
Vanessa Le Roux, founder of the Parents for Equal Education South Africa, said that parents have been struggling with applications.
Le Roux calls on the Western Cape Education Department to fix various issues experienced by parents and guardians.
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Le Roux added that the online application platform was limited in its accessibility for parents who could not afford internet access.
parents who experience technical issues with applications could log a query for assistance, responded Maynier.
READ MORE: School applications deadline looms in the Western Cape.
Department of Education spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga says the opening date for 2024 school applications has not yet been indicated in other provinces.
