Learner registration period for 2016 begins today
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has today, 13 April 2015, opened doors for all parents who wish to register their children for admission into Gauteng public schools for the 2016 academic year.
Parents can go to a school closest to where they reside or work to pick up application forms from today. These application forms should be returned to the school between 21 April and 26 May 2015.
The demand for space in public schools in Gauteng increases every year. The 2015 academic year had almost 30 000 late applications, which is double the number usually received during this period. This prompted the department to provide additional Ordinary Alternative Construction Technology (ACT) classrooms in schools where there was high demand. It is therefore critical for parents to register their children during this period to avoid the challenges that comes with late registration in January.
Applying late outside of the stipulated period reduces the chances of parents getting the school of their choice where they meet the criteria. This also means that learners will be placed at a school where there is space available, this might not be close to where their parents work or reside.
The department would like to remind parents that admission of learners is on a first come served basis. Although the department has a constitutional obligation to place every learner in a school, application is not necessarily a confirmation of admission. Therefore, a number of factors are considered before placement is achieved. Amongst others, key factors taken into consideration when effecting learner placements are the availability of resources both Human Resource and education material. Every learner who applies for space in our schools will be placed.
The Gauteng MEC for Education, MEC Panyaza Lesufi will on Wednesday, 15 April 2015 officially launch the department’s Admission Advocacy Campaign. The launch will take place at 6h00 at Park Station, Johannesburg. The launch will involve the distribution of pamphlets and encouraging parents to register on time and avoid last minute rush in 2016. MEC Lesufi will on this day brief members of the media on the roll out of the campaign.
This advocacy campaign will involve the use of various communication platforms to deliver the department’s message of early registration. The platforms will include social media, public services announcement, print and electronic media amongst others.
“By applying now, you will be enabling us to plan properly. No applications will be accepted in January 2016,” says MEC for Education Mr Panyaza Lesufi.
The following documents are required for application:
- Certified copy of birth certificate
- Proof of the parent’s residential or work address
- Immunization card for Grade 1
- Latest report card
- Parents’ copy of identity document
- Study permit for legal immigrants
- If not a biological parent, proof of legal guardianship
The application process includes:
- Collecting forms at the nearest schools from 13 April 2015
- Submitting completed forms with supporting documents back to the school between 21 April and 26 May 2015
- Upon submission of completed application forms, parents must ensure that the school provides written proof with the date and time of submission
- Parents will receive an automated Waiting List number on their cell phone/e-mail or in person from the school, once the forms are captured on the system
For more information contact the Gauteng Department of Education’s spokesperson:
Phumla Sekhonyane
Cell: 071 860 4496
Tel: 011 355 1530.
