Not all pupils placed for grades 1 and 8

The Gauteng Department of Education, since launching its online applications this year, has placed about 170 000 of next year’s grades 1 and 8 pupils, however, there are still parents whose children have not yet been placed.

The department cited issues such as data not being regularly updated, offers that have not been responded to, parents who have changed their minds and had to start the admission process again, and appealed placements as reasons.

The number of late applications, however, is increasing, but the department intends to conclude the admission process by the end of November.

The department is also finding placement for pupils, who were placed on specific schools’ waiting lists, and could not be accommodated.

“Most importantly, we will be running district roadshows for all parents who applied for Grade 1 and Grade 8 and have not yet received a response from the schools where they have applied,” it said.