Apply for 2026 Grade 1 and 8 Placement on the GDE Online Admissions System
GDE Admissions 2026: What Parents Must Know
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has officially opened its online application system for Grade 1 and Grade 8 admissions for the 2026 academic year. As of Thursday, 24 July 2025, the admissions portal is now live and accepting applications from parents and guardians across the province. The closing date is midnight on Friday, 29 August 2025, giving families just over a month to secure a spot for their children.
This annual online application process, available at www.gdeadmissions.gov.za, simplifies the registration process for public schools in Gauteng. The system ensures fair placement based on specific criteria, not a first-come, first-served basis.
Application Priorities: Understanding the Placement Criteria
Placement through the GDE’s online system is determined by a priority ranking system. These are:
- Home address within the school’s feeder zone
- Sibling is already at the school or has previous attendance
- Work address within the feeder zone
- Home address within 30km radius
- Home address beyond 30km
This means that while registering early is encouraged, what matters more is how closely you align with these criteria. For more information on feeder zones, please visit the website.
How to Register and Apply on the GDE Portal
Parents need to register online before submitting an application. You’ll be required to provide an email address, contact number, and personal details. Once registered, you’ll get access to submit your child’s details and select up to five schools in order of preference.
Supporting documents such as proof of residence, identity documents, and the child’s birth certificate must also be uploaded.
READ: Early Childhood Development Gets R1.7 Billion Grant Injection
Key Dates and Deadlines You Cannot Miss
- Applications open: Thursday, 24 July 2025, 08:00
- Applications close: Friday, 29 August 2025, 23:59
- Placement period: September–October 2025
If you apply after the deadline, your application may be placed in the late application phase, which limits school choice. You can track key dates on the GDE Admissions Calendar.
Who Should Apply? Grade 1 and Grade 8 Only
This online process is strictly for learners entering Grade 1 and Grade 8 in 2026. If your child is moving to a different school in another grade, you will need to apply directly through the school or the district office.
First-time schoolgoers and learners transitioning to high school are the focus, which makes these applications highly competitive in densely populated areas like Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Application
- Using an incorrect residential or work address
- Not uploading supporting documents within 7 days
- Selecting fewer school choices
- Forgetting to register before applying
Feeder Zones: Why They Matter in School Placement
Feeder zones are geographical boundaries around schools. If your home or work address falls within the feeder zone, your child has a higher chance of getting placed. The Feeder Zone tool on the GDE website enables you to search for schools that serve your area.
To use this feature, go to the School Feeder Zone Search and input your address. This tool helps inform your school selections during the application.
Contact Channels for Support
If you experience technical issues or require help, the GDE offers multiple support options:
- Call the Toll-Free Number: 0800 000 789
- Email: gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za
- Call the District Office: 011 355 0000
You can also visit your local district office or designated walk-in centres for in-person assistance.
What Happens After Applying?
After submitting the application, you will receive an SMS confirming receipt. Parents must then monitor placement offers between September and October. When placement begins, offers will be sent via SMS or displayed on the parent dashboard — and you must accept within 7 days.
Failure to accept an offer within this window may result in the spot being given to another applicant.
Final Tips for a Smooth Application
- Make sure your contact details are correct
- Double-check documents before uploading
- Choose schools based on proximity and priority criteria
- Apply early to avoid a last-minute rush
- Save your application reference number
The GDE continues to encourage parents to “apply with confidence,” emphasising transparency and fairness in the process.
Also read: New Ministers of Higher Education Manamela and Dube-Ncube Officially Sworn in.
