The long-awaited 2026 GDE School Placements for Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners in Gauteng have officially begun. From 16 October 2025, parents and guardians started receiving SMS notifications with placement offers.

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If you’re one of the many families anxiously waiting for confirmation, it’s crucial to understand your next steps. You have just seven days to accept or appeal each offer, and making the right move during this period can shape your child’s educational path.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 GDE School Placements, including deadlines, how to respond, what to do if your child hasn’t been placed yet, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Before accepting a placement, parents are encouraged to research schools, learn more in our guide on Grade 1 and 8 Admissions: Parents Encouraged to Research Schools Before Accepting Placement.

Understanding the Placement Period Timeline

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) started rolling out 2026 placements on 16 October 2025. This process is phased, meaning not all parents will get SMS notifications on day one.

Placements are ongoing and will continue until all qualifying learners are successfully placed. Don’t worry if your SMS hasn’t arrived yet — you can track your child’s status online via the GDE Admissions website.

How to Respond to a GDE Placement Offer

Once you receive your placement SMS, you have three clear options:

Accept the placement as final – This confirms your child’s spot at the school.
Accept while awaiting other offers – This keeps your options open for a better match.
Decline – Only advisable if you have a backup plan. Declining may reduce your child’s chances of placement in a preferred school.

Important: If you do nothing within 7 days, the last accepted offer will automatically become final.

What If You Don’t Receive an SMS?

Not receiving an SMS on the first day is normal. The system sends offers in phases. If your contact details are correct, and you’ve submitted all documents, you will receive an SMS in time.

Meanwhile, log in to your GDE Admissions profile regularly to check your placement status. You can also update your contact details there (we explain how below).

The 2026 GDE School Placements Criteria

Placements are not based on first-come, first-served. Instead, the GDE uses clear criteria to ensure fairness:

Home address in the school’s feeder zone (highest priority)
Sibling currently attending the school
Parent’s work address in the feeder zone
Home address within a 30km radius
Home address beyond 30km, if space is still available

Tip: Even if you meet more than one criterion, placement depends on the school’s capacity. That’s why it’s wise to apply to multiple schools.

Incomplete Applications? Here’s What to Do

If your child isn’t placed, it could be due to:

Missing documents
Incorrect address details
No space at your top-choice schools

You can still submit missing documents and update your application. The GDE continues placements until the end of November 2025, so you may still be placed in later rounds.

How to Appeal or Lodge an Objection

Believe the placement is unfair or incorrect? You have the right to object within 7 days of receiving the placement offer.

Here’s how it works:

Lodge an objection online
GDE will review it within 14 days
If unsatisfied, file an appeal to the MEC within another 7 days
Appeals are reviewed within 14–21 days

Always include relevant documents and your reference number when submitting objections or appeals.

How to Update Your Contact Details Online

Accurate contact info is essential to receive your child’s placement updates. Here’s how to update it:

Log in to the GDE Admissions portal
Click ‘My Profile’
Select ‘Edit Contact Details’
Update your phone number or address
Click ‘Save’

You can update your number multiple times during the placement period.

Don’t Fall for GDE Placement Scams

During placement season, scammers target anxious parents with fake SMS messages promising guaranteed placement, for a fee.

Always remember:

GDE placements are 100% free
Never pay anyone for a school spot
Only trust official SMSes or the GDE website
Report suspicious messages to the GDE immediately

Looking to further your education? Check out which Gauteng universities are still open for 2026 late applications.

What If You Can’t Afford the School Fees?

Before accepting an offer, consider whether you can afford the fees. The GDE has stated clearly: no transfers or exemptions will be granted later for financial reasons.

What you can do:

Contact the school about fee exemptions (for public schools)
Check for no-fee schools on the GDE website
Reach out to your district office for guidance

Step-by-Step: If Your Child Hasn’t Been Placed Yet

If your child hasn’t received a placement, don’t panic. Here’s your action plan:

Check your online profile for updates
Submit any missing documents
Contact the district office if unsure
Stay alert for additional placement rounds in November

Every child will be placed — but only through official GDE channels.

FAQs: GDE School Placements 2026

When did placements begin?
On 16 October 2025.

How are placements decided?
Based on your address, sibling links, and other feeder zone criteria.

What if I forget my login details?
Click “Forgot Password” on the GDE Admissions site or contact the call centre.

Can I accept one offer and wait for another?
Yes. But if no other offer arrives within 7 days, the current one becomes final.

Can I track my child’s status?
Yes, via your GDE Admissions account.

Is there still time if my application was incomplete?
Yes. Submit outstanding documents and await later placement rounds.

Community Support: Join a Parent Facebook Group

Many Gauteng parents have found relief and support in online Facebook groups dedicated to GDE placements. These groups offer:

Real-time updates from other parents
Advice on objections, appeals, and document submissions
Warnings about scams

Tip: Always verify any advice against official GDE information.

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Stay Calm, Stay Informed

Navigating the 2026 GDE School Placements process can feel overwhelming, especially with tight deadlines and mounting pressure. But knowing your rights, understanding the process, and following official steps will ensure your child’s placement is handled smoothly.

The GDE is committed to placing every learner in Gauteng before the end of November 2025. Stay updated, respond on time, and never hesitate to ask for help through official channels.