By Selloane Ntshonyane
• Gauteng parents must apply to at least three and no more than five schools to improve their children’s chances of getting a place.
• Parents must submit the correct proof of address because fake or incorrect documents can lead to applications being rejected.
The race for school places has begun.
As the Gauteng Department of Education has opened applications for children starting Grade one and Grade eight in 2027.
Parents have from Wednesday, 5 August until Friday, 4 September to secure places for their children.
But the department has warned that simple mistakes could cost children a place in school.
The first mistake is applying to only one school.
Parents are encouraged to apply to at least three schools and no more than five. Applying to more schools gives children a better chance of being placed.
The second big mistake is submitting the wrong proof of address.
The department says this is the most important document because it helps decide where a learner will be placed.
Parents who own their homes must submit a municipal account that is no older than three months.
Those who rent must provide the landlord’s municipal account, the landlord’s identity document, a signed lease agreement, proof of rent payments and another document showing their name and address.
Parents living with relatives must submit the municipal account, a copy of the homeowner’s identity document and another document showing the same address.
People renting back rooms must also provide a signed lease agreement and the required tenant documents.
The third mistake is waiting too long to submit documents.
Parents have only seven school days after applying to upload or hand in all the required documents. Missing the deadline could delay the application.
The fourth mistake is stopping before the application is complete.
The department says registering on the online system is only the first step.
Parents must complete all five stages of the process. They must register the parent or guardian, register the learner’s home address, fill in the learner’s details, apply to three to five schools and submit all supporting documents within seven school days.
The final warning is clear.
Do not submit fake documents or false information.
The department says applications with false information may be rejected and parents could face criminal charges.
Parents are urged to apply as early as possible and check that every document is correct before pressing submit.
Pictured above: Learners in a classroom.
Image source: File photo.
