The digital age has transformed various aspects of life, including the school admissions process. In the Western Cape, the online admissions system has significantly simplified the application for school placement in 2024. As the outcome of applications is being released on Monday, 29 May 2023, it is crucial for parents to confirm their choice of school as soon as possible.
How the Online Admissions System Works
The online admissions system enables schools to apply their admission policies and select successful applicants based on their capacity for 2024. To check the outcome of applications, parents can visit the following website: https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/admissions-202324. In case of technical issues, parents may seek assistance by calling 0860 142 142, emailing service@westerncape.gov.za, or using the “Contact us” link on the login page.
Upon accessing the system, parents can view a list of schools they applied to and the application outcomes for each school. Parents will have the option to accept or decline the offer from the school. To secure the spot, parents must confirm their choice of school by 19 June 2023, after which the highest-ranked choice of school will be automatically confirmed.
Importance of Confirming School Choice Early
Confirming the choice of school as soon as possible helps free up places for other learners, especially for those who have received offers from multiple schools. Once “double parked” learners confirm their chosen school, the places at the other schools can be offered to other students. After confirming the choice of school, parents must submit hard copy documents of their application to their school of choice within seven days of acceptance.
What to Do If Your Child Doesn’t Secure A Place
For learners who are not successful in securing a place during this initial phase, thousands of places will become available in the coming months. Over 41,000 learners are “double parked,” which will open up more than 41,000 spaces once the chosen schools are confirmed. Parents should stay in touch with the schools they applied to and request that their child be placed on a waiting list.
If a child does not secure a place at any school within the next few months, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) will assist with placement towards the end of September, once all the places at schools have been filled and the available spaces at each school are confirmed.
Late Applications
For parents who have not yet applied, the online admissions system is now closed. However, parents can still apply for 2024 by completing a learner placement form and submitting it at their education district office. The form is available at the following link: https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/documents/WCED%20Admissions/PLACEMENT%20IN%20PROGRESS%20FORM.pdf.
The online admissions system has greatly simplified the school admissions process, allowing for better planning for both parents and schools. With the outcomes of the on-time admissions period now available, it is important for parents to confirm their choice of school without delay, ensuring that spaces are freed up for other learners and making the admissions process smoother for all involved.
