​Thabo Bodibe
The Gauteng Department of Education has announced that 2025 online admissions for Grades 1 and 8 will open on Thursday, 11 July 2024 at 08:00 AM.
Applications will close on Monday, 12 August 2024, at 00:00 AM.
The 2025 online admissions system only processes applications to Grade 1 and Grade 8.
Applications for Grades R, 2-7 and Grades 9-11 must be made directly at their preferred schools. 
Parents and guardians can apply by logging into www.gdeadmissions.gov.za. When registering, they must provide reliable and correct cellphone numbers to receive SMS notifications and updates regarding their applications.
"The reason why we started late was that several activities were taking place. The first one notably was the School Governing Body (SGB) elections, which affected the planning of general national and post-elections. 
"We needed to set up government and then start the process. We are not late regarding placement, but we just started late. All parents must understand that you must apply online for Grades 1 and 8. Parents must start afresh with new applications every year for every child, whether in grade 1 or 8," said Education MEC Matome  Chiloane.
Addressing the media at Noordwyk Secondary School, Midrand, on Tuesday, MEC Chiloane said the system, launched in 2015, initially faced some challenges but is now operating smoothly. He expressed confidence in the system, noting that it is working very well.  
Chiloane said that the department successfully placed over 400 000 learners for the 2024 academic year, adding that all learners who completed the application process for 2024 were placed. 
The department said their contact centre will operate under extended hours until 12 August 2024 to address all relevant queries.
For more information and queries, contact the Gauteng Department of Education Contact Centre on 0800 000 789, WhatsApp on 060 891 0361, or email gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za.