Western Cape parents struggle with school registration amid high demand

Several schools reopened last week, with pupils settling into life inside the classroom.

However, desperate parents are still trying to get their children registered at a school, with more than 10 000 still needing to be placed, according to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). 

Veronica Maarsen from Hout Bay has attempted to register her child at the schools in the area, but was told the schools are full and unable to accommodate her daughter.

"I have been to the department and tried the schools, went there nearly every day, and was told to come back as they are busy with the new pupils. There are several parents wanting to register their children," she said.

Ms Maarsen said her daughter recently moved in with her after staying with the father, who died last year.

"When he passed away, I immediately enquired with the department, stating that she was moving to a different area, and I was constantly told to come back," she said.

"Nothing ever happened, and I am still waiting for my daughter to be placed at a school."  

The WCED placed 180 960 of Grade R, 1, and 8 applicants for 2026, with placement ongoing for 7 540 pupils in the province.

Since November 1 last year, 10 666 late applications have been received: 5 873 in November 2025, 4 035 in December 2025, and 758 extremely late applications.

“We will continue to work to place all children seeking a place in our schools. This is a challenging task, as hundreds of new applications are arriving each week,” said WCED MEC, David Mayier.

The WCED said the province had welcomed about 73 000 Grade R, 102 000 Grade 1, and 97 000 Grade 8 pupils, totaling 1.2 million pupils in 2026.

Mr Maynier said the WCED had completed the construction on nine schools to meet demands, opened the first phases of two more, and then added 175 brick-and-mortar classrooms.

Textbooks (R58.7m) and non-Section 21 stationery (R25.3m) were delivered.

“Late applications disrupt planning for learner placement, resource allocation, and staffing, and place additional strain on the department to place learners immediately during a period when schools are closed for the holidays,” he said.

The department also highlighted that it was in a better position compared to the previous year, having placed pupils faster overall.

They added that it was ready for the 2026 school year and has taken steps to address infrastructure and resource needs in schools across the province.

"The department is prepared and ready for the 2026 school year. Construction of new schools and classrooms has been completed or is being finalised, textbooks and stationery ordered and delivered, and furniture and equipment assigned to the relevant schools," said Bronagh Hammond, WCED spokesperson.