Got desks? Record number of Grade R, 1 and 8 applications for 2026

Got desks? Record number of Grade R, 1 and 8 applications for 2026

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has announced that a record-breaking 164 565 on-time applications were received for Grade R, 1, and 8 placements in the 2026 academic year. This figure marks the highest number of on-time applications ever recorded in the province and represents a significant increase of 12 577 applications compared to the previous year. “We sincerely thank the parents and guardians who acted responsibly by applying d…

Record on-time applications in Western Cape for 2026 school year

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has received a record-breaking 164,565 on-time applications for Grade R, 1, and 8 placements for the 2026 school year. This marks an increase of 12,577 applications compared to the same period last year and is the highest number of on-time submissions received to date.   The department has extended its sincere thanks to parents and guardians who submitted their applications by the on-time deadline of …