Overview
- Unplaced learners total 4,858 in the 2026 intake, including 1,381 for Grade 1 and 3,477 for Grade 8, equal to about 1.5% of 358,574 applications.
- Ekurhuleni accounts for 3,169 unplaced learners, Johannesburg East for 1,173, Johannesburg South for 352, and Johannesburg North reports three Grade 8 cases.
- The late-application window runs from 17 December 2025 to 30 January 2026, with 11,183 submissions received so far across Grades 1 and 8.
- Late-period placements are final at the chosen school subject to capacity, with only schools showing available space displayed and no declines or appeals permitted.
- Appeals total 6,736 with 637 objections still pending adjudication, while the department prioritises high-pressure districts, issues daily placement and transfer offers, and directs parents to submit documents at selected schools from 14 January.