Enrolment for the 2017 should be done by 11 March this year to minimise disruptions in teaching time at the beginning of the next school year.
In a statement issued last week by the Western Cape Department of Education, provincial minister Debbie Schäfer appeals to parents not to wait until the first day of the school year to find space at a school, as personnel have to plan ahead for text books, furniture, classrooms, teachers and the like.
The department has launched an early enrolment campaign for 2017, with a deadline for applications of 11 March. The campaign is aimed mainly at parents of children who are starting primary or high school in 2017, or who are moving to new schools.
Schäfer further encourages parents to apply to more than one school in case their school of choice is full, and to confirm their choice as soon as possible after receiving offers of placement.
The department is encouraging schools to finalise registration by the end of June.
All public schools and parents are requested to adhere to these admission time-frames:
- 1 February: School admissions open.
- 11 March: School admissions close.
- 24 Junie: Parents are informed of the outcome by letter.
- 25 July: Parents confirm acceptance.
- Third term: Schools fill available places.
“I was shocked and disappointed at how many parents only attempted to enrol their children for the first time on the first day of school this year. This is simply irresponsible and negatively impacts their child’s education,” Schäfer says. “ I urge all parents to take their responsibility of enrolling their child in a school very seriously.”
