Track school application

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has introduced a new online function to assist parents in tracking their applications for admission to public schools.

The WCED increasingly faces large volumes of queries relating to applications for admission submitted to schools, which places undue pressure on the system. This new function was introduced to relieve some of this pressure.

The function will allow a parent or guardian to check via the WCED's website if an application submitted to the school has been captured on the School Admissions Management Information (Sami) system.

As soon as an application has been captured, an automated email will inform parents that the application has been captured by the school, provided that the parent has supplied a valid email address. Parents can check their application using their child's ID number or Central Education Management Information System (Cemis) number.

Early application deadline

This year it was clear that one of the main obstacles to placing children in schools on time was late enrolment.

The department has set an early deadline for applications, due to increasing demand for places in schools in the province. The deadline is Friday, 23 March and applies in particular to children who are entering Grade 1 or Grade 8 in 2019, and children who are changing schools.

To enable schools to process applications during the second term, parents have to apply for 2019 before the end of the first term of 2018, as the department has to implement measures during the third term to accommodate all children needing places in 2019.

School admissions opened on Monday, 12 February for all public schools and will close on Friday, 23 March.

Parents are urged to confirm acceptance by this deadline to avoid "double parking", where learners are enrolled at more than one school, or appear on several waiting lists. This will make it easier for schools and the department to place learners who relocate unexpectedly at the end of the year, and late arrivals.

The department cannot guarantee immediate placement for those who apply late, nor places at schools of choice for anybody. It is thus vital that parents apply at several schools, and not just one, as there is no guarantee that their child will be accepted at the one they choose.

Parents who have not found a place for the child, should contact the Eden and Central Karoo District Office (044 803 8300 / 8309 or

Albie.Ellman@westerncape.gov.za or Anlerie.Truter@westerncape.gov.za).

Track your application

Parents can access the new function via the WCED website as follows: https:// wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/ and click on "School Enrolment FAQs" and then click on "How can I check the status of my child's admission application?". Enter the learner's ID or Cemis number and click "submit". https://wcedemis. westerncape.gov.za/wced/samiconf.html