2028 application dates confirmed
Grade R, Grade 1 and Grade 8
10 March 2027 to 14 April 2027
Transfers: Grades 2–7 and 9–12
2 August 2027 to 16 August 2027
Save the confirmed 2028 dates
Application openings, closing dates and the published placement reminders.
Previous intake: 2027 dates (reference only)
Last year’s intake compared with 2028. These are not 2028 dates.
Grade R, 1 and 8 on-time applications
10 March 2026 to 14 April 2026
Department’s date noticeLate Grade R, 1 and 8 applications
15 April 2026 to 17 May 2026
Department’s date noticeTransfers: Grades 2–7 and 9–12
3 August 2026 to 17 August 2026
Department’s date notice
Who applies, and how
2028 dates come from WCED’s published planning calendar. The document checklist is its current admissions guidance.
- Grade R, Grade 1 and Grade 8: apply through WCED Online Admissions during the confirmed window.
- Grades 2–7 and 9–12 transfers: the 2027 planning calendar lists hard-copy requests at schools and districts, with requests captured on the department’s system.
Documents to prepare
The department’s published checklist; check for any 2028 updates.
- Certified learner identity documents: birth certificate, ID or the passport / refugee or asylum documents WCED lists for your circumstances.
- Parent or caregiver identification where required in WCED’s foreign-learner checklist.
- Immunisation card or Road to Health chart for pre-primary and primary school applications.
- Latest official school report, where applicable.
- Proof of residence, such as a rates account, lease or police affidavit confirming where you live.
After you apply
- 31 May 2027 · 2028 intakeGrade R, 1 and 8 outcomes appear on the admissions system.
- 18 June 2027 · 2028 intakeAccept and confirm your Grade R, 1 or 8 placement by this date.
- After 18 June, the planning calendar gives parents three days to accept a newly offered place.
- 17 September 2027 · 2028 intakeTransfer outcomes appear on the system.
- 30 September 2027 · 2028 intakeAccept and confirm transfer placements by this date.
Dates and details still to confirm
- A 2028 admissions appeal window has not been confirmed. Do not use the 2027 intake’s appeal dates for 2028.
Check the Grade R and Grade 1 age rules and use the grade calculator to plan your child’s school year.
Department sources · checked 21 October 2026
A planning guide. Western Cape Education Department decides applications and placements; confirm your child’s instructions with the department.