The school placement scramble parents can’t ignore
Almost 23,000 children in four provinces are still waiting for school places just days before schools reopen.
Image: Freepik
Almost 23,000 children in four provinces are still waiting for school places just days before schools reopen.
A shortage of classrooms and teachers is making the challenge worse, especially as Grade R becomes compulsory across South Africa.
Globally, about 60 million primary-age children are not enrolled in school at all. Roughly 1 in 10 children of primary school age remain out of school.
This leaves parents asking two urgent questions at once: “How do we secure a place now?” and “What is our Plan B if we don’t?”
Here are practical steps for families caught in placement bottlenecks – from documenting applications and tracking provincial deadlines to exploring recognised alternatives that keep learning on track:
- Apply early to multiple schools
- Confirm acceptance of placement offers quickly
- Keep documentation complete and up to date
- Understand objections and appeals
“Most families still want their first-choice school, and departments are working to place learners,” said Louise Schoonwinkel, MD at Optimi Schooling of which Impaq is a registered trademark.
Schoonwinkel added that parents should also consider having another solution in place. We encourage families to plan in parallel: continue engaging with your district on placement while you map a structured learning option at home should you need it.”
Reports indicate that Gauteng officials say the province has narrowed its backlog to about 4,858 Grade 1 and 8 learners.
Late applications remain open through January 30 2026, with offers released on a rolling basis.
Departments in the Western Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga also acknowledge outstanding lists and ongoing appeals as schools prepare for the first day.
Schoonwinkel stressed that “alternative” does not mean “informal.” Home education in Grades R-9 requires provincial registration, while learners in Grades 10-12 who opt for distance education complete the National Senior Certificate through an assessment body accredited by Umalusi.
Families also retain access to social and co-curricular activities, from sport to the arts, helping maintain a balanced routine during placement uncertainty.
“Parents’ primary concern is credibility – is this route legal and recognised? And the answer is a resounding yes,” Schoonwinkel added.
“If an alternative route is necessary – even temporarily – the weekly plan, assessment calendar and reporting must be clear from day one. That’s what helps learners settle quickly while placement issues are resolved.”
As the term begins, provincial departments will continue issuing offers and finalising appeals; but for several thousand families, decisions must be made now.
“Every learner deserves a stable start,” Schoonwinkel said.
Schoonwinkel said “whether that stability comes via a late placement or a structured alternative at home, the focus should be the same: consistent teaching, credible assessment and a calm daily rhythm until a permanent solution is in place”.
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