High Schools in South Africa Admissions 2026-2027

High Schools in South Africa Online Application for Admissions 2026/2027

High Schools in South Africa Admissions 2026-2027

High School Admissions Online Application 2026-2027 Period for Grade 1 and Grade 8 in Gauteng will be open from 15 June 2025 to 14 July 2025. Therefore the online registration for Grade 1 and 8 2026 Gauteng School can be done via www.gdeadmissions.gov.za login portal.

There are over 6,000 high schools (Grades 8 to 12) and 20,000 elementary schools (Grades 1 to 7) in South Africa. Most schools are either “Primary” schools (Grade R plus Grades 1 to Grade 7) or “Secondary” schools, also known as high schools (Grades 8 to Grade 12). Each year, matric results are issued, revealing how students and institutions do perform in their most recent final exams.

ADMISSION OF LEARNERS TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

All children between the ages of 7 and 15 are required to attend school, according to the South African Schools Act of 1996. Parents and guardians should make sure that all children of this age are enrolled in school and that their children attend on a regular basis.

Every parent and guardian is responsible for ensuring that their children are registered for the following school year well before the current school year ends. Between April and October of each year, parents can register children who will begin school the following year near their home or job. It is, nevertheless, critical to check each province’s registration deadlines.

Enrolling your Child in a Public or Independent School

Between August 1 and October 31 of the previous year, you must enrol your child in a school. A Grade R applicant must be four years old and turning five by June 30 of the following year, while a Grade One applicant must be five years old and turning six by June 30 of the following year.

You have the option of enrolling your child in either a public or an independent school. Public schools are run by the government, while private schools are run by individuals. Independent schools must be registered with the Ministry of Education in their respective provinces.

The MEC is responsible for establishing public schools in the province.

Before you make any registrations or payments, verify with the Provincial Education Department to see if the school you want to send your child to is registered.

Please, Remember: No public school may treat your child unfairly or compel your child to take an admissions exam or prevent your child from attending school because you have not paid or are unable to pay the school fees.

High School Registration Procedure

You must apply a year before at a school near you or a school of your choice (between 1 August and 31 October).

To register, the following documents are compulsory:

  • Application form from the school
  • Official birth certificate
  • Immunisation card
  • If you are moving your child from one school to another, submit the latest school report, and a transfer card.

If your child is not a South African citizen, include the following documents:

Study Permit
temporary or permanent residence permit or proof that you have applied for permission to stay in South Africa.

School Fees

School fees vary from school to school. If you cannot afford to pay you must make arrangements with the school. Although a school cannot refuse a learner’s admission, they can take legal action against you for failure to pay any outstanding school fees.

Forms to complete

Application forms are available at schools.

Below is a list of Notable high schools in South Africa and their online application for Admissions for the 2022-2023/2024 academic year. Please use the search button on this site and search for the school you are looking for and the Province they are located.

High Schools in Kwazulu Natal

High Schools in South Africa Admissions 2026-2027