GDE Application for grade 8 2026

No parent wants to miss a chance for a good school. Every year, thousands scramble for a place. The rush for grade 8 spots is real. This year, MEC Matome Chiloane said there is only 450 000 application spaces available for both grade 1 and 8 combined and the system fills up fast. What every parent needs to know
about GDE application for grade 8 2026.

The key dates

Applications for grade 8 in Gauteng public schools kick off on Thursday, 24 July 2025, at 8 a.m. The window slams shut at midnight on Friday, 29 August 2025. There are no special favours for late applications. Once spots are gone, they’re gone.

“Last year, I missed the cut-off by just one day. I spent weeks checking my phone, hoping for any news. The wait for late placement felt like forever-I barely slept. If I could do it over, I’d set a reminder on my calendar and get everything ready by the first day applications open.” Thuli.

Why the application matters

Every parent or guardian needs to apply online to get their child into grade 8. The GDE system makes it simple but expects you to do each step right. You’ll need to use the official portal-the school can’t help if you skip the system.

Five steps that make or break your chance

Here are the exact things you have to do:

• Register your own details as a parent or guardian.
• Add your home address. This affects which schools your child can get into.
• Fill in your child’s details.
• Pick up to five schools. More options mean better odds.
• Upload all the required documents or take them to the schools within seven school days after you apply.

A half-done application counts for nothing. Only full, complete applications go forward.

Which documents to prepare

Keep these close before starting:

• Parent or guardian’s ID or passport
• Child’s birth certificate or passport
• Proof of work address (if you want)
• Proof of home address (any utility bill or similar)
• The latest grade 7 school report
• Immunisation report

Every doc must be certified. Upload online or take the papers to the school within a week.

Personal touch: A snippet about someone running around to get documents certified, standing in line, and the relief when it’s done.

How to keep track

When you apply, use a phone number that works. The system sends SMS updates – if you miss a message, you might lose a spot. Always check your messages, especially as offers come in. If you get an offer, respond within seven days to accept or the spot will go to someone else.

Story suggestion: A short mention of a parent who changed phone numbers mid-process and never saw their placement SMS, leading to last-minute panic.

Smart school choosing

Don’t just pick one school. Apply to the maximum of five. Popular schools fill up early. More choices means more chances. It doesn’t matter if you pick one or five; placement rules are the same for all.

Tips to avoid stress

Start early on day one if you can. Systems sometimes slow down with last-minute crowds.

Double-check every field in your application.

Make a checklist for your documents ahead of time.

Keep your login details and password safe, you’ll need them to track progress.

Ready, steady, go get those documents and make every step count.