How to Appeal for WCED Admission.

It is recommended that you first contact the school and request that they reconsider your application should any vacancies become available.

Thousands of learners have been accepted into more than one school – which means that spaces will become available in the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, you may also:

Write to the schools you have applied to and ask them to place your child onto their waiting list;
You can also engage the School Governing Body to request that the school reconsider their decision;
Speak to your WCED district office about other placement options available to your child;

If you feel that the school made a mistake or acted unfairly in any way you may appeal to the Provincial Minister.

Appeals open for Grade 1 and 8 applications on ~~1 August 2024~~, and for the remaining grades, including Grade R, on ~~1 October 2024.~~

Send an email to edumin.edumin@westerncape.gov.za and explain why you think the school’s decision should be overturned.

Please attach the evidence or documents in support of your claim.

Parents | Guardians MUST upload the following certified supporting documents:

Immunisation card (Road to Health Chart) [Primary Schools Only]
The last official school Report Card | Results of the learner, for learners who have been to school.
ID | Birth certificate | passport of the learner; OR
- A study permit (foreign learners); OR
- Proof of application (study permit) or a police affidavit
Proof of residence

School admissions:

Apply to at least 3 schools (Including the ones closest to your home)
Indicate your order of preference on the system

WCED Admission Appeals FAQ

What is an admission appeal?

A plea or request to the Provincial Minister of Education (hereinafter “the Minister”) to overturn a decision taken by a school to refuse admission to a learner.

Who can submit an admission appeal to the office of the Minister?

A parent/guardian.
The learner; or
Someone appointed or designated by the parent and/or learner, to act on their behalf.

How to create a parent profile | Username and Password

Step-by-step Guide

Video Tutorial

When can an admission appeal be submitted to the office of the Minister?

Grades 1 and 8 open online on ~~1 August 2024.~~

Grades R and all other grades open online on 1 October 2024.

Where can I submit an admission appeal?

Engage with the school to make sure you have explored all internal options and understand the school’s reasons for refusing the learner’s admission.
Submit your appeal by:
- using the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) online admissions platform, click on “Admission Appeal” and follow the prompts; or
- directing an email to edumin.edumin@westerncape.gov.za; or
- posting or hand-delivering a hard copy appeal to the office of the Minister.

What information should I include in my admission appeal?

Name and CEMIS number of the learner;
Name of the school whose decision is being appealed, and the grade applied to;
Reasons why you feel the school’s decision should be overturned by the Minister;
Any sections in the school’s admission policy that support your appeal; and
Any evidence you want to submit.

Where do I find a copy of the school’s admission policy?

All school admission policies are available on the online admission platform of the WCED; select the link “school profile” to locate a particular policy.

How soon can I expect the outcome of my admission appeal?

The time period will differ from appeal to appeal, depending on the complexity of the matter and responsiveness of parties involved. The process is also subject to an investigation, which may take some time.

What do I do if my admission appeal is upheld?

Contact the school and make admission arrangements as soon as possible. Present the school with a copy of the signed outcome of your admission appeal.

What do I do if my admission appeal is dismissed?

Check with your local WCED district office for assistance with alternative placement at a suitable school where spaces are still available.

What can I do if I do not agree with the Minister’s decision regarding the outcome of my admission appeal?

The Minister’s decision on an admission appeal is final and can only be overturned by a competent court in review proceedings.

Who do I contact if I have questions regarding the progress of my appeal?

Use one of the following options:

Tel. no.: 021 483 6574; or
Email: Edumin.edumin@westerncape.gov.za

Online Admission Appeals: All further communication of logged cases must be done on the Online Admission System.

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