SCHOOL NEWS -  The Western Cape has over 1,2 million learners in public schools this year, with 107 000 Grade 1s and 100 000 Grade 8s.

Western Cape Minister of Education David Maynier says as of 14 January, his department has allocated places for 118 914 learners. 

This constitutes 98% of learners for whom applications were received for Grade 1 and 8 for the 2025 school year by 31 December. Placement is in progress for 2 478, or 2%, of Grade 1 and 8 learners. 

"However, since the start of the year, new, extremely late applications have been received for over 300 Grade 1 and 8 learners for the current school year," Maynier says.

He urges any parent who has not yet applied, to do so immediately at their education district office.

Grade 1 Aroush Abrahams (6 ) with Premier Alan Winde. 

New school infrastructure

Maynier says the WC provincial education system continues to grow. "To create more space for learners, we are working to complete nine new schools and 265 additional classrooms for learners this year. This includes six new schools and 180 classrooms for January.

477 growth posts

He says through further budget reprioritisation, the department is in a position to make up to 477 new growth posts available to schools with a significant increase in learner numbers and provide staff for the new schools. A growth post is a new teaching post added to accommodate additional learners, for example in a new classroom that was added.

STATS IN A NUTSHELL

Total learners in public schools: 1,2 million

Grade 1: 107 000
Grade 8: 100 000

Teachers: nearly 35 000

New schools and classrooms:

Total: 9 new schools and 265 additional classrooms
For January: 6 new schools and 180 classrooms
For March: 3 new schools and 85 additional classrooms

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