Gauteng high schools inundated with Gr 8 applications

The 10 schools in Gauteng that received the most applications for the placement of Grade 8s can only place 2946 learners.

Two schools in Tshwane have been ranked among the top 10 high schools with the most applications for placement of Grade 8 learners in Gauteng for 2024.

Langenhoven High School in Paul Kruger Drive and Hoërskool Akasia in Heatherdale in the Tshwane West school district each received more than 2,000 applications.

Langenhoven High has a capacity for placing 290 Grade 8 learners, while Hoërskool Akasia has only space for 230 Grade 8 learners.

Two other schools, Parktown Boys’ High School and Alberton High, received more than 10 times the number of applications compared to spaces available to allocate learners.

A total of 22 480 applications were received by the 10 schools which altogether can place only 2 946 learners.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi remarked on the social media platform X that when members of the provincial government said it would change the quality of education in townships, they were told it was impossible.

“This turn of events is heartwarming. Wait until next when matric results are published and watch the amazing work of schools from our townships. Less talk, more work!” said Lesufi.

Grade 8 online applications in Gauteng began in June 2023, with placements taking place in mid-September.

The top 10 high schools that received the most applications in Gauteng:

1. Katlehong Manufacturing, Transport and Logistics School of Specialisation
2. Hoërskool Langenhoven
3. Alberton High
4. Parktown Boys’ High
5. Boksburg High
6. Hoërskool President
7. Sir John Adamson High School
8. Hoërskool Akasia
9. Phumlani Secondary School
10. Sunward Park High School

Gauteng public schools are gearing up to welcome learners back on January 17 when term one of the academic year officially commences. The 2024 calendar shows a big change in the school reopening dates.

Formerly, schools in South Africa were categorised into two clusters.

The inland group included Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and the North West.

The coastal cluster encompassed the Eastern Cape, KZN, Northern Cape, and Western Cape.

However, the 2024 academic year introduces a significant change by unifying the school calendar.

Term one kicks off on January 17, followed by term two on April 2, term three on July 9, and finally, term four on September 25.

The provincial education department has advised parents whose children are yet to be placed at a school for Grade 8 to visit the admissions website.

A list of schools that have not reached capacity near the learner’s given address, will then be made available to parents.