Pretoria - Western Cape parents, who have not applied to enrol their children for 2012 or have been unsuccessful in the first round, are being encouraged to use the second round of application, which is currently underway.
The Western Cape Education Department said that schools started accepting the second and final round of applications on 25 July, which will be closing on 30 September 2011.
Department spokesperson Bronagh Casey said that due to the success of the first round of applications, they are already experiencing high levels of demand in schools in areas such as Helderberg, Mitchells Plain and the city centre.
She advised parents to make the relevant enquiries now so that other arrangements can be made to assist them if they are not able to find placement in their desired schools.
"We would also like to appeal to parents that have had their child accepted at two or more schools to make a final decision now. The department needs to know what places are available in order to help other parents find places for their children.
"We ask parents who have had successful applications at various schools to contact these schools as soon as possible and inform them of their final decision," urged Casey.
She noted that although the majority of parents have made a final decision, a small minority are holding places at various schools adding that in terms of the admissions policy, parents have to advise the school within 10 days of receiving a letter of acceptance whether they have accepted the place.
"Once the second round of applications is complete, schools will inform parents in writing whether the latest applications were successful during the first week of the fourth term. Schools will then again inform our districts whether they are full or not."
When submitting applications, parents are reminded to provide the child's birth certificate (baptismal certificates are not regarded as proof of birth date), immunization card, transfer card or the last report card for learners who have already been to school.
Casey explained that schools may enrol learners provisionally if these documents are not available. They will give parents and guardians reasonable time to submit them.
"For those parents admitting their children for the first time, the admission age for a learner to a public school in Grade R is age four years turning five years by 30 June in the year of admission.
"The admission age for Grade 1 is age five years turning six years by 30 June in the year of admission," she said.
