NORTHERN Cape parents will know from next week which schools have accepted their applications for placement of their children.
The provincial Department of Education said on Monday it is working around the clock to finalise the verification process that is currently under way.
Department spokesperson Geoffrey van der Merwe said they are waiting on some schools to respond to the influx of applications.
“The Department of Education is working around the clock to assist schools with the verification of admission applications. This is an important step before we can allow the system to issue SMSes to parents on the outcome of their applications. Most parents applied to more than one school, therefore the verification process should be completed at all schools before the system-generated SMS can be issued. The department expects this process to be completed by the end of this week, so that from next week parents will know the status of their application. We envisage finalising most placements by December 15, 2020,” said Van der Merwe.
He added those parents whose applications were unsuccessful will be afforded an opportunity to appeal.
“It is important to note, appeals must be lodged with the Office of the MEC within seven days from receiving a notification from the school. Appeals will only be considered if they are based on incorrect or unfair application criteria set by the head of the department,” Van der Merwe said.
The department launched its online application system on September 2, which enabled parents in the Province to apply for placement at schools from the comfort of their homes or at the walk-in district centres.
Applications closed on October 9.
The department indicated that parents who missed the deadline will be afforded an opportunity to apply for placement only after all applicants have been notified and depending on the space available at schools.