Makgoe says the placement and registration of learners into schools for next year began as early as August and have thus far not encountered any major challenges. He notes that although the Free State might soon look into online registration systems, the province is not faced with the same challenge experienced by the Gauteng Department of Education, where thousands of Grade 1 and 8 learners have still not been placed in schools for next year.

Makgoe confirms that the province usually encounters a number of challenges at the beginning of the year, due to parents and guardians who do not apply for schools in due time and due to those who prefer certain schools. He urges those whose children are still not placed in schools to approach the department before January.

Makgoe adds that parents and guardians must note that there are certain guidelines that must be followed before schools accept learners and that they are placed according to the following criteria:

The applicant pupil's place of residence is closest to the school within the feeder zone;

The applicant pupil has a sibling attending the school;

The place of employment of at least one of the applicant pupil's parents is within the feeder zone of the school.

The applicant pupil's place of residence is within a 30km radius of the school.

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