Cape Town parent still waiting for son’s Grade 8 placement for 2027

A Cape Town mother is still waiting to learn where her 13-year-old son will attend Grade 8 in 2027, as high schools face thousands of applications for limited places. She applied to Edgemead High School, Fairbairn College and Milnerton High School, which she says each received more than 2,000 applications for about 200 places. The uncertainty is causing anxiety for the family and distress for her son, whose friends are already preparing for high school. The Western Cape Education Department says placements are still under way, while education organisations are calling for better planning and clearer contingency measures.