Court mandates review of school placement for twins

THE Western Cape Education Department (WCED) says it is exploring the option to appeal a Western Cape High Court order to review the placement of Grade 1 twins.

- CHEVON BOOYSEN

The six-year-old boys were supposed to start their Grade 1 schooling this year, but three months into the academic year, they have yet to walk through school gates. This comes as the WCED's on-time online school applications for the 2027 school year for Grades R, 1, and 8 opened yesterday until April 14, 2026.

In response to the High Court ruling, WCED spokesperson Kerry Mauchline said they are taking legal advice on the matter.

"We have noted the judgment and are currently taking legal advice, including on the potential for appeal," said Mauchline.

The guardians of the twin boys applied for placement at three primary schools - Mikro, De Kuilen, and Bastion - in the Metro East Education District, but were not placed at any of these schools due to them being oversubscribed.

They were informed that the twins would be placed at Rouxville Primary School, also in the Metro East District - a school they had not applied to.