KNYSNA NEWS - Concerns raised by some parents over learner placement at Knysna High School have been attributed largely to severe capacity pressures and growing demand for admission, according to information provided by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).
The issue came to the fore after several parents whose children attend Fraaisig Primary School questioned why some learners had not received offers of placement at the popular school for 2027.
According to the WCED, parents should not be alarmed if they have not yet secured a place for their child, as the admissions process is still at an early stage.
"Over 46 000 learners received two or more offers, and as parents confirm their preferred schools, more than 64 000 places will become available to other applicants," the department said.
Parents have until 15 June to confirm their choices.
Placement factors
The WCED confirmed that admissions to Knysna High School are administered through the department's online admissions system, with final placement decisions made by the school's governing body in accordance with its admissions policy and applicable legislation.
A key factor affecting placements is the school's capacity. Knysna High currently has an enrolment of 743 learners despite a stated maximum capacity of 585 learners.
The department said the school's capacity is determined by available classrooms, specialist teaching spaces, educator numbers, safety requirements and available resources.
Demand for admission has continued to increase. The school reportedly received about 480 applications during the previous admissions cycle, while more than 500 applications are expected for the 2027 intake.
Criteria
The WCED said applications are assessed according to policy-defined criteria, including residence within the Knysna municipal district, feeder school status, language preference and sibling status.
The department emphasised that race, general employment status and academic performance are not considered when admissions decisions are made.
Questions have also been raised by some parents regarding the admission of non-local or immigrant learners.
The department noted that a child's constitutional right to basic education is not determined by nationality or documentation status and that admissions of non-citizens are handled in accordance with departmental policy and relevant court rulings.
Language policy
Knysna High is a dual-medium school offering both English and Afrikaans streams. The WCED said language plays a practical role in admissions because placements must be accommodated within the available capacity of each language stream.
The department stressed that the school's language policy is applied in accordance with national legislation and is not used as a discriminatory mechanism.
Where applications exceed the number of available places, the school applies its admissions policy to determine placements. Parents whose applications are unsuccessful may request that their applications be reconsidered.
The WCED said Knysna High acknowledges the concerns of parents and remains committed to conducting admissions fairly, transparently and within legal guidelines.
Parents are encouraged to apply within prescribed timelines, consider multiple school options and engage with the WCED should they require placement assistance.
While disappointment among some families is understandable, the department maintains that the challenges facing Knysna High stem primarily from increasing demand and limited capacity rather than unfair admissions practices.
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