Tshwane - Pretoria is among the areas that will get several new schools this year, the Gauteng Department of Education has said.
The schools are already under construction and nearing completion in some of the areas, including Ga-Rankuwa Primary, Rethabiseng Primary and Olievenhoutbosch Secondary.
Work on Nellmapius Secondary and Soshanguve East Secondary schools are nearing completion and were visited by the MEC on Friday.
“The new schools are at various stages of construction, but we expect full occupation at the latest by April this year,” said departmental spokesman Oupa Bodibe.
Christianville Secondary, as well as Soshanguve Primary and Wierdapark Primary schools, were being built using the so-called alternative construction techniques.
Bodibe said the need for new schools across the province had been dire owing to some children remaining behind in some grades.
“In Gauteng, we have a shortage of space for Grades 1 to 8 because of inward migration and the immense population growth, which are putting pressure on existing schools,” he said.
Bodibe said it was difficult to give an accurate number of unplaced pupils in schools this year as some parents had been given offers of placement, but had not yet confirmed acceptance.
He said although he could not give a complete figure as January late applications were still under way, 91 218 pupils had applied to date for Grade 1 in Gauteng this year.
“The total number of Grade 1 late applications from June to December 2015 is 10 643.”
Pretoria News Weekend