We looked into search patterns and interest surrounding online school and have found that there’s a sharp rise in interest in alternative schooling options as thousands of families wait for outcomes. Why? 

Likely because according to the Gauteng Department of Education,

Teneo School’s analysis of Google Trends data found that searches for “online school” are up 69% in Gauteng in January, and up 87% nationally week-on-week. The analysis also shows 103,000 searches in South Africa in the past month. 

The timing points to a clear parent behaviour shift: as placement uncertainty rises, more families are actively researching flexible and distance-learning routes, either as a back-up plan while waiting, or as a longer-term alternative.

Where placement pressure is highest

The provincial update indicates that placement strain is concentrated in high-demand districts.

Families are often required to submit application documents to multiple schools, emphasising the process of applying and the importance of meeting specific dates and deadlines to ensure their children are considered for placement.

Ekurhuleni remains the highest-pressure region, with Ekurhuleni North reporting a combined 1,741 unplaced learners (Grade 1: 381; Grade 8: 1,360) and Ekurhuleni South reporting 1,181 (Grade 1: 569; Grade 8: 612).

Johannesburg East was also flagged as a major pressure point, with 1,173 unplaced learners (Grade 1: 95; Grade 8: 1,078), driven largely by Grade 8 demand.

While officials continue processing applications and placement offers, the true impact of a backlog is being felt most sharply at the household level—particularly for learners at transition points like Grade 1 and Grade 8, where routine and early-year momentum are critical. 

In the case where placement is not secured by the required application deadline, families may need to consider alternative options. And that’s why we’re seeing such an uptick in searches and interest for online schools.

Overcrowded classrooms causes even more parental pressure

When placement is unresolved, the risk is not only administrative delay, it’s that children begin the year without structure. For many learners, the first weeks of the year set the tone for routine, confidence and learning habits.

If that period becomes fragmented, it can be heavily disruptive, especially for children who struggle with uncertainty or require routine.

As if families aren’t going through enough, with high unemployment rates and financial instability, now it’s a waiting game to hopefully get their child a quality education. 

During placement delays, it takes significant work from both students and parents to maintain learning momentum and keep educational progress on track. But above all, they’re tasked with paying for at-home childcare alongside astronomical costs of in-person schooling once they receive a placement.

Alternative education options: online school with interactive lessons

With placement pressure at an all-time high and overcrowded classrooms still a reality in many South African schools, more families are exploring alternative education options to ensure their children don’t fall behind. One of the most accessible and flexible solutions is online schooling, which has rapidly transformed the way learners access quality education.

Online schools in South Africa, such as Teneo Online School, CambriLearn, and others, offer interactive lessons and live lessons led by qualified teachers, giving students the chance to engage with the curriculum from the comfort and safety of home. This approach is especially valuable for learners who need more individualized attention, those who thrive outside the traditional classroom, or children who require a flexible schedule due to sports, health, or other commitments.

Unlike the one-size-fits-all approach of many brick-and-mortar schools, online schooling is designed to fit the unique needs of each child. Learners can progress at their own pace, revisit recorded lessons, and access a wide range of resources—ensuring that no one is left behind, regardless of their starting point.

Parents can watch their child’s progress in real time, track grades, and stay involved through parent engagement tools, making it easier to support learning at home and keep everyone accountable. 

In traditional schooling, accountability for learning is shared between teachers and parents, but in online schooling, teachers maintain accountability for student progress, assessments, and academic welfare, which can relieve some pressure from parents.

Social interaction in online schooling 

For parents concerned about missing out on social interaction or extracurricular activities, top-rated online schools like Teneo offer clubs, group projects, and even virtual events, helping students connect with friends and build confidence beyond academics. 

Subjects range from core areas like maths and science to specialized fields such as engineering, giving learners the chance to explore their interests and prepare for future exams and tertiary studies. But of course, just like traditional schooling, online school is not a one-size-fits-all solution. 

When considering alternative education, it’s important for parents to research each option carefully. Visit the school’s website, sign up for information sessions, and ask questions about the curriculum, teaching methods, and support systems in place. 

Check that the school is registered and accredited, and note any application deadlines or requirements. Remember, the right fit will offer both flexibility and a high standard of education, ensuring your child can achieve excellence and reach their full potential.

For more direction on how to choose the right school for your child, check out our Smart School guide.

What parents can do with students while waiting for placement

If your family is navigating delays, focus on two practical priorities while waiting: maintaining routine and keeping learning moving in simple, achievable ways. 

High self-discipline is needed in online education due to the lack of in-person supervision, which can be challenging for some students. Here are some key pointers:

• Protect routine: Keep wake-up and sleep times consistent, and build a weekday rhythm (reading time, movement time, quiet time).

• Create a basic learning block: Even 60–120 minutes each morning helps maintain momentum, especially for Grade 8 learners who will need to settle quickly into high school expectations.

• Keep progress visible: A short daily checklist (reading, maths practice, writing) reduces stress and negotiation.

• Avoid a “lost January”: Starting light but consistently is often more effective than waiting for the perfect plan.

Saul Geffen, CEO of and founder of the Smart School System™, said, “Parents are searching for alternatives because they need certainty. When placement is delayed, the biggest risk is that children miss content and fall behind in the first weeks of the year, and may never catch up. Whether a family ultimately stays with their placement or chooses a different route, what matters most right now is keeping the routine stable and learning to move.”

The education system in South Africa is evolving, and with the rise of online and hybrid learning, families now have more choices than ever before. Whether you’re looking for a temporary solution while waiting for placement or a long-term alternative that puts your child’s needs first, exploring these options can open doors to a brighter, more adaptable future. By staying informed and proactive, parents can help their children not only keep up, but thrive—no matter where they start the school year.

Explore high-quality education and live lessons online with Teneo

Teneo is rated the no. 1 online school in South Africa by HelloPeter. With 170+ SACE-registered teachers, we have helped more than 3 500 learners matriculate with a National Senior Certificate (NSC), opening the doors to tertiary education and future career opportunities. Our award-winning Smart School System™combines the best parts of in-person schooling with the convenience and benefits of online learning for learners across South Africa. If you’re ready to take the next step towards education of the future, . 

Methodology

• 4,858 unplaced learners as of 6 January 2026 (Grade 1: 1,381; Grade 8: 3,477) reported via SAnews.gov.za and covered by Eyewitness News.

• Ekurhuleni North (1,741), Ekurhuleni South (1,181), Johannesburg East (1,173) and grade splits as reported in the provincial update.

• Teneo Online School analysis of Google Trends data captured January 2026 (past 30 days). Figures cited: 103,000 searches in South Africa in the past month; +87% nationally in the past week; +69% in Gauteng in the past week.