The flaws of "First Come, First Served" in school admissions

In Namibia, the school admission period has become a chaotic spectacle. Parents camp and overnight at school gates, hoping to secure a place for their children. This undignified scramble is a direct result of the 'First Come, First Served' (FCFS) approach.At first glance, FCFS seems fair; those who arrive early get a spot. However, this system perpetuates social inequality, invites corruption and highlights the weaknesses in our education system.Namibian law guarantees every child the right to apply to any school. Yet, FCFS turns this right into a high-stakes race, favouring those with cars, flexible schedules and the means to camp out. Parents with limited resources often arrive too late, finding all spots taken. This approach rewards privilege and nothing else.Schools with a reputation for excellence become magnets for desperate parents. Hundreds compete for a few dozen spaces, turning admission into a survival game. Meanwhile, underperforming and unmannered schools face little demand, revealing that the real issue is the uneven quality of education.Manipulation is another problem. In schools that distribute forms manually, staff often reserve spots for relatives. This erodes public trust in the system's fairness. Additionally, high unemployment has led to a black market for application forms, with opportunists selling them at inflated prices.Parents flock to a few schools because they believe these schools guarantee success. If all schools were well-equipped and well-administered, there would be no need for such frantic queues. FCFS leads to overcrowding and disorder, often requiring police intervention. This is unsustainable and sends the wrong message about school admissions.In conclusion, FCFS may seem fair, but it fails to meet the standards of justice and equity. Policymakers must drive policies encompassing inclusive, transparent and technology-driven solutions. Our children deserve a system that rewards potential, not privilege.*Pinehas Ekongo is the principal of Oshigambo High School. He writes on education, policy reform and equity in Namibia’s schooling system. The views expressed are his own.

The flaws of "First Come, First Served" in school admissions

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-08

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The flaws of "First Come, First Served" in school admissions

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-08

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