About GHS
Our Story
Good Hope Studies was founded in 1995. The idea was to open a language school that was different from all the other schools. We wanted to provide a learning environment which is relaxed and fun to study in.
Instead of renting cheap office space in the noisy City Centre, we started our first school in a lovely private house in the leafy residential area of Newlands. The school was close to the host families, saving students on travel time. It was also close to public transport and to the commercial centre of Claremont, an area that offers amenities like restaurants, banks, supermarkets, cinemas, bars and more. Our students learnt English in the shade of an old oak tree instead of listening to the dull hum of air conditioning.
It turned out that students loved our concept and they progressed much faster than in a conventional learning environment. Our school grew fast and it was a challenge to grow without compromising our original concept.
Today still, we offer a school in Newlands with a garden and a swimming pool. Learning in a pleasant environment is more fun and more efficient.
In addition, we also opened a second school in the City Centre because we learnt that some clients just prefer the city buzz. To remain loyal to our original concept though, we have chosen a historic building which is one of the most beautiful in the area. It is also located in a pedestrian zone, providing a quiet learning environment in a busy area. And finally, we decorated it in a modern, African style, providing the most pleasant learning environment possible.
Our Management Team
“I grew up in the beautiful town of Knysna on the Garden Route. After finishing high school, I completed my diploma in Travel & Tourism and worked in Dubai for a year.
I began my journey with Good Hope Studies in 2012 as Registrar. In 2020, I became part of the Management Team, and since May 2025, I’ve been serving as the General Manager. I love coming to work each day, meeting new people, and watching our students grow each day using their new English language skills, knowing that they can go out there and conquer the world.
I am also a mom to 3 incredible boys who continue to teach me patience, love and tolerance of one another.”
(Chantal)

“I’ve been at Good Hope Studies since 2004 – which tells you a lot about how much I like working here.
As the GHS Director of Studies (DoS), I lead the Academic Management team in developing courses that integrate current language-learning methods, technology, and the South African context as well as materials that keep our students motivated to learn. I’m also dedicated to developing our teaching team and represent GHS at annual Eaquals Conferences where ideas and best practice in language teaching and learning are exchanged. As the campus manager in the City Centre, I ensure our clients can enjoy our top-class learning environment in the heart of Cape Town.
I look forward to meeting you!”
(Desirée)

“I have worked at Good Hope Studies since 2007 - as a teacher, Head Teacher, CELTA trainer, Head of Academic Operations and Assistant Director of Studies. What I enjoy most about my work is planning courses and syllabi, teacher development, and interacting with our wonderful admin and academic teams.
Originally from ‘The City of Gold’, I left Johannesburg and settled in the alluring Cape. Having studied English teaching with the aim of seeing the world, I soon discovered all the delightful things Cape Town has to offer, and I haven't looked for another home since.
The city is complex and remarkable - made all the more so by the eclectic mix of cultures and personalities I get to meet and work with each day.”
(Melissa)

I’ve been at Good Hope Studies since November 2000 – I love working with such a dynamic team, who have become like family to me.
As Academic Manager, I see my role as building a cohesive team and encouraging teachers to grow and develop their skills.
I’m a proud Capetonian and love seeing Table Mountain from my office every day. On weekends, I enjoy swimming in the sea, walking, reading, having friends over for meals and spending time with my family. I have two adult children who are very dear to me. Having a daughter living in London has given me the opportunity to travel, another passion of mine.
(Heather)
Our Teachers
We Are Going Green

Sustainability is important to Good Hope Studies; we love our planet and the beautiful city we live in. We do our best in keeping it safe and clean, and trying to reduce our carbon footprints wherever possible.
It is an ongoing process that will last a lifetime. We currently…
- Use solar power at our properties
- Encourage students to recycle
- Provide drinking water to reduce the use of plastic bottles
- Use LED lights
- Only grow indigenous plants (which have minimal water needs) in our gardens
- Regularly produce a green report to monitor and assess our procedures