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 joined the team at Good Hope Studies in 2012 as Registrar and in 2020 I became the Operations Manager of the school. 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 Academic Development Manager for GHS, I am part of a team which develops 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.
After school, you'll find me cooking up a storm in my kitchen with a glass of Cape wine, listening to music or just the wind outside.”
(Desiree)
“I have worked at Good Hope Studies since 2007 - as a teacher, then as a teacher trainer, and currently as Head of Academic Operations. What I enjoy most about my work is meeting or exceeding learners' expectations and working with the wonderful teachers on our team.
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)
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