View all courses at this school »

General English

Cape Town School of English

Q&A
Price
school-reference
detail

Course description

Our courses at school run continuously throughout the year. Students may enrol at any time and continue for as long as they need. Classes take place during the mornings, from 9:00am – 12:30pm each day, with a 30 minute break. Students may attend classes each day or 3 days per week *only applicable to non VISA students. Our online group classes run for 1 hour per day every week day.

Students do either a written or verbal test to determine the best level for them to join.
All core textbooks are imported and prescribe to the International requirements for EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teaching.

We assist students in the preparation for the TOEFL and Cambridge examinations and provide them with the necessary materials. To register for the international examinations, please visit the respective websites and register and pay online.

Course topics

Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar and Activities

Class schedule

Course duration
1-52 weeks
Start dates
Every Monday
Classes per week
15 lessons per week (each lesson lasts 60 min)
Class days
Monday - Friday
School holidays
14 Dec 2026 - 18 Jan 2027

CTSOE does not hold classes on the holiday dates above. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.

Class times

You can choose from the following class times:

Morning session
09:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.

Class level

All levels, beginner to advanced
You will take a placement test on your first day to determine your class level.

Class size

Average 10 students
Maximum 15 students

Student age

Age range 14 - 75 years old
Average 20 years old
(23 in the summer)

Certificate

A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course.
Read more...
school

School description

We are a Language school specialising in teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Since 1991 we have accepted students from all over the world for English studies. Students register to do short (2 weeks) or long (six months to 1 year) courses. Our students come from all parts of the world but mainly from Europe, Africa and the Far East.

We are situated outside of the city center where it is safe for our students and where accommodation is readily available. Our premises are situated in an office building with 7 classrooms, a main office/reception area, a kitchen, staff room and student lounge. Our classrooms are of varying sizes. In the classrooms we have the usual whiteboards, desks, computer facilities, TV monitors and internet connection.

We follow the same principles as all international EFL schools and cater mainly for young adult students..

On occasion we do accept younger students as well. We issue a letter of attendance with the level of English achieved at the end of the course. Although we do the preparation tests for Cambridge and TOEFL, the examinations are run by the respective Embassies of Britain and America. Students wanting to register for these exams can do so online. Website info: www.toefl.org and www.britishcouncil.org

There are currently many visa changes and the requirements also differ from one country to another.
Please check visa requirements with the S.A. Embassy closest to you. Although extensions are given in S.A., it is best to apply for the full visa before leaving your country. Students are accepted at our school at any time of the year and are expected to attend the school regularly for the period of their registration. We close for a period of 3 weeks during December/January each year.

The Teachers:
All our teachers are either qualified TEFL teachers with a TEFL/TESOL certificate or they have completed their university degree as well as having a TEFL certificate. Initially, our teachers are taken on a trial basis to ensure we have teachers with the necessary understanding and skills to teach English as a foreign language to adults.

In conclusion:
We endeavour to help, assist and support all our foreign students as far as possible to make their stay pleasant and interesting while improving their English language skills.

Year opened
1991
Number of classrooms
5

Facilities

  • Social Activities
  • Cultural Trips
  • Eating Area
  • Free Internet
  • Wireless Internet
  • Computers
  • Studying Area
  • Sports Activities

Teacher qualifications

Native English speakers
All
Teachers with English teaching certification
All
Teachers with college degrees
Over 50%

Nationality and age mix

The nationality and age mix at Cape Town School of English varies over different time periods, courses and levels. Throughout the year, the average age is 20. In the summer, the average age is 23.

CTSOE teaches students from all over the world, including:

Democratic Republic of the Congo
30%
Angola
20%
Russia
10%
Brazil
5%
Chad
5%
China
5%
France
5%
Gabon
5%
Germany
5%
Saudi Arabia
5%
South Africa
5%

School holidays

CTSOE does not hold classes on the holiday dates below. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.

Open dates
16 Jan - 14 Dec
School holidays
14 Dec 2026 - 18 Jan 2027

School location

We are situated on the Main Rd of Claremont, a central business district just outside the City Centre.
We are close to the University of Cape Town and most Colleges. Public transport is very close by with travel time to the City around 10 min by car. We are also midway between the Atlantic and Indian oceans for beaches and outdoor activities.

Read more...
photos

Photos

  • Cape Town School of English 1/6
  • Cape Town School of English 2/6
  • Cape Town School of English 3/6
  • Cape Town School of English 4/6
  • Cape Town School of English 5/6
  • Cape Town School of English 6/6
housing

Housing

CTSOE offers the following housing types:
homestay

Homestay - 2-person shared room - Breakfast and dinner - 2 students must book together

N/A
weekly
Age range: 18 - 60 years old
Location: Outside the city center of Cape Town
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Free internet and garden
Distance to school: 20 - 30 minutes by shuttle
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, after 10:00 AM
Check-out: Saturday, before 10:00 AM
Restriction: 2 students must book together
N/A
We have various Homestay options.
When our student requests information we will link them with 2 or 3 families, with whom they will have direct contact and make their choice of where to stay. The prices may also differ depending on the number of meals required. Contact our office for details.
visa

Visa support

We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.

Your letter of acceptance will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you.

Flights and airport transfer

Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Cape Town based on your budget, schedule and preferences.

Travel insurance

Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.

Learn more about our insurance plan »

Read more...
questions

Questions and answers

Have questions? Get answers from Cape Town School of English staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.

Ask a question
Show prices