The school also signed three memorandum of understandings with private local universities to open language schools, which will play a key role in marketing its courses to students.

“The number of Angolan students studying with us at IH Cape Town has risen dramatically over the past four years and we are therefore delighted to now be able to offer quality English lessons to those who are unable to travel abroad,” said Gavin Eyre, Managing Director of IH Cape Town in a statement.

“We have received an overwhelming response, despite no advertising”

Due to open at the end of the month, the school will accommodate around 350 students, and Director Jonathan Thompson told The PIE News that he is “optimistic” that it will begin teaching with 175-200 enrolments.

“We have received an overwhelming response, despite no advertising,” he said.

IH Cape Town has seen particular growth among Angolan high school leavers, whose numbers are up 45% since last year, Thompson said.

The number of Angolan students on IH Cape Town’s 3-12 week Business Executive English course has also grown “tremendously”, with a 60% rise in ESP and Intensive General English enrolments.

Courses on offer include in-company training and executive courses, with a view to becoming a Cambridge English Language Assessment and CELTA centre in the future.

The schools will also operate a study abroad desk for students hoping to improve their language skills in an English speaking country.

IH Luanda Lda joins over 150 International House World Organisation member schools delivering language teaching worldwide.