Apex Education Group transforms former Louisenhof Cellar into campus, plans 10 schools

Apex Education Group is reshaping South Africa’s education landscape with the transformation of a historic wine facility into an affordable private school, while setting its sights on a broader expansion that could deliver 10,000 school places nationwide.

Located in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape, the former Louisenhof Cellar, once a hub of wine production, has been repurposed into a modern learning campus serving students from nearby communities, including Kayamandi township. The project underscores a growing push to bridge South Africa’s education gap through innovative infrastructure and cost-efficient models.

From wine cellar to classroom hub

Originally part of the Koopmanskloof farm, with agricultural roots dating back to the 1800s, the site gained prominence in 1971 for producing South Africa’s first bio-organic wine. Commercial operations under the Louisenhof brand eventually ceased, paving the way for its reinvention.

Rather than demolishing the structure, Apex Education Group opted for adaptive reuse, converting the industrial facility into a contemporary school environment while preserving its architectural character. Designed by SALT Architects, the campus integrates classrooms, courtyards, and social spaces within the original framework.

“Rather than starting again, the architecture works with what was already there. A building once used for the production of wine now supports the production of educational opportunities,” the architects said.

Construction was completed in phases, aligning with the school’s gradual rollout. The campus welcomed its first Grade 8 cohort in 2024, transitioned into the permanent facility in early 2025, and reached full structural completion in February 2026.

Affordable model gains traction

The Stellenbosch campus currently accommodates about 500 learners across Grades 8 to 10, with plans to expand to Grade 12 by 2028. At full capacity, it is expected to serve 1,000 students, with 200 learners per grade.

Apex Education Group CEO Jana du Plooy said the phased development allowed the institution to grow sustainably while maintaining affordability.

“We initially opened in temporary facilities and moved into the building as construction progressed. Now the entire campus is complete, which is a major milestone,” she said.

For the 2026 academic year, tuition is set at R7,800 ($462.37) annually, equivalent to R780 ($46.26) per month over 10 months, positioning the school among the most affordable private education options in the country. The group employs a blended-learning model, combining digital tools with traditional classroom teaching to enhance efficiency and learning outcomes.

Expansion strategy targets 10,000 students

Founded in 2018 with its first campus in Eersterivier, Apex Education has grown into a multi-campus non-profit network serving approximately 2,000 learners. It currently operates five schools in the Western Cape, including locations in Stellenbosch, Eersterivier, and Pinelands, while also partnering with institutions in Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal.

Under its Vision 10/10/10 strategy, the group aims to establish 10 schools and create 10,000 affordable school places by 2034, a target that reflects rising demand for accessible, quality education in underserved communities.

As Apex Education scales its footprint, its Stellenbosch project stands as a model for how adaptive reuse and cost-conscious design can help address South Africa’s persistent education challenges while preserving elements of its historical landscape.