Frequently Asked Questions

London Education Centre (LEC) is a specialist academic tuition centre based in Doha, Qatar. Founded in 2008, LEC has been delivering expert one-to-one and small-group tuition in IGCSE, IB, A-Level, and Edexcel programmes for over 17 years. With more than 10,000 students served and 300,000+ tuition sessions delivered, LEC is one of the most experienced and trusted tuition providers in the Gulf region. Tuition is available in-person at the LEC centres in Doha, as home visits across Qatar, and as live online sessions for students in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

We have two centres in Qatar:

• Thumama: Building No 8, Street 924, Al Thumama, Doha — +974 70 643 300
• Bani Hajir: Building No 77, Street No 110, Bani Hajir Al Gharrfa, Al Rayyan — +974 70 698 788

We also operate in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

London Education Centre has been operating in Qatar since 2008 — over 17 years. In that time, LEC has become one of the most established and trusted tuition centres in Doha, supporting students across all international curricula at Qatar's leading international schools.

Three things set LEC apart:

• Subject specialists, not generalists — every LEC tutor holds a degree in their subject and has direct experience preparing students for the specific examination board they are following.
• 17 years of local experience — LEC understands Qatar's international school environment, the schools students attend, and the specific pressures of the IGCSE, IB, and A-Level examination calendar in the Gulf.
• A structured approach to progress — LEC does not just teach; it tracks. Parents receive regular updates on their child's progress, topic coverage, and next steps.

IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is a globally recognised qualification for students aged 14–16, administered by Cambridge Assessment International Education and Edexcel/Pearson. It is the most widely used secondary qualification at international schools in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. IGCSE requires specialist tuition because it tests specific academic skills — directed writing, structured analysis, data interpretation, and exam technique — that are developed more effectively through one-to-one guidance than through classroom instruction alone. The gap between knowing the content and knowing how to answer the question is where marks are won and lost.

Yes. LEC offers comprehensive IB tuition for the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). Tuition covers all subjects at Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL), with dedicated exam preparation for the May and November sessions. LEC's IB tutors also support students with Internal Assessments (IA), the Extended Essay, and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) — the components that many students find most challenging.

Yes. LEC offers A-Level tuition for both Cambridge International A-Levels and Edexcel A-Levels. Subjects include Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Business Studies, and English Literature. Sessions focus on past paper practice, mark scheme analysis, and exam technique — the three pillars of strong A-Level performance.

IGCSE is taken at age 14–16 and covers individual subjects with defined syllabuses and clear grade boundaries. It is ideal for students who prefer structured, subject-by-subject assessments. The IB Diploma is taken at age 16–18 and is a holistic qualification that combines six subjects with an Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS activities. It is well-suited to students aiming for top global universities who want a broad, internationally recognised qualification. In Qatar, most students take IGCSE first and then choose between A-Level or IB for their final two years of school.

IGCSE and A-Level are sequential qualifications — IGCSE is completed at age 16 and A-Level at age 17–18. A-Level goes significantly deeper into fewer subjects. Most students specialise in 3 to 4 A-Level subjects, whereas IGCSE students typically sit 8 to 10 subjects. The step from IGCSE to A-Level is a substantial jump in difficulty, particularly in Sciences and Mathematics.

Edexcel (Pearson) and Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) are both UK-based examination bodies that offer IGCSE and A-Level qualifications. Both are globally recognised and widely accepted by universities. The syllabuses differ in content emphasis, question style, and command term conventions. LEC tutors are trained on both Edexcel and Cambridge syllabuses and confirm the correct exam board at the start of every new student engagement.

LEC offers tuition across all major international curricula, including British, American, IB, AP, SABIS, and independent school systems. We cover all grades and provide support for key programmes such as IGCSE, AS & A Level, and IB.

Subjects include:

• Languages: English, Arabic, French
• Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Studies
• Mathematics: General Math and Calculus
• ICT & Technology: ICT, Computer Science, IT
• Humanities: Geography, Global Perspectives, Islamic Studies
• Business & Applied Subjects: Business Studies and related courses

We also provide homework support, exam preparation, and subject-focused tutoring to help students achieve strong academic results.

Yes. LEC's IGCSE Mathematics tutors specialise in both Cambridge and Edexcel syllabuses, covering Core and Extended tiers. Sessions target algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and probability — with structured past paper practice built into every programme. Every new student begins with a diagnostic to identify specific topic gaps.

Yes. LEC has experienced Physics tutors for IGCSE, IB (HL and SL), and A-Level. Sessions cover mechanics, waves, electricity, fields, and atomic physics, with a strong focus on connecting theoretical understanding to the specific question types used in each examination board's papers.

Yes. LEC offers specialist Chemistry and Biology tuition for IGCSE, IB, and A-Level. Chemistry sessions cover organic and inorganic chemistry, stoichiometry, bonding, and practical assessment techniques. Biology sessions cover cell biology, genetics, ecology, and human physiology — aligned to the student's specific examination board syllabus.

Yes. LEC tutors teach IGCSE English Language, IGCSE English Literature, IGCSE English as a Second Language, IB English A (HL and SL), IB English B (HL and SL), and A-Level English. For English Language, sessions focus on directed writing, composition, comprehension, and summary technique. For Literature, sessions cover set text analysis, essay structure, and evaluation skills. LEC also offers specific IB Individual Oral (IO) preparation.

Yes. LEC provides Arabic tuition for IGCSE Arabic First Language and Arabic Second Language, as well as general Arabic language support for students at international schools in Qatar. Sessions focus on reading comprehension, essay writing, grammar, and oral communication.

Yes. LEC offers fully interactive live online tuition for students in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and beyond. Online sessions cover the same subjects and curricula as in-centre classes — including IGCSE, IB, A-Level, AP, and school tuition.

LEC's online tuition is delivered as live, interactive one-to-one sessions via a virtual classroom platform. Every session includes:

• Real-time video and audio with a qualified LEC subject-specialist tutor
• A shared digital whiteboard for working through problems, diagrams, and exercises
• Screen sharing for past paper and worksheet practice
• Session recording available for the student to review

No specialist equipment is required — a laptop, tablet, or desktop with a stable internet connection is sufficient. Sessions are scheduled at times convenient for the student.

Yes — when sessions are live, one-to-one, and structured. LEC's online programme follows the same pedagogical approach as its in-person sessions. Students who attend consistently and complete assigned work between sessions achieve grade improvements equivalent to those studying in-person at the LEC centre. Online tuition is particularly effective for past paper practice, mark scheme review, and subject-specific skill development.

Yes. LEC offers home tuition across Doha and Qatar, with LEC tutors travelling to the student's home at the agreed session time. Home tuition is available for all subjects and curricula — IGCSE, IB, A-Level, and primary level. It is a popular choice for families who prefer the convenience of learning at home, and for students who focus better in a familiar environment.

LEC provides home tuition across all major residential and school districts in Qatar, including West Bay, The Pearl, Al Waab, Al Rayyan, Msheireb, Al Dafna, Al Khail, Lusail, and surrounding areas. Contact LEC with your location to confirm tutor availability in your district.

Both are effective. The right format depends on the student:

• Home tuition suits younger students, those who learn better with physical presence, and families who prefer a tutor in the home.
• Online tuition suits older students, families outside central Doha, students in Saudi Arabia, and anyone who needs flexible scheduling.

Many LEC families use both formats — home visits during term time and online sessions during exam periods. LEC makes it easy to switch between formats without changing your tutor.

Yes. LEC provides tuition from primary school age through to A-Level. For younger learners, sessions are shorter (45–60 minutes), more interactive, and use age-appropriate materials. LEC's tutors who work with younger students are trained in child-appropriate communication and structured learning approaches that build confidence alongside subject knowledge.

Yes. LEC provides live online tuition to students in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Khobar, and across Saudi Arabia. Students receive the same one-to-one specialist sessions as LEC's in-person students in Doha — with full access to the shared digital whiteboard, past paper practice, and session recordings.

LEC students consistently achieve measurable grade improvements across IGCSE, IB, and A-Level programmes. Students who enrol with a grade C or D and target a B or A regularly achieve their target grade — and many exceed it — with consistent tuition and structured exam preparation. LEC tracks student progress through diagnostic assessments, mock examination scores, and post-examination feedback. With over 10,000 students served and 300,000+ sessions delivered, LEC's track record reflects sustained academic impact across the Gulf region.

Every LEC tutor goes through a rigorous multi-stage selection process:

1. Verification of academic qualifications — degree-level or equivalent in the subject
2. Curriculum and exam board knowledge assessment
3. Structured teaching observation
4. Background check

LEC only engages tutors who hold a degree in their subject area and have direct, verifiable experience preparing students for the specific examination board they will teach. Tutor quality is monitored continuously through student progress data and parent feedback.

Yes. LEC maintains regular communication with parents throughout the tuition programme. After each session, parents receive a summary of topics covered and any assigned work. Periodic progress reports detail the student's improvement against their target grade. Parents are also encouraged to speak directly with their child's tutor to discuss strategy and progress at any point.

No tuition provider can guarantee specific examination results — outcomes depend on student effort, consistency of attendance, and completion of work between sessions. What LEC can guarantee is the quality of its tutors, the structure of its programmes, and its commitment to communicating transparently with parents throughout the process. LEC's 17-year track record in Qatar speaks to the consistent results its approach produces.

Enrolling at LEC is a simple five-step process:

1. Contact LEC — via the website enquiry form, WhatsApp, or phone — with your child's school, year group, and subject requirements.
2. Diagnostic assessment — LEC arranges an initial session to identify your child's current level and learning priorities.
3. Tutor matching — LEC assigns a subject-specialist tutor matched to your child's curriculum, level, and schedule.
4. Session scheduling — a regular timetable is confirmed around school hours and activities.
5. Sessions begin — tuition starts, with regular progress updates sent to parents.

Yes. LEC offers a free initial diagnostic assessment for all new students. This helps identify your child's current level, pinpoint gaps, and design a personalised learning plan. Book yours at lec.qa or call +974 70 643 300.

LEC's fees vary depending on the academic level (IGCSE, IB, A-Level, or primary), subject, session length, and tutor seniority. Fees are discussed transparently at the initial consultation — there are no hidden charges. Package rates are available for families who commit to regular weekly sessions. To receive a personalised quote, contact LEC directly via the website or WhatsApp.

Session frequency depends on the student's goals and timeline:

• Ongoing curriculum support (12+ months before exams): 1 session per week per subject
• Grade improvement (3–6 months before exams): 2 sessions per week per subject
• Intensive exam preparation (6–8 weeks before exams): 3 or more sessions per week

LEC tutors recommend the right frequency at the initial consultation based on the student's current grade, target grade, and exam date.

Yes. LEC offers both one-to-one (individual) and small-group tuition. Small groups are capped at 4–5 students to ensure each learner receives meaningful tutor attention. One-to-one sessions are recommended for students who need highly targeted intervention. Small-group sessions are suitable for students who benefit from collaborative learning or shared exam preparation. Both formats are available in-person and online.

Yes. LEC accepts new students throughout the academic year. Students starting mid-year receive a diagnostic assessment to establish their current level and a tuition plan that addresses any gaps accumulated since the start of term, ensuring they are not disadvantaged by a later start.

Ideally, 3–6 months before the exam date. For IGCSE and A-Level students, we recommend starting no later than January for May/June sittings. Early preparation allows time for thorough content coverage, past paper practice, and revision — reducing exam stress significantly.

London Education Centre has two centres in Doha, Qatar: Thumama (Building No 8, Street 924, Al Thumama) and Bani Hajir (Building No 77, Street No 110, Al Rayyan). In addition to in-centre sessions, LEC offers home tuition across all major areas of Doha and Qatar, and live online tuition for students anywhere in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

LEC serves students across all major residential and school districts in Doha and Qatar, including West Bay, The Pearl, Al Waab, Al Rayyan, Msheireb, Al Dafna, Al Khail, Lusail, and surrounding areas. Home tuition visits and online sessions are available to students in all districts.

Yes. LEC tutors are familiar with the curricula and examination boards followed at all major international schools in Qatar, including Qatar Academy, Doha College, ACS Doha, DPS Qatar, Al Jazeera Academy, Park House English School, and many others. LEC tailors every tuition programme to the student's specific school curriculum, year group, and examination board.

Yes. LEC offers English classes in Qatar for students studying IGCSE English Language, IGCSE English Literature, IGCSE ESL, IB English A (HL and SL), and IB English B (HL and SL). Sessions are delivered by qualified English tutors with specific experience in each examination board's paper formats, assessment objectives, and mark schemes. Classes are available in-person in Doha and online.

Yes. LEC provides live online IGCSE, IB, and A-Level tuition to students in Saudi Arabia, including those in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Khobar, and other cities. Online sessions are delivered by LEC's Doha-based subject-specialist tutors and include all the same features as in-person sessions: shared digital whiteboard, past paper practice, session recordings, and parent progress updates.

Yes — consistently, for students in Qatar studying IGCSE, IB, or A-Level. These are internationally rigorous qualifications where a single grade boundary can affect university entry. One-to-one tuition allows the student to work at exactly the right pace, address specific gaps, and develop the examination technique that classroom teaching — constrained by group size — cannot provide. LEC students regularly improve by one or two grade boundaries within a single academic term.

London Education Centre is one of Qatar's most established and trusted IGCSE tutoring services. With 17+ years of experience in Doha, subject-specialist tutors for Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSE, and a structured approach to progress tracking and parent communication, LEC consistently helps students achieve their target grades. When evaluating any tutoring service in Qatar, look for: curriculum-specific tutors, transparent progress reporting, and a proven track record — LEC meets all three criteria.

Generic online tutoring platforms match students with available tutors, often without curriculum-specific vetting or local knowledge. LEC is different because:

• All LEC tutors are subject-specialists with verified experience in the student's specific exam board.
• LEC has 17 years of on-the-ground experience in Qatar's international school environment.
• Sessions are not pre-recorded — every session is live, one-to-one, and adapted in real time.
• LEC provides structured progress reporting and direct parent communication — not just session bookings.

Independent private tutors in Qatar vary widely in quality, curriculum knowledge, and reliability. LEC offers institutional accountability that individual freelance tutors cannot: a multi-stage tutor selection process, backup cover if a tutor is unavailable, structured progress reporting, and consistent parent communication. Families who have experienced the uncertainty of independent tutors consistently report that LEC's structured approach provides greater peace of mind.

This depends on your child's school, learning style, and long-term goals. IGCSE suits students who prefer structured, subject-by-subject assessment and clear grade boundaries. IB suits students who thrive in a holistic, research-driven environment and are aiming for competitive global universities. In Qatar, most students take IGCSE first and then choose between A-Level or IB. LEC tutors are happy to discuss this choice with families during the initial consultation.