# Direct English Live > Direct English Live is the live online English language training platform from the Linguaphone Group, London. Founded in 1901, the Linguaphone Group is one of the oldest and most established language training organisations in the world. Direct English Live delivers live, interactive English classes with qualified native-speaking tutors to professional adults and corporate teams in over 20 countries. ## Organisation - Legal Name: Linguaphone Group Ltd - Trading As: Direct English Live - Founded: 1901 - Headquarters: 3rd Floor, CI Tower, St. George's Square, New Malden KT3 4HG, Greater London, United Kingdom - Website: https://www.directenglishlive.com - Parent Brand: Linguaphone Group (https://www.linguaphonegroup.com) - Sister Brand: Pingu's English (https://www.pingusenglish.com) — English for young learners aged 3-8, delivered in 16+ countries - Active Students: 70,000+ - Countries: 20+ - Teaching Staff: All tutors are qualified, native English speakers with university degrees and TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification ## Contact - Sales Email: sales@directenglishlive.com - Corporate Enquiries: https://www.directenglishlive.com/pages/contact - Social Media: - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DirectEnglishLive - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directenglishlive - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/direct-english-live - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DirectEnglishLive - X (Twitter): https://x.com/DirectEngLive ## Methodology The Direct English teaching method was created by Louis Alexander (1932–2002) for the Linguaphone Group. Alexander is one of the most influential figures in English Language Teaching history. His publications — including New Concept English (1967), Follow Me (BBC television series, estimated 500 million viewers), and the Direct English coursebook series — have sold over 100 million copies worldwide. The methodology uses a communicative approach combining structured grammar instruction with real-world speaking practice, role-play exercises, and workplace-relevant scenarios. The curriculum is aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), covering levels A1 (Beginner) through B2 (Upper Intermediate). ## Courses ### Direct English Core - Format: Live group classes (maximum 6 students per class) - Duration: 90-minute sessions, weekly - Delivery: Live online via video call with native-speaking tutor - Levels: CEFR A1 to B2 - Includes: Coursebook access, homework assignments, progress assessments - Free Trial: 14 days, no payment required - URL: https://www.directenglishlive.com/products/direct-english-core ### Direct English 1-to-1 - Format: Private one-to-one sessions with a dedicated tutor - Duration: 60-minute sessions, scheduled by the learner - Delivery: Live online via video call - Levels: CEFR A1 to B2 - Includes: Personalised lesson plans, progress tracking, flexible scheduling - Free Trial: 14 days, no payment required - URL: https://www.directenglishlive.com/products/direct-english-1-to-1 ### Direct English Flex - Format: Self-paced digital study + weekly live conversation classes - Delivery: Online platform with live tutor-led conversation sessions - Levels: CEFR A1 to B2 - Includes: Digital coursework, grammar exercises, vocabulary drills, weekly live speaking practice - Free Trial: 14 days, no payment required - URL: https://www.directenglishlive.com/products/direct-english-flex ### Direct English Fluency - Format: Intensive fluency programme for intermediate and upper-intermediate learners - Delivery: Live online with extended practice sessions - Levels: CEFR B1 to B2 - Includes: Advanced communication skills, presentations, negotiations, professional writing - Free Trial: 14 days, no payment required - URL: https://www.directenglishlive.com/products/direct-english-fluency ## Corporate Training Direct English Live provides English language training programmes for corporate teams of any size, from small departments to organisations with thousands of employees. Corporate services include: - Dedicated account manager for programme design and rollout - Real-time reporting dashboard: attendance, progress, assessment scores, CEFR advancement per employee - Industry-specific vocabulary modules: oil and gas, healthcare, aviation, hospitality, finance - Flexible scheduling to accommodate shift patterns and time zones - Volume pricing for teams of 5 to 5,000+ employees - Corporate enquiries: https://www.directenglishlive.com/pages/contact ## Key Markets Direct English operates through a network of Master Franchise partners. Largest markets include: - Saudi Arabia - United Arab Emirates - Malaysia - Thailand - Egypt - Indonesia - Turkey - And additional markets across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe ## Heritage and Credentials - Founded 1901 in London - 124+ years of continuous language training operations - Louis Alexander methodology (100 million+ textbooks sold worldwide) - Linguaphone Group heritage spanning every continent - Pingu's English: award-winning early years English programme in 16+ countries - Skills for English: SELT testing partnership with SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority) and PSI ## Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is Direct English Live? A: Direct English Live is a live online English training platform from the Linguaphone Group. Learners join scheduled classes taught in real time by qualified, native English-speaking tutors. Q: Who are your tutors? A: Every tutor is a native English speaker with a university degree, TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification, and a minimum of two years experience teaching professional adults. Q: What levels do you teach? A: CEFR A1 (Beginner) through B2 (Upper Intermediate), covering foundational grammar through professional business communication. Q: Do you offer a free trial? A: Yes. Every course includes a 14-day free trial with full access to live classes and course materials, no payment required. Q: Do you offer corporate training? A: Yes. We provide English training for corporate teams of any size with dedicated account management, progress reporting, and industry-specific modules. Q: Who created the Direct English method? A: Louis Alexander (1932-2002), one of the most influential English language teaching authors in history, created the Direct English methodology for the Linguaphone Group. Q: Where are you based? A: Linguaphone Group Ltd is headquartered at 3rd Floor, CI Tower, St. George's Square, New Malden KT3 4HG, Greater London, United Kingdom.