About

 

History of Linguaphone Group

Linguaphone was founded in 1901 and is among the most established international language schools in the world.

Over the last century, millions of people in over 60 countries have upgraded their career and enhanced their lives by learning a new language with The Linguaphone Group. Linguaphone uses a network of trusted licensed partners and distributors to make sure the courses are available to adults and children all over the world. This includes both licensed language schools and self-study learning resources.

The first to combine written course materials with audio recordings, Linguaphone quickly became an industry leader in international language teaching. Linguaphone’s world-renowned language programs include the Linguaphone, Pingu’s English and Direct English courses.

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Pingu's English

Pingu’s English was developed following the purchase of exclusive English Language Teaching rights for the Pingu TV series from HIT Entertainment Limited in February 2006. An award-winning TV show that’s loved by children and parents alike, Pingu™ was chosen for its universal appeal and accessibility, as well as the strong moral message it represents.

Applying over a century of experience to this new venture, The Linguaphone Group uses the charming adventures of Pingu to help children aged 3 – 8+ understand how the English language is used in real-life settings. To ensure the best possible results for this age group, Pingu’s English combines proven play-based educational techniques with creative activities and high-quality learning resources, including:

  • Study books
  • Song/story books
  • Audio/Video materials
  • Online learning materials

Direct English - Louis Alexander

Direct English courses were developed by Louis Alexander; a world-renowned English Language Teaching expert and prolific writer. He still holds the world record for greatest number of books sold by an individual an individual author in one year (4.7m), and his spirit lives on through the many thousands of people who have used his talents to learn such a valuable language.

Company Details

LG & DE Limited (Linguaphone Group’s controlling company) is a UK registered private limited company.

  • Registration number: 5694539
  • Registered office:  Linguaphone Group, Liongate Enterprise Park, 80 Morden Road, Mitcham, Surrey CR4 4PH, United Kingdom

Discover more about what makes unique Pingu’s English unique both for our students and franchise partners.

Pingus English

2017

Kindergarten

Pingus’s English is developing a full KINDERGARTEN curriculum, International Kindergarten project in partnership with Kingston University, based on the ever popular Pingu’s English brand. The curriculum with be broadly based on EYSF principles, but will bring in the very best elements of other systems, such as Reggio Emilia and Montessori and deliver stimulating half and full day courses in its premium branded schools around the world.

Over 20 Countries

Pingu’s English reached over 20 countries including Latin America, Asia, Middle East and Europe thanks to the opportunity to Franchise the Pingu’s English Formula Worldwide.

pingu-map

2016

Pingus English
Pingus English

2015

Advanced English

Pingu’s English extended its 4th advanced English level for kids.

Pingu Comes Onboard

The business expanded further with the acquisition of the exclusive global English language teaching rights for Pingu from HIT Entertainment Limited, one of the world's leading independent children's entertainment producers and intellectual property rights owners. With these rights, the Linguaphone Group has developed the pre-school children's English course Pingu's English.

2006

Pingus English
Pingus English

2003

Linguaphone Acquires Direct English

The acquisition of Direct English in from Pearson Education Limited, part of Pearson Plc, the world's largest educational publisher, served to not only consolidate but also significantly enhance this belief and our position as world leader in the adult assisted learning marketplace.

Meeting Demand

To meet this enormous, inherent global demand for English, the Linguaphone Group is now focused on providing tutor-supported adult and pre-school children's English language training courses through an impressive network of centres around the world, operating under the Direct English, Linguaphone and Pingu's English brand names.

2000

Pingus English
Pingus English

1945

Mr Roston's Legacy

A bust of Mr Roston was sculpted by Jacob Epstein for his 70th birthday, which we still preserve in our Head Office.

The Linguist

Roston published a new monthly journal “The Linguist” and contributed to it a history of language teaching ideas from the ancients through Comenius to modern theorists. It is in the second issue of this journal that a Linguaphone advertisement appeared containing the definitive description of the Linguaphone Method.
Linguaphone courses were in use in 92 countries, with overseas branches in Australia, Belgium, France, Holland, Norway, South Africa, U.S.A. and even Latvia.

1927

Pingus English
Pingus English

1925

George Bernard Shaw

Even George Bernard Shaw finally succumbed to Linguaphone's attraction and made a special recording 'Spoken English and Broken English'. 

The autographed original now rests in the British Museum in London.

On The Record

With the arrival of "Berliners" or flat records, the gramophone came of age and with it Linguaphone's opportunity to reach out to a wider public. Linguaphone courses were in use in 92 countries.

1920

Pingus English
Pingus English

1905

The Rosenblum Method

Jaques Roston’s name first appeared on a little pamphlet in which he explained his ideas on language teaching, and in particular the primacy of the spoken word. He also published it in an advertisement for his classes, using “The Rosenblum Method” (his original name).

Roston was one of the first pioneers to recognise the potential for language teaching using Edison's invention of sound recording (1877) and Alexander Graham Bell's development of wax cylinders (1888).

The Linguaphone Group Founded

The Linguaphone Group was founded in High Holborn, London by Jacques Roston, a translator and language teacher who emigrated from Russia, at the turn of the century.

1901

Pingus English
 

Proven Method Worldwide

Pingu’s English students receive an activity pack that features a range of supplementary learning materials. This pack includes charming models of kids’ favorite characters from the show, as well as creative coloring and drawing materials. Parents are also given access to a broad selection of learning resources to assist with the child’s development outside of school hours, regardless of the parent’s existing English language abilities.

Learn more

Pingu’s English teaching centers have now opened up in more than 20 countries worldwide, and we’re consistently on the lookout for new, mutually beneficial franchise arrangements. A combination of unique course structure and exclusive educational rights over lovable little Pingu is what’s made Pingu’s English such a successful franchise. By using this iconic branding across all of the Pingu’s English teaching centers and resources, the company’s services have become a unique proposition on the market.

Testimonials

This is truly an amazing school! Everything about this school impresses us. The teachers how deeply they love the students. The school staff members are doing a great job. A great involved principal who wants the school to improve in many ways. Would recommend this to everyone

Aqsa Yousuf

Student's mother

Pingu's English school has wider range of facilities, better infrastructure & the appropriate teaching-learning environment.I was glad to hear a unanimous response for the school's reputation in terms of behavioral and personality development of the child. I have seen a tremendous change in my child's behavioral and specifically speech issues, my ward has gone from an extremely shy and non-communicative to a bold speaker The strong emphasis on parent-teacher relationship makes the student's progress very transparent and effective. Individual attention and customized techniques for handling issues with children is a plus for this school.

Nazia Saghir

Student's Mother

Pingu's is doing well in not only building the academics but also the confidence level of the children by providing them exposure to several fields that includes international competitions, general knowledge, swimming classes, and media. I must appreciate the way how you people have started GK instead of social studies and when I came to know that my daughter was told about WW1, its background as well as consequences, I really liked that. Moreover, the way my child speaks several languages like Chinese, Spanish, Arabic along with English makes me feel so proud of her and my choice of opting Pingu for her. keep working like this.

Fareen Naqvi

Student's mother

Pingu's English School is one of the best school. There are so many reasons to choose Pingu's like the cozy environment, the way of teaching, the flexibility they are providing for kids n parents n the most important thing is the quality of education n much more. In fact, the kids want to go to school happily just because of their love n kindness. MAY Allah bless all of you more n more. AAMEEN

Warda Sharmeen

Student's Mother

A highly sought-after facility, which is driven to dispensing quality and conscientious education, coupled with an effectual understanding of the society's need for a well groomed, healthy and emphatic youth, with a keen understanding of environmental issues and the plight of the common man. and the understanding, the realization of matters, leads to change.

Zuhair M Zuhair

Student's Father

Truly inspired � It has all attributes that make up a fun, safe and effective learning environment. Their constructive curriculum and innovative teaching methodologies are producing remarkably brilliant and globally competent individual. Highly recommended

Anila Ansari

Student's mother

In Pingu's they are conducting robotics and multilingual classes from early ages which is something unconventional and this inspires me! The environment is eye-catching and striking. Anyone who visits here wants to be the part of it. Truly innovative!

Mishal Ather

Visitor

I found Pingu's a different place where my child is feeling to be in the happiest town his mind is exploring and enjoying the comfort of his early years with Pingu's family. The theme and character of Pingu is so attractive for child it motivates little minds to ask, think, enjoy, feel, achievement, imagination and moving all around it and it's very easier for child to improve their listening writing and speaking with confidence in early years. It's flexibility for parents and children too highly recommended for their professional attitude very simple and clear about their programs and statements Alhumdullilah completely satisfied so nice and competent staff feeling love and respect for them.

Safa Zareen

Student's Mother

Pingu's is providing loving and caring environment. My child loves to go to school, it is providing the broad spectrum of learning by making students learn through different and interesting activities. Two best thing I want to highlight is their focus on religious learning along with modern education secondly they are concerns about children's health in the form of snacks chart. keep flying high Pingu.

Daniyah Feroz Khan

Student's Mother

I am very happy about the overall performance of the School. Very proud of my son’s achievements so far. The teachers are excellent. Regular communication and engagement of parents in variety of activities. Very happy and will definitely recommend this school with 100% confidence..

Asifa Fahad

Students mother