Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) What is Lighthouse Academy?

Lighthouse Academy is a bespoke British online educational academy based in Qatar that provides tutoring, enrichment, homeschool curriculum services, exam preparation, and university guidance for students aged 3–18.
We specialise in Gifted & Talented (G&T) education and personalised academic support, helping every learner’s brilliance be seen, challenged, and celebrated.

2) Who leads Lighthouse Academy?

Lighthouse Academy is led by Mr Samuel Mott, Founder and Head of Gifted & Talented & Academic Support Services.
Our leadership team also includes Ms Cynthia Bolton (Director of Gifted Education & Academic Affairs) and Ms Mahjabeen Khan (Director of Higher Education & University Guidance).

3) What services do you offer?

In-house (for Lighthouse Academy students):
• Virtual School / Online Campus (homeschool curriculum; tutoring & academic lessons)
• Gifted & Talented Programmes and daily check-ins (especially for homeschool and exam students)
• Exam preparation support, learning hubs, online resources, and academic consultations

External (for non-enrolled students & schools):
• School-led Gifted & Talented Programmes
• Academic consultations for parents and schools
• One-to-one and pair tutoring (online or in-person, subject to availability)

4) Do you support both online and in-person learning?

Yes. Online options are available globally, and in-person tutoring or small-group sessions can be arranged within Qatar, subject to availability and partner venues.

5) What age range and curricula do you support?

We support learners from Kindergarten to A-Level (ages 3–18), as well as adult learners preparing for university admissions.
All programmes follow the UK National Curriculum, and our Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum aligns with Common Core (Language Arts & Maths) and NGSS (Science). It is structured as a 36-week plan (three terms) with hands-on activities and end-of-term exams.

6) What is your approach to Gifted & Talented identification and support?

We use data-driven identification, primarily the CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test) across Verbal, Quantitative, Non-Verbal and Spatial areas.
Typical thresholds: SAS ≥ 130 = Gifted, 123–129 = High Potential, ≤ 122 = Typical.
Each identified student receives a Gifted Individualised Education Plan (GIEP) with targeted interventions.
Provision is organised into three waves:

• Wave 1 – Enrichment / Extension

• Wave 2 – Targeted Extension

• Wave 3 – Accelerated or High-Challenge Learning

7) What is the university and careers guidance offer?

Led by Ms Mahjabeen Khan, our Director of Higher Education & University Guidance, students receive personalised advice on course selection, application strategy, personal statements, interviews, and scholarships across the UK, US, Canada, and Europe.

8) Do you help with academic competitions and enrichment?

Yes. We coach students for the World Scholar’s Cup (WSC) and run core enrichment and learning-extension classes. We also explore creative and STEM innovation challenges for gifted students.

9) What does “personalised” mean at Lighthouse Academy?

• Strength-based planning using assessment data (e.g. CAT4)
• An individual GIEP with specific interventions and strategies
• Small-group and one-to-one tutoring matched to learner profiles
• Regular check-ins and exam-support sessions to monitor progress

10) What are tutor and teacher qualifications?

All tutors are UK-qualified teachers or experienced subject specialists for Primary, Lower Secondary, GCSE / IGCSE and A-Level. They are selected for curriculum expertise and experience with high-ability learners.

11) How does the admissions process work?

Start your application online (after reviewing termly tuition fees).
Admissions follow-up – our team contacts you (please check spam folders).
Optional consultation:
• Academic Consultation (ages 7–18) – activities to assess skills and strengths.
• Gifted & Talented Consultation – for families with gifted children.
Receive an offer – time-limited and subject to availability. G&T applicants are pre-booked for a CogAT assessment (non-refundable fee).
Secure the place – complete admissions documentation to finalise enrolment.

12) How do parents receive progress updates?

Parents receive regular communication through consultations and digital records linked to their child’s programme (homeschool, tutoring, exam prep or GIEP).

13) Where are you based?

Lighthouse Academy operates primarily online and works with partner schools in Qatar for in-person sessions and events.

14) What learning resources and platforms do you use?

We use trusted digital learning tools and have access to ExploreLearning resources such as Gizmos and Frax to enhance Maths and Science lessons.

15) How can families get started?

Visit www.thelighthouseacademy.org to begin your application or book a consultation. You can also reach us via email or WhatsApp (details on our website).

16) Do you support homeschool families?

Yes. We offer structured homeschool curricula, including our Kindergarten 36-week programme with hands-on activities and end-of-term exams in Language Arts, Maths and Science.