Ascot International School Japan vs St. Michael's International School

	A Ascot International School Japan Kobe, Japan	S St. Michael's International School Kobe, Japan
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ¥1,151,000 - 1,871,000	Fees / year ¥1,454,500 - 1,628,400
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 11 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Japanese Curriculum	Curriculum IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils	Pupils 70	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 8	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Japanese	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2018	Opened 1946
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Ascot International School Japan is in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, with the campus at 1-11-2 Kanokodai Minamimachi, Kita-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo 651-1514, Japan. The nearest rail access is Dojo-Minamiguchi Station, about a 15-minute walk from the campus. The site sits on Kanokodai in a green, semi-rural area and includes woodland on campus, offering a natural learning environment. Bus services connect key areas such as Sannomiya, Rokko Island, Sumiyoshi, Hankyu Mikage, Takurazuka, and Sanda.	Location St. Michael's International School is located at 3 Chome-17-2 Nakayamatedori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0004, Japan. It sits on the edge of the Kitano residential area in central Kobe, described as a safe, family-friendly neighborhood with easy access to Sannomiya and Osaka. The surrounding area is multicultural, with places of worship and a range of shops and services within walking distance.
Stages	Stages Ascot International School Japan offers Early Years, Primary (Key Stage 1 & 2), Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3) and Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5) within a Cambridge International framework. The curriculum provides a clear pathway through IGCSE and A-levels, with transition planning from Early Years through to Upper Secondary. The Cambridge alignment has been in place since May 2022.	Stages The school offers Early Years (Ages 3-5) and Primary, covering nursery and Year 1 through Year 6. The Early Years provision serves ages 3-5, and Primary covers the core year groups up to Year 6 (approximately age 11).
School type	School type AISJ operates as a private international school on a day-cum-boarding model, with on-site boarding options available for secondary students in separate Boys' and Girls' dormitories located within walking distance of the school. The day school follows a Cambridge/English-national framework for its curriculum and assessment. Boarding facilities are offered specifically for certain year groups in the secondary program.	School type St. Michael's is a British international school operating on a co-educational, day-only model in the Anglican tradition. It is described as co-educational and Day, and its Anglican character is noted in official descriptions.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix The student body represents more than 15 cultures; the school notes a diverse, intercultural community supported by staff from six continents. Specific counts of nationalities or the local-to-international student ratio are not published.	Pupil nationality mix Preliminary data indicate around 19 nationalities are represented, with Japanese being the most common at about 50%, followed by dual nationals (around 21%), and other groups such as Indian and Chinese (around 18%) and rest of world (around 11%). Approximately 76% of students are local, with about 26% international students.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support No formal SEN policy is published on the AISJ site. The school integrates Japanese language learning alongside its Cambridge English-language curriculum, and staff are described as bilingual, which supports language learners and bilingual students. Specific SEN provisions or facilities are not publicly detailed.	Additional learning support The school runs a Learning Enrichment Service (LES) implemented since 2010, using a three-wave model to monitor and support students' abilities. English Language Learners (ELL) provision is available as part of the enrichment framework.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation is published; AISJ presents itself as an international Cambridge International School serving families in Kobe.	Country affiliation The school identifies as a British international school, affiliated with the United Kingdom.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is published or stated by the school.	Religious affiliation Anglican tradition.
School day structure	School day structure The school opens at 8:30 a.m. Monday–Friday. Teaching runs from 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with extended care available from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. School lunch options are available, with students bringing lunch or choosing a school-provided option.	School day structure The school day runs from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the office and school communications reflecting these hours. Lunch is offered on-site in three sittings; students may bring lunch or go home for lunch.
Bus service details	Bus service details AISJ operates bus services serving areas including Sannomiya, Rokko Island, Sumiyoshi, Hankyu Mikage, Takurazuka, and Sanda, providing transport for students as part of its campus services. The bus network is a stated part of the school's offering to support families.	Bus service details The school provides a bus service. Sign-up is first-come, first-served, with priority given to students who use the bus daily; there is no bus service for after-school activities. Bus safety rules include seat belts, orderly boarding and exiting, and staff monitoring. For those using public transport, discounted passes and timetable assistance are available.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Initial (one-time) fees - Application Fee: JPY 22,000. (Payable once only; non-refundable.) - Enrollment Fee: JPY 165,000. (Payable once only; non-refundable.) - Enrollment Fee – sibling discount (for Ascot student's sibling): JPY 110,000. (Payable once only; non-refundable.) - Assessment Fee (where applicable; after Year 1): JPY 11,000. Tuition fees by year group (Annual and half-term amounts) - Nursery Full (9:00–16:00), age 2–3 — Annual Tuition: JPY 1,030,000; Half-term amount shown: JPY 515,000. - Nursery Half (9:00–12:30), age 2–3 — Annual Tuition: JPY 530,000; Half-term amount: JPY 265,000. - Kindergarten, age 3–4 — Annual Tuition: JPY 1,090,000; Half-term amount: JPY 545,000. - Reception, age 4–5 — Annual Tuition: JPY 1,090,000; Half-term amount: JPY 545,000. - Key Stage 1 (Year 1 and 2), age 5–7 — Annual Tuition: JPY 1,160,000; Half-term amount: JPY 580,000. - Key Stage 2 (Year 3 and 4), age 7–9 — Annual Tuition: JPY 1,210,000; Half-term amount: JPY 605,000. - Key Stage 2 (Year 5 and 6), age 9–11 — Annual Tuition: JPY 1,320,000; Half-term amount: JPY 660,000. - Key Stage 3 (Year 7, 8 and 9), age 11–14 — Annual Tuition: JPY 1,470,000; Half-term amount: JPY 735,000. - Key Stage 4 (Year 10 and 11), age 14–16 — Annual Tuition: JPY 1,600,000; Half-term amount: JPY 800,000. - Key Stage 5 (Year 12 and 13), age 16–18 — Annual Tuition: JPY 1,750,000; Half-term amount: JPY 875,000. - In-school Instructor (16–18) — Annual Tuition: JPY 1,750,000; Half-term amount: JPY 875,000. - Online Learning (16–18) — Annual Tuition: JPY 1,750,000; Half-term amount: JPY 875,000. Other mandatory and exam-related fees - Building & Development Fee: JPY 110,000. - Technology Fee: JPY 11,000. - Cambridge assessment/test fees (by year group, payable as applicable): - Cambridge (O) / IGCSE tests for Years 1–5: JPY 15,000 (per indicated test item). - Cambridge (O) / IGCSE tests for Year 6: JPY 23,000. - Cambridge MidYIS tests for Years 7–8: JPY 20,000. - Cambridge MidYIS tests for Year 9: JPY 26,000. - Cambridge Yellis tests for Year 10: JPY 26,000. School bus fees - Sanda Area — Round-trip: JPY 25,000; One-way: JPY 20,000. - Takarazuka Area — Round-trip: JPY 40,000; One-way: JPY 32,000. - Rokko Area — Round-trip: JPY 40,000; One-way: JPY 32,000. - Sannomiya Area — Round-trip: JPY 50,000; One-way: JPY 40,000. - Notes on bus billing: the bus fee is charged monthly; priority is given to round-trip users; semi-annual (longer-term) bus users are charged the applicable rate even if the service is used once in a month; one-way single-trip use is charged at the stated one-way rate divided by 20 days; refunds are not offered after use. After-school care and tutoring fees - After School Care (16:00–17:30): JPY 3,300 (per session/period as shown). - After School Tutoring (16:00–17:00): JPY 5,100 (per session/period as shown). Dormitory / boarding fees (where applicable) - Dormitory initial (one-off) fee: JPY 22,000. (Non-refundable after the academic year starts.) - Dormitory Monthly Fee (weekday, Monday to Friday): JPY 30,000. - Per non-school day (Saturday, Sunday and holiday): JPY 4,000. Cash-handling, issuance and small administrative fees - Cash Handling Fee (payable upon receipt of cash or before certificate is issued): JPY 550. - Reissue of Student ID Card: JPY 500. - Issuance of Transcript (per copy; issued up to 3 years): JPY 1,000. - Issuance of Certificate of Graduation: JPY 1,000. - Issuance of Certificate of Expected Graduation: JPY 1,000. - Issuance of Report Card (per year; issued up to 3 years): JPY 1,000. - Translation of documents specified by the school: JPY 500 per page. Billing schedule and payment terms - Initial fees (application, enrollment and similar initial charges) are payable once and are non-refundable. - Tuition figures are presented as annual amounts and as a half-term figure (labelled on the schedule as “Half Term x2”); tuition and other ongoing fees are non-refundable once the academic year has started where stated. - School bus fees are charged monthly; one-way single-trip usage is calculated using the one-way rate divided by 20 days. Refunds for bus usage are not provided once the service has been used. - Specific invoicing cycles (dates of invoice issue and exact due dates) are issued by the school at enrolment; administrative handling fees apply for cash payments or re-issued documents. Refund information - Initial fees (application, enrollment) and certain charges are explicitly non-refundable. - Tuition and ancillary fees are described as non-refundable after the academic year starts where indicated. - Bus fees and individual ride charges are not refundable after use; refunds are not offered under the circumstances described for bus service. Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods listed: bank transfer, cash, and PayPal. - Small cash-handling and issuance fees apply when paying by cash or when certificates/documents are issued. Notes and caveats - Cambridge exam fees (IGCSE / AS / A-level) are charged separately and are not included in the listed tuition amounts. - All prices are subject to change and specific dates, invoicing cycles and any additional optional charges (for example, extra-curricular or international shipping for documents) are handled and confirmed by the school at enrolment or on invoices.	Fee details Application & Registration Fees - Application Fee: non-refundable. Typical published amounts range between ¥40,000 and ¥50,000 depending on the published schedule. - Registration Fee (one-time, non-refundable): published amounts vary by entry point; examples shown in public fee schedules include Nursery-level and Reception/above categories (example published values: Nursery ¥100,000; Reception & above approx. ¥290,000–¥300,000). The registration fee must be paid within three weeks of an official acceptance offer. Tuition fees by year group (annual and instalment details) - The school operates a three-term academic year but invoices tuition in two instalments (payment due in July and January). Therefore a stated annual tuition is typically billed in two equal instalments (July and January). A penalty applies for late payment (see Billing schedule and payment terms). - Representative annual tuition figures (examples published for the most recent full fee schedule made publicly available): - Age 3 (Kindergarten 1): Annual tuition component shown as ¥1,304,500 (first-year total is higher because of one-time application/registration/technology fees). Total annual costs (excluding first-year one-time payments) published for ages/grades: ¥1,454,500 for ages 3–4; ¥1,628,400 for ages 5–10 (Grade 1–5). These figures represent the school's published annual-fee structure used in the fee schedule made public by the school and third‑party school-fee aggregators. For budgeting, the annual tuition component is billed in two instalments (July and January). - Instalment example: where the annual tuition is ¥1,304,500, the standard billing schedule (two instalments) results in two equal payments of approximately ¥652,250 due in July and January. The school's billing practice is to invoice tuition in two instalments rather than on a per-term (three-term) basis. One‑time and recurring additional fees - Technology Fee: one-time and non-refundable; applies to all students enrolling in Year One and to new students enrolling in Years Two to Six. Example published amounts in public fee schedules: ¥50,000 (one-time). - Maintenance Fee: annual and non‑refundable; example published amount ¥150,000. This is charged in full for all students (returning and new) regardless of date of entry and is not pro‑rated. Payment is due in July or at time of enrolment. - Insurance Fee: annual, paid per child; covers supervised school activities and travel to/from school. The insurance benefit schedule is published by the school (examples of benefit amounts are included in the school policy). Example published premium amounts (in public fee summaries) include figures such as approximately ¥6,400 per child in some published summaries. The insurance premium is not refundable. - PTA Fee: annual, paid per family; non‑refundable. Example published PTA contribution amounts appear in public fee summaries (e.g., around ¥5,000). - Library bag and school cap: invoiced with school fees. Replacement costs example: library bag ¥1,800; school cap ¥2,000. - Uniforms: school and PE uniform are mandatory and are additional to tuition. School lunch, school bus, after‑school activity fees and optional photograph purchases are charged separately. First-year total (example composition) - For first‑year budgeting many published schedules separate one‑time items (application, registration, technology) from recurring annual items (tuition, maintenance, insurance, PTA). Example composition published in public fee summaries for first year (illustrative): Application Fee ¥40,000; Registration Fee ¥290,000; Technology Fee ¥50,000; Maintenance Fee ¥150,000; Tuition Fee ¥1,304,500 — producing a first‑year total (illustrative) of ¥1,834,500 for a Kindergarten1 entry. Annual totals for continuing years are lower because one‑time fees are not repeated. Use the annual tuition figures above to compute continuing‑year totals and instalments. Boarding fees - St. Michael's operates as a day school (no boarding provision). Boarding fees are not applicable. Billing schedule, payment terms and penalties - Tuition billing: invoiced in two instalments; due in July and January. For students entering mid‑year, tuition is charged from the month of entry; other fees must be paid in full at the time they are due. The school operates a three‑term year (August–December; January–March; April–June) for attendance and withdrawal calculations. - Late payment penalties and consequences: a penalty of ¥30,000 is applied for payments received 15 days after the due date. Students whose tuition is outstanding 60 days after the due date may be suspended; the school may withhold reports, transcripts or transfer certificates while balances remain unpaid. If a student is suspended for non‑payment, reinstatement may require an additional ¥50,000 plus full remaining year's fees payable in advance. - Withdrawal terms and refunds: a minimum of two months' written notice of withdrawal must be given to the Head of School. Children who leave before the end of the school year will be charged up to the end of the term in which they withdraw. Fees held beyond the final account point are returned within 30 days of leaving. A late withdrawal fee of ¥30,000 applies to families who, after making the July payment, withdraw before the start of the new academic year. Maintenance, insurance, PTA and technology fees are explicitly non‑refundable and are not pro‑rated. In the event of an unexpected school closure where learning continues remotely, full tuition is maintained and no refund is provided. Other costs to budget for - Uniforms (school and PE) — mandatory and additional to tuition. - Optional services: school lunch; school bus; after‑school activities (charged per term); optional photograph purchases. - Small school accessories invoiced with fees: library bag and school cap (replacement costs listed above). Fee payment methods and bank details - Published payment method: bank transfer. Separate bank account details are provided for transfers from within Japan and for overseas transfers (MUFG Bank with SWIFT: BOTKJPJT and the school's account number). Any bank charges are the payer's responsibility. The school's published policy lists bank transfer as the required payment route. No general public statement of standard credit‑card payment acceptance for annual tuition is published in the school's payment policy; banking transfer is the established published method. Sibling discount - A 15% sibling discount on tuition applies to younger siblings when two or more children from the same parents attend simultaneously. The discount applies to tuition only; other fees (application, registration, maintenance, insurance, PTA, technology) must be paid in full. The oldest child pays full tuition; the discount applies in order of enrollment. Summary of non‑refundable items and key penalties - Non‑refundable: Application Fee; Registration Fee; Maintenance Fee; Insurance Fee; Technology Fee; PTA Fee. - Penalties: ¥30,000 late‑payment fee after 15 days; suspension and possible withholding of documentation for accounts outstanding 60 days; ¥50,000 reinstatement condition where suspension occurred for non‑payment; ¥30,000 late withdrawal fee in specified circumstances. Note: the school publishes a narrative "Fees for 2025–2026" and a detailed Payment Policy that sets billing terms, penalties, non‑refundable items and bank transfer instructions; publicly available fee schedules and school‑fee aggregators publish specific annual tuition and one‑time fee figures (examples summarized above) that are used for family budgeting.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Boarding is provided for secondary students through separate boys' and girls' dormitories, located within walking distance of the school. The dormitories indicate on-site housing for boarders. The exact boarding model (full, weekly, or flexi) and specifics on meals or dormitory supervision are not published. This arrangement supports students who live on campus during term time.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Nursery students do not wear a school uniform. From Kindergarten onwards, students wear the school uniform daily. The uniform is described as comfortable, attractive, and easy to maintain.	Uniform requirement The uniform is worn daily by all students. There are winter and summer uniforms to suit the Japanese climate.
Food options	Food options School lunch is available from the school kitchen, and students may either bring lunch or order the daily lunch. Lunch is supervised by staff while on campus. Dietary options are not specified on the page.	Food options Lunch can be brought from home (bento) or students may go home for lunch. Students who go home for lunch must be collected by a parent or authorized adult.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The Kobe campus operates within the Ascot International School network, with a sister campus in Bangkok. The school is Cambridge International School and WASC accredited. Ownership or formal governance details are not published.	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a Board of Trustees and a Council; all trustees and council members serve as volunteers and receive no compensation. The Anglican Diocese of Kobe loaned the land on which the school sits.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Ascot International School Japan follows the Cambridge International Curriculum, aligned with the English National Curriculum, and is a Cambridge International School and testing center. Early Years (nursery through Year 1) use the Cambridge Early Years Foundation Stage, with child-centered, play-based learning that develops social-emotional skills and early literacy through unit-based activities. Primary (Key Stage 1 and 2) provides a broad subject-based curriculum including English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Design and Technology, Art, Music, Physical Education, ICT, and a second language, building on Early Years and linked to the English National Curriculum. Upper Secondary, or Key Stage 4, offers IGCSE with core subjects of English, Mathematics, and Science and elective options such as Psychology, Business Studies and Art and Design, with examinations typically at the end of Year 11. Key Stage 5 offers A level courses and the Cambridge AICE Diploma to support progression to higher education. In addition to Cambridge study, Ascot runs a Nature and SDG focused supplemental curriculum on a campus of about 5 acres with 4 acres of woodland and is accredited by WASC, with small class sizes.	Curriculum details Early Years (ages 3-5) blend the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), with IEYC units starting with an Entry Point and ending with an Exit Point. From Year 1 to Year 6, Primary uses the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) with thematically linked units in Geography, Art, Science, History, Music and Technology, integrated with English and Mathematics. English instruction is based on the National Curriculum for England and Wales, with systematic phonics in the Early Years and a focus on reading and writing across genres. Mathematics follows the UK Primary Framework for Mathematics, with Milepost progressions mapping Years 1-2 to Milepost One, Years 3-4 to Milepost Two, and Years 5-6 to Milepost Three. The Japanese programme runs from Year 1 in two groups and continues through Year 6 with Kokugo where appropriate; a 1:1 Chromebook program supports learning from Year 1 to Year 6, AI is used to enhance teaching and administration, and assessment includes UK Early Years Learning Goals for Nursery/Reception and ISA external assessments for Years 4-6.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning AISJ emphasizes student wellbeing as a core consideration, though a formal SEL program is not named in public materials. The staff page states that administration and support staff place the wellbeing and education of students at the center of their efforts. There are social development opportunities through after-school clubs such as AFA Soccer, Badminton, Basketball, Gaming Club, and Homework Club. AISJ maintains small class sizes (no more than 15 students per classroom), which supports individual attention and peer interaction.	Social & emotional learning St. Michael's International School supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a structured student leadership framework and a values-based culture. The Student Leadership Council (SLC) comprises Year Four to Year Six pupils who are elected to represent peers, provide a forum for student voice, communicate student opinion to the school administration, and help develop the school's partnerships with other schools and UNICEF-inspired rights assemblies. SLC activities include advocating for rights in assemblies and fundraising, and modeling school values such as Respect, Compassion, Integrity, Tolerance, Honesty, Endeavour, and Responsibility. The school teaches these values to the whole community via Religious Education and assemblies to foster a cooperative, multicultural environment. Wellness and service initiatives, including Wellness Week and Compassion in Action, reinforce SEL by promoting movement, mindfulness, kindness, and empathy in daily life and school routines.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) A named SEN provision exists, with Claire Pontvienne listed as Special Needs on AISJ's Our Staff page. An EAL provision exists, with Wakako Tameoka listed as Secondary Japanese EAL. The curriculum includes a bilingual approach, with Japanese language integrated alongside English to foster dual language learners. The site does not publicly disclose the kinds of SEN it can support or whether AISJ is a specialist SEN institution.	Special educational needs (SEN) St. Michael's uses a Learning Enrichment Service (LES) since 2010 to monitor and track the abilities of all students and to provide three Waves of support. The LES is described as a school-wide framework for identifying needs and delivering extended or targeted assistance, though the site does not enumerate specific Special Educational Needs categories. The LES is presented as part of Learning Enrichment within a mainstream setting, not as a separate specialist SEN institution. The three waves provide graduated support, with universal strategies and targeted interventions as appropriate. The site does not publicly list the exact SEN types the school can address.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language There is EAL provision with Wakako Tameoka (Secondary Japanese EAL) listed on the Our Staff page. All staff are native English speakers and many are bilingual, according to AISJ's staff description. The Japanese language program is integrated with the international English curriculum to foster dual language learners. The school offers Japanese Early Years, Primary and Secondary curriculum in tandem with English, supporting dual language learning.	English as an additional language St. Michael's welcomes students who use languages other than English, and English is the medium of instruction. The English Language Learners (ELL) programme aims to develop students' Knowledge, Skills and Understanding of English and is integrated into the mainstream curriculum as far as possible. ELL support is a whole-school responsibility, with strategies to meet individual language needs developed across staff and the learning environment. The ELL programme is provided without charging a fee.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing AISJ states that the wellbeing of students is central to the efforts of staff. There is an on-site Nurse Station in the Early Years building, reflecting health support on campus. Social and extracurricular activities, including after-school clubs, provide social engagement that can support emotional wellbeing. Public materials do not describe a separate mental health programme or counsellor role.	Mental wellbeing Wellbeing is embedded in school life, with Wellness Week dedicated to promoting physical, mental, and emotional health through movement, mindfulness, hydration, rest, and acts of kindness. The initiative is linked to Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, and includes a Step Up Challenge to raise mental health awareness and funds for TELL Japan. Wellbeing is described as woven into daily routines, curriculum, and relationships year-round, not confined to a single event. This approach supports calmer classrooms, confident learners, and compassionate global citizens.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The Safety and Security page documents campus safety measures including controlled access, fencing, CCTV with facial recognition, and 24/7 Secom security. Visitors sign in and wear badges; end-of-day dismissal is by Class Teachers to parents or designated caretakers. The campus is described as earthquake-safe and well-ventilated. Public information on safeguarding and child protection policies is not publicly disclosed on AISJ's site.	Safeguarding The school maintains a Child Protection & Safeguarding policy based on the International Task Force on Child Protection (ITFCP) and the Japan Council for International Schools (JCIS). The policy identifies four abuse types—Physical, Emotional, Sexual, and Neglect—and requires staff to report incidences or suspicions to the Designated Safety Officer Lead (DSOL) or Head within 24 hours. A designated Child Protection Team coordinates safeguarding, with possible involvement of an external multidisciplinary team when necessary, and staff follow a professional code of conduct with annual safeguarding training. Safer recruitment practices include references, identity verification, qualification checks, and police background checks. The policy is distributed to parents annually and reviewed yearly.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The campus spans over 5 acres, including 4 acres of woodland used for nature-based learning. The Early Years block includes six classrooms, a nurse station, a canteen, a library, offices, a conference room, a playground and on-site car parking. The Middle and Secondary facilities (Phase 2, completed in 2020) include four classrooms, a science lab, an art room, a kitchen and accessible facilities, with high ceilings and wooden beams and natural building features such as straw bale walls and clay interior walls. The school has a gymnasium for indoor sports and a full-sized artificial turf soccer pitch on site. Separate Boys' and Girls' dormitories for secondary students are located within walking distance of the school.	Facilities overview The campus serves Early Years and Primary students in Kobe, Japan. The library is well-stocked with fiction and non-fiction and supports IPC units with weekly library lessons and borrowing up to four books per student. The technology program features a one-to-one Chromebook setup for Years 1–6, with a computing curriculum and classroom tools including Smart Boards, Chromebooks and iPads used in maths. The cafeteria operates with three seating sessions to stagger meals and offers shaded outdoor spaces including a rooftop sports area and a playground. Music is taught by specialist teachers with opportunities for class music, choir, and ensembles.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The school has a gymnasium for basketball, volleyball and badminton, providing a safe, well-ventilated space for indoor PE. On-site is a full-sized, JFA-approved artificial turf soccer pitch for football training and matches. Outdoor spaces include 4 acres of woodland used for outdoor education and activities.	Sports facilities Outdoor spaces include a shaded rooftop sports area and a playground. No indoor gym or swimming pool is listed among current facilities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Academic facilities include a library in the Early Years building, and a dedicated science laboratory and art room in the secondary complex. A kitchen supports culinary and food-technology learning. The facilities are designed with high ceilings, wooden beams and excellent natural light and ventilation.	Academic facilities The library provides a calm space for reading and learning, with a focus on IPC-linked topics and a borrowing system. The school operates a one-to-one Chromebook program for Years 1–6 and a computing curriculum that includes coding and digital citizenship. Classrooms use Smart Boards and a range of devices to support learning, including Chromebooks and iPads.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities After-school activities include Ascot Football Academy Kobe on site, with AFA Soccer, Badminton and Basketball clubs (Mondays and Wednesdays), a Gaming Club, and Homework Club. Activities typically run from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, providing opportunities for enrichment beyond the core curriculum.	Extra curricular facilities Music education is delivered by specialist teachers, with opportunities for class music, choir, and ensembles. The school also runs St. Michael's International Summer School offering IPC/IEYC, English, numeracy, technology, crafts, and daily water-based activities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Ascot International School Japan opened in January 2018 as the Kobe campus of the Ascot network, a sister school to Ascot International School Bangkok, established in 1995. It is the only K–13 Cambridge International School and testing center west of the Kansai region. The Middle and Secondary School building was completed in September 2020, featuring facilities such as a science laboratory, an art room and other facilities built with natural materials. In May 2022 AISJ joined the Cambridge International network, aligning its curriculum with the English National Curriculum, while maintaining Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation.	History St. Michael's International School opened on 10 March 1946 on land owned by the Anglican church in Kobe. It was founded by Miss Leonora Lea, a British missionary, together with Bishop Michael Yashiro of Kobe's St. Michael's Diocese, who would later become Anglican Primate of Japan. The school's roots extend back to 1893, with the English Mission School established on the current site. The campus withstood the 1995 Kobe earthquake and has since grown into a long‑standing part of Kobe's international community. The school's British educational heritage and Anglican tradition continue to shape its identity.
Community	Community Ascot International School Japan has an intercultural ethos with staff from six continents and students representing more than 15 cultures. The campus spans more than four acres of woodland and offers outdoor learning experiences as part of its nature-focused program. The school provides a range of clubs and after-school activities, including Saturday School English Lessons, AFA Soccer, badminton and basketball, Gaming Club and Homework Club. Family and community events are documented through the Recent Events Gallery, including celebrations of Hinamatsuri (Girl's Day) and Kodomo no Hi (Children's Day) as well as Wellness Day.	Community St. Michael's is a British international school in the Anglican tradition with a caring, family‑friendly culture. It emphasises international mindedness as part of its learning approach and serves a diverse, international student body. The school organizes service and charity activities, including the Student Leadership Council's involvement in local projects and annual gift drives for nearby communities. Community events and intercultural understanding activities bring students, families, and staff together in shared experiences.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association A formal PTA is not publicly described on AISJ's pages; family involvement is reflected through events and programs. The Recent Events Gallery lists Open House, Trial Days and International Kids Day as Promotional Events, and Community Events such as Hinamatsuri, Kodomo no Hi and Wellness Day. A Holiday Concert is held annually, inviting families to attend. After-school clubs and Saturday English Lessons provide opportunities for parent participation and volunteering, with activities such as Soccer, Badminton, Basketball, Gaming Club and Homework Club. These programs and events offer informal avenues for parent-school collaboration alongside Open House visits.	Parent teacher association The school charges an annual PTA Fee paid per family, which funds a range of PTA events (referred to as POSMs) throughout the year and supports equipment updates, gifts, prizes, and refreshments for competitions and activities. The POSMs publish their treasurer's report in June each year, ensuring transparency about funds raised and spent. POSMs organize events such as bake sales and other fundraisers, often referenced in school communications as POSM‑led activities (for example bake‑sale initiatives). The PTA and POSMs activity supports school life beyond the classroom and involves parents in planning, volunteering, and attending events. Charity and service remain a core focus, with activities like the Mikage Children's Home Christmas Gift Drive and Compassion in Action highlighted in school news.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Ascot International School Japan offers after-school programs including Ascot Football Academy (AFA), Badminton, Basketball, Gaming Club, and Homework Club, running from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. The school runs After School Lessons with an integrated English focus on Mondays (4:30–5:30 PM) and Thursdays (4:00–5:00 PM). Saturday English sessions provide additional language practice outside regular hours. The Cambridge International Curriculum underpins learning, aligning with the English National Curriculum and providing a pathway to IGCSE and A-levels, with differentiated instruction and opportunities to learn outdoors.	Academic & intellectual St. Michael's offers an after-school club programme designed to enrich the broad and balanced curriculum. The club programme runs for 5–8 weeks each term, and the full programme is announced at the start of each term. Most clubs are led by SMIS staff, with some supervised by qualified external professionals, and after-school sessions run from 15:20 to 16:10. The school also conducts educational visits as part of enrichment and provides annual residential experiences for older students.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative The music program follows the National Curriculum of England, with each class receiving a weekly 45-minute music lesson from a specialist teacher. Additional opportunities include choir, a string ensemble and a ukulele group for students with strong interest in music. Term-time clubs also offer Arts & Crafts and Singing.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Ascot offers Japanese Early Years, Primary, and Secondary curricula in tandem with its international English-language curriculum. The school emphasizes intercultural learning, with staff from six continents and students representing more than 15 cultures. This intercultural ethos aims to foster respect across the school community.	Cultural & language English language support is available for English language learners through SMIS-English and the Learn English program. The Admissions Policy notes an English Language Learner (ELL) program and an English Language Section (ELS) for additional language support. The school is located in a multicultural area of Kobe with diverse religious and cultural institutions nearby, which supports exposure to international perspectives. St. Michael's maintains international-mindedness through CIS/ICA accreditation and COBIS membership.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies After-school clubs include Ascot Football Academy (AFA) Soccer, Badminton, Basketball, Gaming Club, and Homework Club. These activities run from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. There are English-focused after-school options, including After School Lessons on Mondays (Beginner) and Thursdays (Intermediate to Advanced). Saturday English provides additional language practice outside regular hours.	Social & hobbies The after-school programme includes Arts & Crafts, Sports, Computers and Gaming, Singing, and Traditional Board Games. A Taekwondo club has been introduced to the after-school lineup. Clubs run from 15:20 to 16:10, with supervision by staff during the sessions. Attendance is required for all club sessions, with refunds only for injury or prolonged illness.
Community & service	Community & service Ascot Environment and Community focuses on empowering students to contribute to a sustainable and equitable future through education, innovation, and community action. On campus, the school has recycled more than 8 tons of coffee grounds and over 3 tons of discarded fruit and vegetables, and it has planted over 150 trees to create a food forest. The school is developing methods to collect and purify rainwater for drinking. These SDGs projects aim to educate and empower students and staff while supporting the local community.	Community & service Compassion in Action is a focus of student life, with charity and service activities. The Student Leadership Council (SLC) participates in outreach and charitable activities. Recent updates describe the SLC visiting Kodomo Shokudo to understand how funds are used. The school is located in a multicultural area of Kobe that supports community engagement.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional St. Michael's maintains a Student Leadership Council (SLC) that provides student leadership opportunities. The SLC leads outreach and charitable activities. The SLC's work includes visits to local community organizations as part of service learning. Participation in the SLC helps students develop teamwork, communication, and organizational skills.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus includes a full-sized, professional-grade soccer pitch and a gymnasium for sports. The school spans over five acres, including 4 acres of woodland used for nature studies and outdoor learning. SDG-focused programs include gardening for food self-sufficiency, tree planting, and rainwater collection, promoting environmental stewardship and wellbeing. These features support physical activity and mental wellbeing through active, outdoor experiences.	Lifestyle & wellbeing After-school clubs include Taekwondo and other sports, providing regular physical activity beyond class time. Other clubs cover arts, music, computing and traditional games, supporting social development and wellbeing. Clubs run from 15:20 to 16:10, supervised by staff. There is no bus service for after-school clubs.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the primary language of instruction, with the Cambridge International Curriculum aligned to the English National Curriculum. Japanese is taught as a language across Early Years, Primary and Secondary as part of Ascot's bilingual program. In Primary, a second language is listed as part of the curriculum.	Language provision English is the language of instruction, based on the English National Curriculum. English Language Learners (ELL) provides language support for students whose home language is not English, and the program is integrated into the mainstream curriculum, with no charging policy for ELL. Japanese is taught as a language through the Japanese Language Programme, with Year One split into two language groups taught by two specialist Japanese teachers using the same curriculum. From Year Two to Year Six, groups are adjusted to learner needs with an adapted Japanese Curriculum for beginners, and the programme includes Japanese culture events, weekly Japanese Home Learning, and language enrichment clubs.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching English and Japanese are taught in Ascot's bilingual program. Japanese Early Years, Primary and Secondary curricula run in tandem with the international English language curriculum. Ascot aims to foster students to become proficient and confident dual language learners.	Bilingual teaching English is the medium of instruction for the curriculum. A formal bilingual program across core subjects is not described; Japanese is offered as a separate language programme. English Language Learners (ELL) supports students whose home language is not English and aims to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of English, with teaching integrated into the mainstream curriculum.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations - Cambridge International School and testing center west of the Kansai region: Ascot is a Cambridge International School and testing center, and is the only K–13 Cambridge International School and testing center west of the Kansai region. This signals that the school follows the Cambridge International curriculum and can administer Cambridge exams. The Cambridge curriculum is aligned with the English National Curriculum and supports pathways through IGCSE and A-levels. - WASC accreditation: Ascot is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), an external U.S. accreditation body that provides quality assurance for international schools.	Accreditations St. Michael's International School holds several international accreditations and regional memberships that benchmark its quality and practice. The school began CIS accreditation in 2007 and most recently was reaccredited in January 2024. It achieved International Curriculum Association (ICA) accreditation in June 2019, with ICA noting five areas of excellent practice and linking this to IPC Learning Process. St. Michael's became an accredited COBIS member in November 2020. It is a long-standing member of EARCOS (East Asia Region Council of International Schools) and a founding member of JCIS (Japan Council of International Schools). The IPC framework is part of its ICA accreditation, underscoring a rigorous, developmentally focused curriculum.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Inquiry. An admission inquiry can be made at any time. You can reach out by email or phone to request admission information, and the school will provide the relevant details for your family. You may be asked for basic information about your child to help tailor the information you'll receive. 2. Admission Period. Admissions are possible throughout the year, space permitting. The most popular entry times are late August (predominantly international students) and early April (predominantly Japanese students). Space availability can vary by grade and year, so early contact is advised. 3. Book a tour or Open House. You may attend an Open House or arrange a school visit by email or phone. The visit typically includes a Head of School meeting, a guided tour, and opportunities to interact with teaching staff. During this visit, you can ask questions about curriculum, facilities, and student life, and you may also arrange a Trial Day for your child. 4. Application. Applications are submitted in person after completing the necessary forms and paying the application fee. The school will then arrange an interview with the Headmaster, which can be conducted in person or online. The one-time application fee is ¥22,000 and the one-time enrollment fee is ¥165,000. There are annual charges including Building and Development ¥110,000 and Technology ¥11,000, and the annual tuition starts at ¥1,030,000, with the first-year total at ¥1,338,000. 5. Interview with the Headmaster. The interview helps clarify how well the child's needs align with the school's offerings, and it can involve both the family and the child. Interviews can be conducted on site or online if needed. Staff may participate to discuss English proficiency, learning support needs, and overall fit with Ascot's program. 6. Acceptance. Admission decisions are communicated in a timely manner, along with additional forms for acceptance. Once the offer is accepted, families receive further instructions about enrollment steps and timelines. 7. First Day of School. The school will welcome the child on the agreed start date and place them in the appropriate class. Families will receive information about uniforms and other materials, which can be purchased at the school if desired. A smooth transition plan is provided to help new students settle in.	Admissions St. Michael's International School is located in Kobe, Japan, and is a British international school teaching in English (with a structured British-style curriculum delivered by native English-speaking teachers). The school publishes a clear set of fees and payment policies and notes that fees may be revised by the school. The site also indicates annual tuition/fee-related information is structured around a not-for-profit model with a range of charges beyond tuition (see details below). Fees are stated in Japanese yen and the school can be contacted for current amounts and invoicing. The school's admissions process is described separately for families residing in Japan and for families residing overseas, with a single admissions contact point and a multi-step submission/assessment pathway. The admissions page confirms that the academic year runs from August to June and operates three terms, with a focus on international-mindedness and a British-style curriculum. The page also notes that the school accepts online applications and provides details for online information sessions and tours. Fees (summary of fees as published): - Tuition: Tuition Fees are paid per student and are charged in two installments each year, in July and January. If a child joins mid-year (e.g., January or April), tuition is charged from the month of entry; other fees remain payable in full. A 15% sibling discount on tuition is offered to families with multiple children. The exact tuition amount is not shown on the page, and current figures are provided on invoice from the admissions office. - Maintenance Fee: Paid annually for all students, non-refundable, not pro-rated, and due in August. - Insurance: Annual per-child insurance covering death, hospitalization, and outpatient costs; non-refundable. - PTA Fee: Annual per-family fee, non-refundable. - Technology Fee: One-time fee for Year One and new students in Years Two to Six; non-refundable. - English Language Support (Immersion English Programme): Available for Year 5 & 6 students joining from overseas with limited English; details and fees are provided on inquiry. - Other costs and optional items: Library bag and school cap are charged with other school fees; after-school activities are optional; school lunch, bus, and in-house photos are optional. Replacement bags and caps carry extra costs. - Payment terms and penalties: A late payment penalty of ¥30,000 applies if payments are received 15 days after the due date; accounts unpaid after 60 days may be suspended; reinstatement requires an extra payment of ¥50,000 plus full remaining year's fees. The annual tuition/fee policy also states all fees must be paid in full and that late withdrawal and non-payment can affect enrollment/records. - Where fees are paid from Japan or overseas: Bank transfer details are provided for both domestic and overseas payments, and the school notes that the payer is responsible for any bank charges. Admissions Process (Step-by-step, two pathways): A) For families residing in Japan 1. Step 1 – Online application and fee payment: Submit the online application form and upload required documents (child photo, birth ID, and school reports if applicable). The Application Fee must be paid at the time of application by bank transfer; the application is non-refundable and is not reviewed until the school confirms receipt. The school asks for disclosure of any learning, medical, or behavioral issues at this time and to email related documents if applicable. 2. Step 2 – Confidential Recommendation from current school: The school will contact the child's current/previous school to obtain a Confidential Recommendation Form and conduct a background check. When all documents are received and the report is satisfactory, you will be invited to the next stage; places are subject to availability. If places are unavailable, your family will be placed in a waiting pool and informed of this status. 3. Step 3 – Interview and assessment: You and your child are invited to visit for an interview and initial assessment; a trial day may be arranged to clarify suitability. Additional testing/interview with a Learning Enrichment Programme Coordinator may be scheduled if required. 4. Step 4 – Notification and securing a place: Expect a decision within about two weeks via the email address provided in the application. If accepted, you will receive an Acceptance of Place Form and a school-fees invoice; to secure the place, you must submit the form and pay the fee invoice as specified. If oversubscribed, you may be placed in the waiting pool, and you will be contacted when a space opens. B) For families residing overseas 1. Step 1 – Online application and overseas documentation: Complete the online application and upload required documents (child photo, birth ID, school reports). The Application Fee must be paid at application time by bank transfer; overseas transfer fees may apply (about ¥4,000). The school asks for open disclosure of learning/medical/behavioral issues and to email any relevant documents. 2. Step 2 – Confidential Recommendation from current school: The school will contact the child's previous/current school for a Confidential Recommendation Form and a background check. If reports are satisfactory and spaces are available, you will be invited to the next step; if not, you'll be placed in the Waiting Pool and informed of the status. 3. Step 3 – Overseas provisional acceptance: The school issues an Overseas Provisional Acceptance, plus an invoice for the Registration Fee and an Acceptance of Provisional Place Form. To secure a place, you must complete the form and pay the Registration Fee prior to the interview and assessment; the Registration Fee is normally non-refundable. If the year group is oversubscribed, applicants will be placed in the waiting pool. 4. Step 4 – Assessment & interview in Kobe: The interview and assessment occur on arrival in Kobe to formalise acceptance. You may join the class on an agreed date with the Head of School; you'll be invoiced for all outstanding school fees after a successful assessment. If the child is not accepted, the Registration Fee is refunded; however, if information was knowingly withheld at Step 1, the refund may not take place. Waitlist/Pool (oversubscription and placement): - The school uses a waiting pool when a year group is oversubscribed. Placement in the pool occurs after the interview/assessment process if there are no available places at that time. The pool's capacity to admit wait-pooled students varies from year to year, and families will be contacted when openings occur. This wait pool mechanism is described in both the in-Japan and overseas application procedures. Scholarships and financial assistance overview: - The published live site does not list a formal scholarship program with eligibility criteria or application steps beyond the standard tuition and fee structure. The school does publish a 15% tuition sibling discount, which applies to tuition fees (not to all other fees). For families seeking financial assistance beyond the sibling discount, inquiries are usually directed to the Admissions Office for guidance on potential options or humanitarian/Donor-funded funds, as referenced in related school materials (not published as a standard, clearly defined scholarship program on the live site). The presence of a scholarship-focused fund or donor-supported scholarship program is mentioned in development and alumni materials outside the live admissions pages, but it is not published as a formal, on-page scholarship offering with clear criteria on the live site. Families seeking financial aid should contact the Admissions Office to discuss current options and eligibility.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships The live site does not publish a formal scholarship program with explicit criteria or application steps. A 15% tuition discount is available for siblings. References to a Miss Lea Scholarship Fund or donor-supported scholarships appear in development or alumni materials outside the live admissions pages, but there is no published, page-level detail on a current scholarship program with criteria on the live site. For families seeking financial assistance beyond the sibling discount, contact Admissions for guidance on current options.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not publish a formal waitlist or pool system. Admissions are offered on a rolling basis, space permitting. If a grade is temporarily full, spaces may open later depending on availability, but there is no published waitlist policy or capacity for a formal waitlist pool on Ascot's pages.	Waitlist Yes. The school uses a wait pool for oversubscribed year groups. Wait-pooled applicants are admitted only as spaces become available, and capacity to admit wait-pooled students varies from year to year. This wait-pool process is noted in both the in-country and overseas admissions procedures. If you are placed in the wait pool, you will be informed when an opening becomes available.
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