K. International School Tokyo vs The British School in Tokyo - Azabudai Hills Campus

	K K. International School Tokyo Tokyo, Japan	T The British School in Tokyo - Azabudai Hills Campus Tokyo, Japan
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ¥2,802,000 - 3,020,000	Fees / year ¥2,920,000 - 3,030,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 11 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 660	Pupils 1,300
Typical class size	Typical class size 26	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1997	Opened 2023
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Location: 1-5-15 Shirakawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0021, Japan. The campus sits on the western edge of Koto-ku near the intersection of Kiyosubashi-dori and Kiyosumi-dori. It is a short walk from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station, which provides easy subway access to central Tokyo.	Location The Azabudai Hills Campus is located at 1-3-3 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0041, Japan, in the Azabudai Hills development near the Tokyo Tower. The campus opened on 28 August 2023 and houses Nursery to Year 6. It is within a short walk of Kamiyacho Station and Roppongi-Itchome Station via pedestrian routes.
Stages	Stages School levels follow four program stages: Primary Years Programme (K1–G5), Lower Secondary Programme (G6–G8), Edexcel International GCSE (G9–G10), and the IB Diploma Programme (G11–G12). This structure supports a continuum from early years through to pre-university study.	Stages Nursery to Year 6 at the Azabudai Hills Campus (Primary). Year 7 to Year 13 are taught at the Showa Campus (Showa Women's University, Taishido, Setagaya).
School type	School type K. International School Tokyo is a private, co-educational, non-denominational day school serving students from pre-kindergarten to Grade 12.	School type Co-educational international day school. (BST operates two central Tokyo campuses for different age ranges.)
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix The school represents around 50 nationalities; the largest represented nationalities are the United States and Japan, with no single nationality dominating the student body. The exact local-to-international ratio is not publicly disclosed.	Pupil nationality mix The school represents 65+ nationalities. About one-third of BST students are neither British nor Japanese, indicating a substantial international presence; exact ratios of Japanese to other nationalities are not published.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Additional learning needs (SEN) support is provided through the Learning Enhancement Academic Program (LEAP), which is designed to assist elementary students with English and Mathematics.	Additional learning support BST offers Learning Support services (academic, social and emotional), English as an Additional Language (EAL), counselling and medical support; ASDAN courses are also offered as an alternative pathway.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school has no formal country affiliation; it operates as an international, non-denominational day school.	Country affiliation The school follows the English National Curriculum and positions itself as a British international school.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation There is no religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation Non-denominational.
School day structure	School day structure The school day typically starts at 8:45 a.m. and ends at 2:40 p.m. on Mondays, and at 3:20 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday; breaks and lunch times vary by grade level.	School day structure The school day generally follows a morning and afternoon timetable with breaks and lunch; typical start times for BST primary hours on the Shibuya campus are around 08:50, with 15:25 as the end of the day, and Azabudai Hills is expected to follow a similar pattern. Exact times vary by year group.
Bus service details	Bus service details A school bus service is available for elementary students, operating on defined routes with limited seats and not guaranteed; secondary students are not eligible. Routes, stops, and fees are reviewed annually, and bus fees are invoiced three times per year.	Bus service details BST operates a shuttle bus service between three stops: Azabudai Hills campus, SKG Shibuya, and the BST Showa campus.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - Application Fee: JPY 30,000 (non-refundable). Payment of the application fee is required at the time of application and should be made by bank transfer; bank transfer charges are the responsibility of the sender. One-time enrollment and capital fees (first-time enrollees) - Enrollment Fee (one-time): JPY 300,000 (re‑enrollments within three years are charged a reduced rate of JPY 60,000). - Capital Fee (one-time): JPY 700,000 (re‑enrollments within three years are charged a reduced rate of JPY 140,000). Tuition fees (annual) by year group - K1–K3: JPY 3,020,000 per year. - Grades 1–9: JPY 2,850,000 per year. - Grades 10–12: JPY 2,970,000 per year. Tuition fees (installment / per-term breakdown — installment payment option) - Payment may be made in three installments by bank transfer. For new enrollments the instalment schedule and amounts (tuition portion shown) are: - K1–K3: 1st instalment JPY 1,208,000; 2nd JPY 906,000; 3rd JPY 906,000. - Grades 1–9: 1st instalment JPY 1,140,000; 2nd JPY 855,000; 3rd JPY 855,000. - Grades 10–12: 1st instalment JPY 1,188,000; 2nd JPY 891,000; 3rd JPY 891,000. - With the instalment option, full payment of the other general fees (enrollment fee, capital fee, building maintenance fee and Community Association fee) is required with the first instalment. - Standard instalment due dates for continuing families (second year of enrollment onward): 1st instalment due May 15; 2nd instalment due September 15; 3rd instalment due December 15. For certain new‑entry intake periods the school uses alternative due dates (for example specific March/September/December dates shown for new enrollments). Building maintenance and family fees - Building Maintenance Fee (annual, all grades): JPY 200,000. (This fee may be reduced for students first enrolling from April.) - Community Association (CA) Fee (per family, annual): JPY 2,000. Other costs and optional fees - Camp Fees: Students in Grades 5, 7, 9 and 11 attend camps; camp fees vary by destination and are invoiced with the first payment instalment. - Program Progression Fee (Grades 1, 6, 9 and 11): JPY 5,000 at the time of progression. - School bus service (optional, elementary only): JPY 110,000–JPY 440,000 per year; seats are limited and routes/stops are set by the school. - School uniform: A uniform (summer and winter formal sets plus PE uniform) is required for all grade levels; uniform costs are charged separately. Textbooks: some are included in tuition but certain textbooks must be purchased by families; school lunches and optional services are invoiced separately. Handling of late payments - Overdue invoice handling fee: JPY 3,000 per invoice. The handling fee is not charged if the Accounts Department has been informed in advance by e-mail of an expected delay. Refund information - The Application Fee and the Enrollment Fee are non‑refundable. - Tuition and other general fees paid at the time of initial enrollment (capital fee, building maintenance fee, CA fee) will be refunded in full if enrollment is cancelled by e‑mail prior to the first day of school (Japan Standard Time). Information on refunds for other school fees is provided to families after enrollment. Boarding fees - K. International School Tokyo is a day school for ages 3–18 and does not operate boarding facilities; therefore boarding fees are not applicable. Billing schedule and payment terms (summary) - The school year begins in mid‑August and is organized into two semesters (Aug–Dec and Jan–Jun). School fees may be paid as a lump sum (annual payment) or split into three instalments by bank transfer. For new enrollments the initial instalment is due as indicated in the offer of enrollment (initial instalment deadlines vary by intake); for continuing families instalments are due May 15, September 15 and December 15. Where applicable, all other general fees (enrollment, capital, building maintenance and CA fee) are payable with the first instalment. Fee payment options and bank details (payment method) - Payments of school fees (application and tuition) are by bank transfer. Bank transfer details for application fee payment (Mizuho Bank) and instruction that transfers must be in Japanese yen and include the applicant's name are provided in admissions documentation and invoices; bank transfer charges are the responsibility of the sender. (For the most used fee line items above, the school's Admissions Handbook provides full line‑by‑line details, instalment tables, and additional items such as optional service fees and the conditions that apply to mid‑year enrollments, re‑enrollments and discounts.)	Fee details Application and enrolment fees - Application fee: ¥40,000. - Enrolment fee: ¥500,000 (one-time, non-refundable). - Educational resources fee: ¥680,000 (one-time, non-refundable). Tuition fees (annual and per-term by year group) - Primary School (including Nursery & Reception): Annual tuition ¥2,820,000. Term amounts: Term 1 ¥980,000; Term 2 ¥940,000; Term 3 ¥900,000. - Secondary School (Year 7 to Year 9): Annual tuition ¥2,840,000. Term amounts: Term 1 ¥990,000; Term 2 ¥950,000; Term 3 ¥900,000. - Secondary School (Year 10 to Year 13): Annual tuition ¥2,930,000. Term amounts: Term 1 ¥1,030,000; Term 2 ¥980,000; Term 3 ¥920,000. - Capital development tuition fee (payable for the whole school): Annual ¥100,000. Term amounts: Term 1 ¥40,000; Term 2 ¥30,000; Term 3 ¥30,000. Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoices are normally issued 8–14 weeks before the end of the previous term. Existing student tuition invoices must be paid in full within 4 weeks of the invoice date. New-student one-time fees must be paid in full within 2 weeks of the invoice date. The school does not accept payment of fees in cash. All school fees must be paid by bank transfer from an account in the name of the registered parent/guardian or from an account previously notified in writing. - Bank transfer details are provided separately by campus: Azabudai Hills Campus (Primary) and Showa Campus (Secondary) have distinct MUFG Bank accounts; parents are required to indicate the student's surname on transfers. Mid-term enrolment and notice period - Mid-term enrolments are billed by academic term; attendance for any portion of a term requires payment for the full term or half-term depending on enrolment date. Parents wishing to withdraw a student must give at least one complete term's written notice or pay one complete term's fees in lieu of notice. Refunds and late payment - Fees are not refunded except where the required notice has been given and a term has been wholly unattended; no other fee refunds are provided. Late or unpaid fees may result in prohibition of student attendance and withholding of records; the school will seek to reallocate places where fees remain unpaid. Items included and not included in tuition - Included in tuition: the costs of books used by all students and curriculum residential and day trips and events which, in principle, all students are expected to attend. - Not included in tuition: lunches, non-curriculum residential and day trips, specialist SEN support, some examination fees, some sports events and tournaments, instrumental (private) music lessons, and some optional activities. These incur additional charges as applicable. Sibling discounts, bursaries and special arrangements - The school does not offer sibling discounts. Families who may have difficulty paying fees can apply for special postponement of fees or consider bursary options; decisions on postponement or bursaries are handled case by case. The school operates a Corporate Contribution Programme for organisations sponsoring employee dependants. Uniforms and other routine costs - School uniform is sold through the designated supplier(s). Orders and payments for uniform can be made online; supplier payment methods include bank transfer, PayPal and credit card. Separate PE uniform suppliers apply for Secondary School items; costs for uniform items vary by item and size. - Additional routine costs that may arise include lunches, optional activities, instrumental lessons, non-curriculum trips and some exam fees; these are payable in addition to tuition and one-time enrolment charges. Boarding / residential arrangements - The school operates curriculum residentials and uses partner residential satellite facilities for school trips and outdoor programmes; these are for short-term curriculum activities rather than daily boarding provision. There is no regular full-time boarding programme for students. Fee payment options (methods accepted) - Accepted method for payment of school fees: bank transfer only (from the parent/guardian's account or a notified account). Cash is not accepted for school fee payments. Separate suppliers (uniform vendor) accept bank transfer, PayPal and credit card for uniform purchases.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements BST does not offer regular on-site boarding. The school runs overnight residential trips for students from Year 1 through Year 13 as part of BST Outdoors, designed for experiential learning and outdoor education. These residential trips are trips rather than permanent living arrangements, and they form part of the school's programme rather than a boarding facility. Examples of residential experiences include trips to Hakuba Valley, Minakami, Moriumius in Miyagi, and Waku Waku Village in Tokyo.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement BST requires students to wear the school uniform. Uniform items can be ordered online via Top of the Class; deliveries can be made the next business day and sent to either the Shibuya or Showa campus, with Friday collection. The secondary PE uniform is supplied by a separate provider (bstuniform.net).
Food options	Food options —	Food options Most BST students bring lunch from home. At the Azabudai Hills Campus, lunchtime meals can be delivered to the child via Luca Deli (Nursery–Year 6) or Kiwi Kitchen (Year 3–Year 6). At the Showa Campus, Years 7–10+ can order Kiwi Kitchen for delivery, and there is a canteen run by Showa Women's University for Year 10–13.
House system	House system —	House system BST uses a four-House system: Amaterasu, Bishamon, Izanami and Tsukiyomi. Inter-House competitions take place throughout the year in various sports and arts, including Sports Day and the House Singing competition.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership BST is governed by a Board of Trustees. The trustees' role is strategic, setting aims and the budget, appointing the senior leadership team, approving policies, and monitoring performance. The Board is composed of a minimum of 16 members, including both parent and international representatives, and trustees meet regularly with open meetings for parents and staff at least once a year. Current trustees are named on the Trustees page.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details K. International School Tokyo offers a K-12 program built on the International Baccalaureate framework, with the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for K1 to Grade 5, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6 to 10, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11 and 12. In Grades 9–10, the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE pathway is available as an additional qualification option alongside the IB track. Instruction is provided in English and Japanese, with English used across the curriculum. The school holds CIS accreditation and was reaccredited in June 2024, confirming international standards. The learning approach is inquiry-based, emphasizing knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes, and action across transdisciplinary units.	Curriculum details The Azabudai Hills Campus houses The British School in Tokyo's Primary School from Nursery (3 years) to Year 6 and opened on 28 August 2023. The Primary curriculum is broad and balanced with foundations in the English National Curriculum, adapted for an international setting; it includes English, Maths, Science, Computing, History, Geography, Art, Design Technology, Religious Education, Music, and Physical Education, with Japanese taught from Nursery and French from Year 4. Secondary education is provided on the Showa Campus, covering Key Stage 3 (Year 7–9) and Key Stage 4 (Year 10–11) with IGCSE examinations at the end of Year 11, and a core of English Language and Literature, Maths, Science, a Modern Foreign Language (French, Japanese, Mandarin or Spanish), Core PE and Learning for Life and Work, plus electives such as Art, Business, Computer Science, Drama, Economics, Geography, History, Music and Spanish. From August 2025, Years 12–13 can pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) with the IB Core and subject groups including Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics and The Arts, with a full enrichment programme. From August 2024 BST also offers a BTEC Level 3 in Enterprise and Sport to complement existing A-Level options. BST emphasises broader curriculum opportunities beyond exams through music, sport, art and drama, and supports independent, inquiry-based learning across the full 3–18 age range.
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 SEL is supported through KIST's Lower Secondary Programme (G6–G8), which aims to nurture critical thinking, act confidently, and thrive in a changing world, and the school emphasises a safe and caring environment with guiding principles of Respect, Responsibility and Safety.	Social & emotional learning The British School in Tokyo supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through its Student Wellbeing framework. Student wellbeing is treated as both ongoing individual support and a discrete subject within BST's approach. A multidisciplinary Student Support Services team delivers SEL-related support, including Learning Support Services (Social & Emotional), English as an Additional Language (EAL), Counselling and Medical services. The team collaborates to help each student thrive academically and in extracurricular activities. Pastoral support emphasises a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment to foster emotional resilience.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not publicly disclose information regarding SEN provision or whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution.	Special educational needs (SEN) Learning Support Services (including Social & Emotional) are listed as part of BST's Student Support Services, with EAL, Counselling and Medical teams also included in this multidisciplinary approach. The information does not specify particular categories of Special Educational Needs (SEN) BST can support or indicate a dedicated specialist SEN department. This suggests a broad, school-wide approach to supporting diverse learner needs rather than a standalone SEN institution. Provision is delivered through the Learning Support Services and related teams rather than a separate SEN facility. The campus structure supports these services within BST's central Tokyo campuses.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Language support for non-native English-speaking students is provided throughout the school to help access the curriculum.	English as an additional language EAL support is provided as part of BST's multidisciplinary Student Support Services. This EAL component is integrated with Learning Support, Counselling and Medical services to help students access the curriculum. The pages describe EAL as a formal element of Student Support Services but do not detail specific programmes or staffing. EAL support is described as available across BST's central Tokyo campuses. This confirms EAL is embedded within the school's wellbeing and academic support framework.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through safeguarding measures that aim to provide a safe, secure, healthy, and caring environment for all students.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is addressed through BST's Pastoral Support and the inclusion of Social & Emotional aspects within the Student Support Services. Pastoral Support emphasises a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment to promote emotional resilience. The Student Support Services team includes counselling resources to support students' mental health and wellbeing as part of a holistic approach. The school's wellbeing content highlights a holistic framework that links emotional health with academic and social development.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding includes a safeguarding policy, staff training, a designated child protection team, and clear reporting and investigation procedures; the full policy is shared with families via the MyKIST Family platform.	Safeguarding BST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all students, with all adults in the school sharing responsibility for safeguarding. The school provides a caring, positive, safe and stimulating environment that promotes the welfare and wellbeing of students. BST operates a Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL) team to manage safeguarding situations and coordinate responses, supported by a wider staff network. DSLs and staff receive regular training and access best practices internationally. The Safeguarding Policy informs Trustees, staff, students, families and external providers about safeguarding responsibilities, and its guidance aligns with the DfE Keeping Children Safe in Education framework.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school is located less than one minute from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station in Koto-ku, Tokyo. It serves pre-kindergarten through Grade 12. The school operates a KIST School Bus Service for convenient transportation. The student body consists of more than 630 students representing around 50 nationalities. The school year has at least 180 days across two semesters.	Facilities overview The Azabudai Hills Campus opened on 28 August 2023 and serves Nursery to Year 6 on a purpose-built site in central Tokyo. The main building features bright, flexible classrooms and year-group shared spaces, including two libraries (Upper School Library and Junior Library), a language classroom, a Digital Technology Studio, and an Art and Design Studio. The campus provides a range of performance and creative facilities, including an Auditorium and multiple Music Rooms. For sport and physical education, the campus includes a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, a gymnasium, a sports hall, and two sports pitches. Outdoor spaces include a roof garden and Central Park within Azabudai Hills for outdoor learning and recreation.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The school offers a range of after-school sporting clubs. The co-curricular program includes sporting and cultural clubs, excursions, and other activities, supporting a broad athletic and cultural program.	Sports facilities The campus includes a gymnasium for indoor PE and fitness, a sports hall for indoor activities, two outdoor sports pitches for football and other field sports, and a 25-metre indoor swimming pool for lessons and clubs. These facilities support comprehensive physical education and a wide range of sports programs.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The curriculum combines two IB programs with the Edexcel IGCSE. English is the language of instruction at all levels and language support is provided for non-native English speakers. The Diploma Programme is offered in Grades 11–12, with online DP options available through Pamoja Education. In 2025, 21% of KIST students attained a bilingual IB Diploma. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools and is an IB World School; Edexcel is authorized to deliver IGCSE, and the school is recognized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.	Academic facilities The campus houses an Upper School Library and a Junior Library for study and research, along with a Language Classroom to support language learning. A Digital Technology Studio supports computing and design, and an Art and Design Studio provides dedicated space for visual arts. The Discovery Centre for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning offers hands-on inquiry spaces.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities In addition to the regular curriculum, students enjoy a variety of co-curricular activities including a range of after-school sporting and cultural clubs, excursions, school concerts and festivals, camps and more.	Extra curricular facilities Music spaces include multiple Music Rooms and a suite of music studios, while the Auditorium serves as a venue for performances and exhibitions. An Art and Design Studio supports creative projects, and outdoor spaces such as the Roof Garden and Central Park enable outdoor learning and recreation.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History K. International School Tokyo was established in 1997 by Yoshishige and Takako Komaki to serve Tokyo's international community. It began as an early childhood program in Higashi-suna and expanded to elementary grades in 1998 and secondary grades by 2000. The school earned authorization for the IB Primary Years Programme in 2002, the IB Middle Years Programme in 2003, and the IB Diploma Programme in 2004, with PYP re-authorization in 2006. In 2006 the campus relocated to Shirakawa, Koto-ku; a West Building opened in 2009, and the LEAP program began in 2010. The school attained full accreditation by the Council of International Schools in January 2017 and was re-accredited on 10 June 2024; it also joined the East Asia Regional Council of International Schools in 2018.	History BST was established as a trust in 1988 to provide a British-style education in Tokyo and officially opened in September 1989 with 63 students, an occasion marked by the attendance of then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. By 1993 enrolment had grown to over 200 students, prompting the expansion to a Shibuya campus that opened in May 1998 to accommodate more than 300 children aged three to eleven. In 2006, part of the school moved to the Showa Women's University campus, and the Shibuya site now housesNursery to Year 3. In August 2023, BST opened the Azabudai Hills Campus for Nursery to Year 6, and the formal opening ceremony on 4 November 2023 marked a new chapter as primary pupils from BST's Showa and Shibuya campuses joined on the Azabudai Hills site.
Community	Community KIST serves a diverse international community with students representing many nationalities. It hosts community events such as KISTival, its annual festival featuring food, performances and activities, which serves as a major fundraising event. Family Day is a school-wide gathering that brings together students, parents and staff for games and activities. Volunteer activities are a mandatory part of student life and community service is embedded in the program.	Community BST's community is guided by a Senior Leadership Team and a Board of Trustees who oversee the school's development. The school sits in central Tokyo and serves a diverse international community, fostering strong connections among families and local partners. BST also maintains active community channels, including an Alumni network and regular News & Events coverage that highlights student activities and community engagement across campuses.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The PTA coordinates major community initiatives at KIST, most notably KISTival, the school's largest annual fundraising festival. KISTival raises funds to purchase learning materials and support facility improvements, and its program typically includes a World Food Court, raffles and live performances. Family Day is another PTA-supported community event that brings the entire school community together for games and activities. Volunteer opportunities for families are a hallmark of KIST life, with parents and students contributing to events and service projects. KISTival has paused during campus construction in recent years, with plans to resume and a date listed for October 25, 2025.	Parent teacher association The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) welcomes and represents all BST parents, fostering a sense of engagement and belonging in both the school and the wider community. Membership is diverse, with families from many backgrounds, cultures, languages and ethnicities. Every parent is invited to get involved in whichever capacity they choose, and PTA activities are entirely volunteer-based and led by an Executive Committee of parents. Throughout the academic year, the PTA collaborates with the school administration to organise monthly, termly and annual events, including monthly coffee mornings, charity drives and fundraisers (culminating in an annual gala to support initiatives such as the Annual Fund). The PTA also hosts seminars and webinars on health and lifestyle, disaster preparedness, current events, and other topics of interest to BST families.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual BST Azabudai Hills Campus offers a broad programme of clubs and activities that extend academic learning beyond the classroom. Primary students can participate in Maths Club, STEM and Space Explorers as part of Extracurricular Clubs, with secondary students having access to KS4 Maths Club, KS5 STEP Maths Club and related academic societies such as MUN and debates. Other academically oriented options include NHK Learning Japanese Club and Japanese Language Proficiency Tests study groups, which support language development alongside subject-based inquiry. The programme is designed to foster independent learning, problem solving and collaborative skills across age ranges.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Arts and creative opportunities are a strong feature of BST, with extensive Music Clubs across primary and secondary, including Advanced Aural Training, Advanced String Ensemble, BST Windstars and the Primary Production, among others. Drama, Art and a range of visual arts activities sit alongside photography, screen printing and crafts in the extracurricular offerings, allowing students to develop performance and creative skills beyond the timetable. The Primary School also runs productions and choral/instrumental ensembles, while Secondary offers an array of music ensembles such as Orchestra, Chamber Choir and Rock Band.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Cultural and language activities are available through Language Clubs such as French Enrichment, French for Learners of French, Japanese Enrichment and Japanese as a Foreign Language Club, plus Spanish for Learners of Spanish. Externally run clubs provide access to additional language and cultural experiences, including Chinese Language Club and Korean classes, among others. These offerings support international mindedness and cross-cultural communication within the BST community at the Azabudai Hills Campus.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Social and hobby-oriented clubs cover board games, chess and Shogi, film review, photography, knitting and various creative crafts, Lego and Lego Technic, and a range of strategy and games clubs. Extracurriculars include E-sports, Debating, Minecraft and Space-themed activities, as well as performance and visual arts clubs, enabling students to pursue personal interests and build peer connections. Externally run clubs further expand social options, from clubs focused on dance and street performance to martial arts and calligraphy.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Community service and volunteering are built into BST's club offerings, notably through Creative Crafts and Volunteering, which combines creative activities with service projects. Sustainability initiatives are also part of the extracurricular mix, encouraging students to engage with environmental and social responsibility. These experiences help students develop a sense of civic engagement and contribution to the school and wider community.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Student leadership is a core feature of BST life. Primary students participate in their own Student Council and House Captains, with Wellbeing Ambassadors and Art Ambassadors contributing to school life and events. The Secondary School has Prefects, House Leadership Teams, a Sports Council and Subject Ambassadors, providing formal channels for student voice, event leadership and cross-curricular project leadership. These structures enable ongoing development of leadership, teamwork and organisational skills across the two campuses.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing BST Outdoors provides year-round outdoor learning and residential trips, including activities such as canyoning, rafting, hiking and skiing, to promote physical activity, resilience and teamwork. The Azabudai Hills Campus itself offers wellness-focused facilities and programs, including a Wellness Program at Azabudai Hills and on-site amenities like a swimming pool, music rooms, an art and design studio and an auditorium, supporting physical, artistic and social wellbeing. Wellbeing is embedded in school life through roles like Wellbeing Ambassadors and a dedicated Wellbeing focus such as Wellbeing Week, aligned with BST's Five Ways to Wellbeing.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision BST provides instruction based on the English National Curriculum. From Nursery onward, BST children study Japanese as part of the school's Japanese language context. English as an Additional Language (EAL) specialists support non-native English speakers to access the curriculum. The Azabudai Hills Campus includes a Language Classroom to support language work and targeted language development.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
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Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations :[
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Read the KIST Admissions Handbook. The handbook outlines admissions policies, application procedures and school fees, and all applicants are expected to read it thoroughly before applying. This is the foundational document for the process and context for every step that follows. 2. Confirm availability, especially if you are applying outside the main intake. For applications outside the main intake periods, contact the KIST Admissions Office by email to confirm whether there is space before submitting an application. When checking availability, provide your child's date of birth, the nationalities of both parents at birth, the child's current grade (if applicable), the grade you wish to apply for, and your child's general English level. 3. Pay the application fee (non-refundable) by bank transfer. Include your child's name in the transfer to ensure proper identification. Bank transfer fees are the sender's responsibility, and the fee may be quoted in yen or converted to yen for international transfers. 4. Prepare supporting documents. Gather documents required for your child's grade level and upload them with the application, plus arrange any documents that must come directly from your child's current school. Examples include birth certificates or passports, school reports, and any grade-specific references or statements. 5. Submit the online application form. Complete the Application for Admission through the online system; information must be entered by a parent or guardian. Ensure you select the correct school year and that you are entering data in English, as the forms are designed for English submission. 6. Application screening. The school screens completed applications and supporting documents to determine eligibility. This screening typically takes about one week, though it can take longer during peak intake periods (April/August main intake). 7. Notification of screening result. Screening results are sent to applicants by email. Unsuccessful applicants cannot proceed to the next stage, and the application fee is non-refundable in that case. 8. Admissions testing and interviews. Applicants who pass the screening will receive an email invitation specifying the date and time for admissions testing; a parent interview follows for those who pass the testing stage. Invitations are issued at least about one week in advance. 9. Notification of final result. After testing and interviews, the admissions panel makes a decision and typically sends the final result by email within about one week after the last testing/interview component, except during the main August/September intake periods. 10. Payment of school fees and securing a place. Successful applicants are required to pay the non-refundable enrollment fee and other applicable school fees by the due date to secure placement in the class. Fees include the enrollment fee, capital fee, tuition, and other charges as outlined in the admissions materials. The exact fee schedule is provided in the Admissions Handbook and associated documentation. 11. Additional details for timing and documents. The main intake is August, with occasional admissions from January or April if space allows. Applications outside main intake are processed on a rolling basis and scheduled for testing on Thursday mornings when possible; you will be added to the next available schedule. The online application and most supporting documents must be submitted in English. 12. Required documents and explicit submission rules. All applications must be submitted in English, with the required documents uploaded through the online system, and some documents sent directly to the Admissions Office as applicable. The process requires proof of identity, photos, and appropriate school references or statements for certain grades. 13. Contact and inquiries. If you have questions about admissions, you can reach the Admissions Office during posted hours (Mon–Fri) and the general inquiries line is posted in the contact details.	Admissions 1. Admissions Process The British School in Tokyo operates two central Tokyo campuses: Azabudai Hills Campus for Nursery to Year 6 and Showa Campus for Year 7 to Year 13. Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year are open, with a defined timeline that begins in November and runs through summer. The school bases eligibility on age-appropriate UK year groups and a standard admissions policy; parents should confirm the child's year group and ensure eligibility before starting. 2. Complete Enquiry Form To begin, submit the Enquiry Form and create an account. An admissions representative will contact you within 1–2 business days after the form is received. Do not submit a new enquiry if you already have an account. 3. Application Forms Access to the Application Form is provided after the Enquiry Form has been received and reviewed. There is a non-refundable application fee of 40,000 JPY that must be paid on the Application Form. 4. Confirmation of Application After you have submitted all items on the application checklist and a reference is received from the child's current school or teacher, the applicant will be placed in the application pool. The school will schedule any required interview or assessment only if space is foreseen for the applicant. 5. Interview/Assessment If required, the interview or assessment appointment begins in late February and continues into late June. Scheduling depends on the reviewed documents, references, and available space in the relevant year group. 6. English Language Proficiency All subjects are taught in English, so English language proficiency is an entry requirement. If English is not the applicant's first language, the school will assess spoken and written English skills. At least one parent must be able to communicate effectively in English. 7. Admissions Decisions Admissions decisions begin in early March and continue into the summer; for year groups that are full, clarity about openings may not emerge until May or later. 8. Enrollment and Fees If space is offered and accepted, families proceed to enrolment by paying the Enrolment Fee (500,000 JPY) and the Educational Resources Fee (680,000 JPY), which are non-refundable and due within two weeks of the invoice date. The Capital Development Fee is payable for the whole school year (100,000 JPY full year; 40,000 JPY Term 1; 30,000 JPY Term 2; 30,000 JPY Term 3). Tuition is charged as shown in the annual fee schedule (primary: 2,820,000 JPY per year; secondary Year 7–9: 2,840,000 JPY; Year 10–13: 2,930,000 JPY), with term breakdowns of 980,000/990,000/1,030,000 JPY for Term 1, Term 2, and Term 3 respectively. Payments are by bank transfer and not cash, with invoices typically issued 8–14 weeks before the end of the previous term. Existing students' fees are due in full within four weeks after the invoice date. Sibling discounts are not offered, though bursaries may be considered. The Corporate Contribution Programme (CCP) provides a mechanism for organisations to sponsor education expenses for employees' children. 10. Campus and Tour Details BST's Azabudai Hills Campus serves Nursery to Year 6, while the Showa Campus serves Year 7 to Year 13; visits and tours can be arranged to experience a day in BST. English language proficiency, visa expectations (BST does not sponsor student visas; dependents must hold a visa), and space availability all influence the admissions timeline. 11. Documentation For all applicants, references from the current or previous school are required and should accompany the application. 12. Next Steps After an offer, families will receive enrollment instructions and payment details for the enrolment, capital, and resources fees. 13. Final Notes The school publishes annual tuition and enrolment figures in Japanese Yen, and fees are reviewed each year. Invoices, payment methods, and terms are subject to change with notification.
Scholarships	Scholarships KIST publishes a scholarship option for academically gifted students who require 100% tuition coverage and housing arrangements if necessary. This program is noted in external summaries of KIST fees and scholarships, indicating that such a full-tuition scholarship plus housing may be available to qualifying students. Details about eligibility, application timing, and housing arrangements are not fully published in the accessible materials; interested families should inquire with Admissions for the current year's scholarship process and criteria. The school also notes that tuition and related fees are not funded by the Japanese government and that tuition is adjusted annually; the general policy and the existence of a scholarship option are described in the Admissions Handbook and related summaries.	Scholarships 3. Scholarships BST offers bursaries for eligible families who are unable to afford the full fees. The bursary program is limited in scope, up to 7% of the total student roll, and bursaries are not guaranteed from year to year. Eligibility requires meeting normal admissions requirements plus demonstrable financial need, detailed financial information, and a commitment to the British education offered by BST. Bursaries can cover up to 100% of enrolment fees and up to 50% of tuition, but are not available for Nursery and Reception. Bursaries are awarded for one academic year but may be renewed, subject to reassessment of family means and satisfactory student progress; the number of bursaries and criteria may change over time. Applications are reviewed by a bursary committee, and the decision is final. The 2025–26 application window has closed; the schedule for 2026–27 will be published in February 2026. For those sponsored by an employer, the Corporate Contribution Programme (CCP) funds corporate scholarships via donations by organisations.
Waitlist	Waitlist There is no publicly published waitlist policy for K. International School Tokyo on the official admissions pages that are currently accessible. The standard admissions process described above covers steps from handbook review through final fee payment, and for outside main intakes the school indicates rolling admissions with testing slots scheduled as spaces become available. Because waitlists are not explicitly described in the publicly accessible materials, prospective families should contact the Admissions Office to confirm whether a waitlist or wait pool is used for a given grade and intake period. For reference, outside main intake admissions are described as rolling, with testing offered on Thursday mornings and applicants added to the next available schedule.	Waitlist 2. Waitlist/Pool The British School in Tokyo uses an application pool rather than a traditional waitlist. After you submit the Enquiry Form, complete documents, and obtain a reference from your child's current school, the applicant is placed in the application pool. Interviews or assessments occur only when space is anticipated for the applicant. Admissions decisions begin in early March and continue into the summer; in year groups that are full, openings may not be clear until May or later. This pool-based process means that placement depends on space availability and the timing of reviews and interviews. BST has two campuses: Azabudai Hills Campus (Nursery–Year 6) and Showa Campus (Year 7–13), and spaces are allocated according to year group and campus availability.
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