St. Mary's International School vs The British School in Tokyo - Showa Campus

	S St. Mary's International School Tokyo, Japan	T The British School in Tokyo - Showa Campus Tokyo, Japan
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ¥2,850,000 - 3,000,000	Fees / year ¥2,920,000 - 3,030,000
Age range	Age range 5 - 19 years	Age range 12 - 18 years
Type	Type Boys School	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum, Catholic Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 1,000	Pupils 1,300
Typical class size	Typical class size 21	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1954	Opened 2007
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location St. Mary's International School is located at 1-6-19 Seta, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8668, Japan. Setagaya is a western Tokyo ward with residential neighborhoods and good rail connections to central Tokyo. The campus is accessible by multiple train lines and the school operates its own bus network to support travel around Tokyo.	Location The British School in Tokyo Showa Campus is located at Showa Women's University, 5th Building, 1-7-57 Taishido, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 154-8533. It sits in Setagaya Ward and is two train stops from Shibuya, providing easy access to central Tokyo. The campus sits on a university campus with extensive facilities and resources for secondary students.
Stages	Stages The school provides a K–12 program, comprising an elementary school, a middle school (junior high), and a high school, all on the Setagaya campus.	Stages BST operates two central Tokyo campuses. The Showa Campus serves Year 7 to Year 13, while the Azabudai Hills Campus (the Primary campus) serves Nursery to Year 6, uniting BST's primary and secondary provision on separate sites.
School type	School type St. Mary's International School is a single-sex, all-boys international school.	School type BST is co-educational and operates as a day school with no boarding facilities. The two campuses accommodate different age ranges: Azabudai Hills for Nursery to Year 6 and Showa Campus for Year 7 to Year 13.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Students come from around 45–50 countries, reflecting a strong international mix. The most common nationality is not publicly published, and there is a mix of international and Japanese students.	Pupil nationality mix BST represents students from over 65 nationalities; the school describes itself as multicultural and international. The most common nationalities are not published; BST does not provide a fixed local-to-international ratio in public materials.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Student Support Services include Learning Support, Academic Support, English Language Support, a School Nurse, and a Campus Minister. The school aims to accommodate a range of learning differences but notes that it may not be able to support all needs; full disclosure during admissions is requested.	Additional learning support BST provides Learning Support Services, including Learning Support, English as an Additional Language (EAL), counselling and medical teams, to support students across year groups. ASDAN courses offer an alternative, practical pathway for some students, with in-class and targeted support available. The school also offers a dedicated counselling team to assist wellbeing and transitions.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is Catholic in affiliation.	Country affiliation BST's curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for England, reflecting its United Kingdom alignment, while the school operates in Japan.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Catholic.	Religious affiliation Religious affiliation is not designated; BST emphasizes a diverse, international community and does not promote a single faith as part of its core identity.
School day structure	School day structure Elementary hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. with buses leaving at 3:20 p.m.; Middle School runs 8:25 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. with a 3:20 p.m. bus and campus-off time by 5:00 p.m.; High School operates 8:25 a.m. to 3:25 p.m. with lunch 11:00–11:55 a.m.	School day structure At Azabudai Hills Campus, students may bring their own lunch or have meals delivered by Kiwi Kitchen, while Showa Campus offers a canteen option for Year 10–13 via Showa Women's University. BST follows a three-term calendar with term dates published annually; some days end with midday dismissal, such as certain term days. Lunch and welfare arrangements are described in BST's School Operation details.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school operates its own bus network with a fleet of buses serving Tokyo; typical routes include Futako-Tamagawa Station on the Den-en-toshi Line and other connections. After-school buses are used to transport students, with the middle school bus schedule noted as leaving promptly at 3:20 p.m. (the fleet is owned by the school).	Bus service details A school bus service is available to BST families, connecting the two campuses; many students also use public transport given the central Tokyo locations. Public transport access and the presence of a campus-side bus option are noted in BST materials and independent guides.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Admission Fees - Application fee: ¥50,000 (non‑refundable). - Registration fee (new students): ¥400,000 (one‑time, non‑refundable). - Development Fund (new students): ¥1,000,000 (one‑time, non‑refundable). Annual and Per‑Year Tuition (School Year 2025–2026) - Elementary School tuition: ¥2,700,000 per year. - Middle School tuition: ¥2,800,000 per year. - High School tuition: ¥2,850,000 per year. Per‑term / Billing schedule - The school publishes a full, school‑year Tuition & Fees schedule (School Year 2025–26) that contains the detailed billing schedule and installment information for the year; that document is the school's official tuition & fees schedule. For specifics of term‑by‑term billing and exact installment due dates you should use the school's published 2025–26 Tuition & Fees schedule. Fees for Returning Students - Re‑Enrollment Seat Deposit: ¥300,000 (non‑refundable; credited toward tuition). - Building Maintenance (annual): ¥150,000 (returning students). - Tuition for returning students is the same annual amount by level as above (Elementary ¥2,700,000; Middle ¥2,800,000; High ¥2,850,000). Transportation (School Bus) - One way (morning or afternoon): ¥310,000 per year. - Both ways: ¥420,000 per year. Device / Level‑specific mandatory costs and other academic charges - Elementary (Grades 3–5): iPad and cover are provided and the mandatory one‑time cost is charged on the student invoice; the device cost is included in the school fees invoice and is non‑refundable. - Middle School (Grade 6 and incoming Grades 7–8): MacBook Air fee is included on the invoice (one‑time mandatory cost for these cohorts). - High School IB exam fees: billed in December for students who register for IB exams; ¥20,000 per subject. - Graduation fee for Grade 12 students: ¥30,000 (cap and gown, reception and related ceremony expenses). - Additional items charged or available through the school: cafeteria/food service, school accident insurance, and any Corporate Contribution Program charges as applicable. School Accident Insurance - Students are enrolled in a school personal accident insurance policy upon payment of school fees with coverage commencing September 1: medical reimbursements up to ¥1,000,000 and loss of life/physical impediment benefits up to ¥3,000,000. Uniforms and Uniform Costs - Uniforms are purchased through the school's authorized vendor (Top of the Class). Ordering and payment are handled through the vendor; payment options offered by the vendor include PayPal and credit card. Specific uniform prices are set by the vendor and are purchased separately via that vendor. Non‑refund and Refund Information (explicitly stated items) - Non‑refundable charges explicitly stated: application fee (¥50,000); registration fee (¥400,000 for new students); development fund (¥1,000,000 one‑time); building maintenance fee (¥150,000 annual where indicated); device costs charged on invoice for required iPad/MacBook (one‑time, non‑refundable); re‑enrollment seat deposit (¥300,000) is non‑refundable but will be credited toward tuition. These items are described as non‑refundable in the school's published fees information. Boarding (if applicable) - Boarding is not listed as a program or fee category for this school; there are no boarding fees published for St. Mary's International School for the 2025–26 school year. Transportation is offered via school bus instead. Billing and Payment Terms (what is stated publicly) - Credit card payments are accepted for application fees only; credit cards are not accepted for other fees and tuition payments. - The school encourages payment of tuition and fees by bank transfer. Any bank transfer fees or lifting fees (particularly for payments from abroad) must be covered by the payer. The school provides bank transfer details (MUFG Bank, Jiyugaoka Branch) including the account number and SWIFT code for international remittance. Payments should be made in the student's name and include the student's school ID where requested. - The Re‑Enrollment Seat Deposit for returning students is credited toward tuition. Other costs parents should anticipate (examples shown on published schedule) - Field trips, retreats, ski trip charges (elementary/middle/high as described for specific grades) and optional cafeteria payments are additional to tuition and will be invoiced or charged as appropriate. Where detailed term‑by‑term instalment dates and full billing schedule are published - The school's official two‑page School Year 2025–26 Tuition & Fees document contains the complete billing schedule, instalment/due‑date information and the full fee table for the year. That published school document is the official source of the term‑by‑term billing schedule and any fine‑print payment terms for 2025–26. Summary of primary sources used: St. Mary's International School official Tuition & Fees page and the school's published School Year 2025–26 Tuition & Fees document; the school's uniform ordering page for vendor/payment details.	Fee details Application and one‑time enrolment fees - Application Fee: ¥40,000. - Enrolment Fee (one‑time, non‑refundable): ¥500,000. - Educational Resources Fee (one‑time, non‑refundable): ¥680,000. - These one‑time fees for new students are non‑refundable and must be paid in full within two weeks of the invoice date for new admissions. Tuition fees by year group (per full academic year and per term) - Primary School (Nursery & Reception included): Annual tuition ¥2,820,000; Term 1 ¥980,000; Term 2 ¥940,000; Term 3 ¥900,000. - Secondary School Year 7–Year 9: Annual tuition ¥2,840,000; Term 1 ¥990,000; Term 2 ¥950,000; Term 3 ¥900,000. - Secondary School Year 10–Year 13: Annual tuition ¥2,930,000; Term 1 ¥1,030,000; Term 2 ¥980,000; Term 3 ¥920,000. - Capital Development Tuition Fee (payable for all students): Annual ¥100,000; Term 1 ¥40,000; Term 2 ¥30,000; Term 3 ¥30,000. This charge is applied in addition to the regular tuition amounts listed above. Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoices are normally issued 8–14 weeks before the end of the previous term. - Payment deadlines: - New students: all fees invoiced for new admissions must be paid in full within 2 weeks of the invoice date. - Existing students: tuition for continuing students must be paid in full within 4 weeks of the invoice date. - Accepted method for payment of school tuition and related fees: bank transfer only, from an account in the name of the registered parent or guardian, or from an account whose name has been notified to the school in writing in advance. The School does not accept cash for tuition payments. - Mid‑term enrolment: fees for students who join after the start of a term are charged by term; attendance for any portion of a term requires payment for the full term or half a term depending on the enrolment date. - Notice period on withdrawal: a minimum of one complete term's prior written notice is required; if proper notice is not given, one complete term's fees are payable in lieu of notice. - Late payments: failure to pay may lead to prohibition of attendance, withholding of school records/reports, and reallocation of the student's place (the school may seek to reallocate a place no later than four weeks before the term begins). Parents remain responsible for timely payment even when a third party (for example an employer) pays the fees. Boarding fees - There is no boarding provision at the Showa campus; boarding fees do not apply. The campus operates as a day school. Other costs and optional charges - Costs explicitly included in tuition: routine textbooks required by all students, curriculum residential and day trips and events that are part of the curriculum. - Costs not included in tuition (examples parents should expect): school lunches; non‑curriculum residential and day trips; specialist SEN support where applicable; some external examination fees; certain sports events and tournaments; instrumental (private) music lessons; and some optional clubs or activities. These items are charged separately when applicable. - Uniform: school uniform is purchased through the official uniform suppliers. Orders for standard uniform for the campus can be placed online; the primary supplier accepts payment by bank transfer, PayPal or credit card. Secondary PE uniform is supplied by a different vendor with its own ordering channel. Expect to pay separately for uniform items. - Extra / voluntary programmes: activities run by third parties (for example external sports academies or clubs) may carry separate membership or tuition charges. Parents should budget for optional extracurricular and incidental costs beyond the tuition and mandatory one‑time fees. Refund information - The School's refund position: fees are not refunded except where the required prior notice of withdrawal has been given as described in the notice period and a term has been wholly unattended. In other words, refunds are only considered where appropriate notice has been received and a full term is not attended. Discounts, hardship and special arrangements - Sibling discounts: the school does not offer standard sibling discounts. Payments for elder siblings are taken into account when assessing means for bursary decisions. - Special postponement of fees: the Bursar may consider a special postponement of payment for existing students where verifiable and significant hardship is demonstrated. Any postponed arrangement is assessed case‑by‑case, subject to reassessment each term, and may be varied. - Corporate Contribution Programme: an option exists for organisations to participate in a corporate contribution scheme under which companies make agreed donations to fund corporate scholarships; different billing/donation arrangements apply for participating organisations. Accepted payment channels summary - Tuition and mandatory school fees: bank transfer only (no cash). The transfer should be from an account in the name of the registered parent/guardian or another account previously notified in writing. - Uniform and supplier charges: payable to the uniform vendor; accepted methods include bank transfer, PayPal and credit card (supplier site). Separate suppliers may have different payment methods for PE kit. If further discrete line‑item detail is required (for example a full invoice breakdown for a particular year group or the cost of specific optional activities), those items are charged separately from the tuition and one‑time enrolment/educational resources fees listed above.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements St. Mary's International School operates as a day school with no on-site boarding provision. The school is listed as having boarding facilities: DAY, which indicates there is no boarding accommodation for students. Transportation to and from campus is provided via the school bus network, with options for morning-only, afternoon-only, or round-trip service. For the 2025–26 academic year, bus fees are ¥310,000 for one-way service and ¥420,000 for both ways.	Boarding arrangements BST does not provide boarding facilities. Students must reside in Japan with at least one parent. The school does not sponsor or support student visas; students are expected to be dependents under their parents' visa and must have the appropriate visa in place before starting school.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniforms are required and are supplied by Top of the Class, a domestic vendor. Ordering is done through Top of the Class and is available in English, with sizing and delivery details provided by the vendor. For Elementary, students wear a blue polo shirt with the school logo (plus other items such as black socks and black shoes); for Middle School, students wear a long-sleeved white shirt with the logo and a navy tie, with accompanying items including black socks, a black belt, and black shoes. Shoes must be all black with solid black soles and no secondary colors or logos.	Uniform requirement BST uniform can be purchased online through the official uniform supplier. A Uniform Guide and Uniform Policy govern requirements; orders can be delivered next business day and sent to either the Shibuya or Showa campus, with Friday collection available. The secondary school PE uniform is supplied by a separate company.
Food options	Food options The school operates an on-site cafeteria with lunch service during the school day; lunch hours vary by level and students may eat in the cafeteria. A light snack is available during the day at certain grade levels. The Kindergarten site describes a canteen that offers Western and Asian lunch options, a full salad bar, and an online canteen system for ordering meals, indicating on-site meal options and a digital ordering process.	Food options Most students bring their own lunch. At the Azabudai Hills Campus, lunchtime meals can be delivered from Luca Deli for Nursery–Year 6 or Kiwi Kitchen for Year 3–Year 6. At the Showa Campus, Years 7 and above can order Kiwi Kitchen delivery, and there is a canteen for Year 10–13 run by Showa Women's University.
House system	House system In St. Mary's Kindergarten, a Grizzly House System is in place. Houses are represented by trees—Pine, Birch, Cedar, and Oak—and students participate in monthly house challenges; points are awarded to encourage teamwork, school spirit, and positive behavior.	House system BST uses a four-House system: Amaterasu, Bishamon, Izanami and Tsukiyomi. Inter-House competitions take place throughout the year in sports and arts, including Sports Day and the House Singing competition.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership St. Mary's International School is a non-profit, tax-exempt educational institution (gakkō hōjin) incorporated under Japan's Private School Law and supervised by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The governance structure comprises a Board of Directors, a Board of Trustees, and Statutory Auditors, which provide strategic direction and financial stewardship for the school.	Governance and ownership BST is governed by a Board of Trustees. The Trustees set strategic aims and the budget, appoint the senior leadership, and oversee policies and performance. The Board comprises a mix of parent and international members, and meetings are held regularly with governance structures described on the Trustees page.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details St. Mary's International School in Tokyo delivers a holistic, standards-based curriculum across elementary, middle, and high school, rooted in a Catholic values framework and a focus on the whole child.	Curriculum details BST operates two campuses: Azabudai Hills Campus (Nursery to Year 6) and Showa Campus (Year 7 to Year 13), with the curriculum based on the English National Curriculum and taught in English. The Primary programme at Azabudai Hills delivers a broad, balanced, skill-based English National Curriculum with strong literacy and numeracy foundations and extensive extracurricular opportunities. In Secondary Showa (Year 7–11), core subjects include English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Science, and a Modern Foreign Language (French, Japanese, Mandarin or Spanish), plus Core PE and Learning for Life and Work, with three additional subjects drawn from Art, Business, Computer Science, Drama, Economics, Geography, History, Music and Spanish. From August 2025 BST delivers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for Years 12–13, with the last A Level cohort completing in 2026. BST previously introduced BTEC Level 3 in Enterprise and Sport from August 2024 to broaden the senior curriculum, and ASDAN remains available as an alternative pathway. Enquiry-based learning and the BST Learner Profile underpin teaching, with the English National Curriculum enhanced by concept-based enquiry and a focus on international-mindedness.
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 St. Mary's International School supports Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) through age-appropriate Personal Social Health Education (PSHE) across all grades, and a comprehensive Elementary SEL curriculum (K-5) that includes Child Protection and Bullying Prevention Units, all taught within the school's safeguarding framework.	Social & emotional learning The British School in Tokyo (BST) integrates Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) into its approach to student wellbeing, treating wellbeing as both an ongoing, individual support need and a discrete area of focus. A multidisciplinary Student Support Services team delivers SEL-related support, including Social and Emotional Learning, English as an Additional Language (EAL), Counselling and Medical care, to help students thrive academically and socially. The Learning Support team provides in-class and additional targeted support across all year groups, while the Social and Emotional Support team offers individual and group interventions to develop practical social skills and executive functioning. Staff work in collaboration with families to reinforce SEL strategies and ensure consistent support across home and school. Safeguarding is embedded in the wellbeing framework, with trained staff and established procedures to promote student safety and resilience.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Student Support Services are listed as Learning Support, Academic Support, English Language Support, a School Nurse, and a Campus Minister; the Admissions Policy mentions a Learning Differences section, but the school does not publicly state that it operates as a specialist SEN institution beyond these shared services.	Special educational needs (SEN) BST provides an inclusive learning environment with a dedicated Learning Support team that delivers specialised in-class and additional support across year groups. The school also offers ASDAN Courses as an alternative curriculum for students with special needs, and BST is currently the only school in Japan to offer ASDAN. The presence of Learning Support and ASDAN indicates provision for a range of needs within a mainstream setting, rather than a specialist SEN institution. BST does not describe itself as a specialist SEN institution on its public materials.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English Language Support aims to enable students whose first language is not English to overcome language-related difficulties and integrate into mainstream classes; language support is offered for students from RP through Grade 8, with no English language support for Grade 11 and limited support for Grades 9–10.	English as an additional language BST welcomes students who require English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, with EAL specialists who work with students, their teachers, and their families to develop English proficiency so students can access the full curriculum confidently. EAL provision is implemented through BST's multidisciplinary Student Support Services, indicating coordinated support across classroom and school life.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through the SEL/PSHE programs described above, plus pastoral care elements such as the Campus Minister and health support from the School Nurse.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through the Counselling team, social and emotional interventions, and medical care as part of BST's Student Support Services. Counselling involves one-to-one, class, and transition sessions, while the Social and Emotional Support team provides interventions to build emotional health and wellbeing alongside academic progress. BST emphasizes a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment as central to student happiness and resilience. BST Nurses and the Health & Safety structure underpin day-to-day wellbeing and safety, including health promotion and psychological care where needed.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding and Child Protection are led by a dedicated Safeguarding and Child Protection Team; there is a secure CPOMS-based reporting system, age-appropriate PSHE health and safety instruction, annual safeguarding training for faculty, staff, and parents, and a designated Safeguarding Coordinator (Hiromi Sawamura) with an anonymous reporting option.	Safeguarding BST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all students, with a designated safeguarding framework and trained staff to respond to concerns. The school maintains a Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL) team that coordinates safeguarding responses and provides staff with guidance on safety and child protection, with regular training aligned to international best practices and local regulations. The BST Safeguarding Policy informs trustees, staff, students, families, external providers and volunteers about responsibilities for safeguarding, and procedures are linked to Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. For Showa Campus, the Designated Safeguarding Lead is Kelly Diaz, and contact details are provided for reporting concerns.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview St. Mary's International School sits on a single campus in Setagaya with facilities to support academics, the arts, and athletics. The campus includes a library and Learning Commons with extensive digital resources for research, and there is an on-site cafeteria for meals and lunch breaks. Elementary, middle, and high school sections each have library or learning commons spaces and dedicated computer rooms for student use. Fine arts and performing arts are supported by music groups, choirs, instrumental lessons, visual arts, and drama opportunities, including a tri-school Spring Musical. The campus is described as safe and modern with first-rate athletic facilities.	Facilities overview Showa Campus provides a university-like environment with modern classrooms, libraries and study spaces. The campus houses two art studios, Computer Science and Science laboratories, two sports halls, three sports pitches, and an on-site swimming pool. In August 2022 BST opened the Senior School Study Centre to provide Year 12 and 13 students with independent and collaborative study spaces, plus a conference room for student leadership meetings and a Higher Education counselling area. The campus includes the School Building and Senior School Study Centre, along with spaces such as Astro Athletic Field, Green Hall and Hitomi Hall for performances, a canteen and social spaces like the Global Lounge and The Boulevard. The on-site facilities also include dedicated exam rooms and reception areas to support senior students.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Two sports halls and three sports pitches support PE, team training and fixtures. The Showa Campus also includes an on-site swimming pool.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Academic facilities include a library and Learning Commons across grade levels. The Elementary Library provides Destiny Discover, BrainPOP, PebbleGo, and TumbleBooks for research and literacy support. The Middle School and High School Learning Commons offer Destiny Discover, EBSCOhost, JSTOR, Classroom Video on Demand, and Sora, with access to a range of digital databases and media. Elementary students have a Computer Room for dedicated technology use.	Academic facilities Academic facilities include modern classrooms, libraries and dedicated Computer Science and Science laboratories, and the Senior School Study Centre provides targeted spaces for higher education guidance and leadership meetings.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular activities center on fine arts and athletics. There are 14 music groups, including choirs, and an Instrumental Music program with concert band and jazz ensemble. The Visual Arts program offers exhibitions and studio work, and there are drama opportunities including a tri-school Spring Musical. The program also includes clubs and service activities that complement athletics and the arts.	Extra curricular facilities Two art studios support visual arts on campus, and performance spaces such as Green Hall and Hitomi Hall enable music, drama and assemblies. Social spaces include the Global Lounge and The Boulevard.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History St. Mary's International School was founded in 1954. It moved to its current Setagaya campus in 1971. The school operates as an all-boys international school. The student body includes nearly 50 countries, and English is the language of instruction.	History BST opened in 1989 with 63 students at its Shibuya campus and was inaugurated by UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. By 1993 BST had grown to over 200 students, teaching children aged 3 to 10. In 1998 BST relocated to a larger Shibuya campus to accommodate over 300 children aged 3 to 11. In 2006 BST opened a facility on the Showa Women's University campus, establishing the BST Showa campus, and Upper Primary Years moved there between 2006 and 2010. The Senior School was introduced in 2010–2011, with the first Year 13 graduates in 2012; August 2022 saw the opening of a Senior School Study Centre at Showa, and August 2023 saw the opening of the Azabudai Hills Primary Campus; in 2025 the Secondary School was refurbished.
Community	Community The school has students from nearly 50 countries. The school offers extensive extracurricular programs in athletics, fine arts, the performing arts, and other areas. The campus is safe and modern and supports a comprehensive student life. The school participates in intercultural programs and events, including UNESCO exchange activities with Japanese partner schools.	Community BST's community is diverse, with families from all backgrounds, cultures, languages and ethnicities, and the PTA invites every parent to get involved. BST operates across two central Tokyo campuses, with the Azabudai Hills Campus housing Nursery to Year 6 and the Showa Campus housing Year 7 to Year 13, creating a connected urban community. The community hosts regular events and performances, including BST's 35th anniversary concert with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra at Hitomi Hall in March 2025. The Spring Fair 2025 brought 1,000+ attendees and highlighted sustainability initiatives with student involvement and community participation.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The St. Mary's Parent Association (SMPA) is a volunteer body that engages families in school life. The SMPA runs the annual Carnival, a long-standing community tradition and the school's largest fundraising event. Carnival features food, games, live entertainment, and booths, with all funds supporting student trips, projects, campaigns, uniforms, clubs, and sustainability initiatives. Volunteering opportunities are organized through signups for Carnival day, including booth responsibilities and coordinating donations. Donations to St. Mary's support a broad range of programs through the school's development office, and the U.S. Friends of St. Mary's International School foundation assists fundraising in the United States.	Parent teacher association The PTA welcomes and represents all BST parents in fostering a sense of engagement and belonging in both the school and the wider community. The PTA is diverse, inclusive, and engaged, with members from many backgrounds and languages. Over the course of each academic year, the PTA collaborates closely with the school to organise monthly, termly, and annual events, including monthly coffee mornings. Charity drives and fundraisers take place each term, and on an annual basis formal galas support initiatives such as the Annual Fund. All PTA activities are volunteer-based and led by an Executive Committee. For more information, parents can contact pta@bst.ac.jp.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual St. Mary's offers after-school programs that emphasize academic enrichment. The program includes speech and debate, Brain Bowl, and math contests to foster critical thinking and time management. Robotics is offered as a STEM-focused activity, giving students hands-on opportunities to code and work with robots. These activities extend learning beyond the classroom and support analytical thinking, collaboration, and resilience.	Academic & intellectual BST Showa Campus offers extensive academic activities beyond class time. Secondary clubs include MUN (Model United Nations), Debating, KS4 Maths Club, KS5 STEP Maths Club and VEX Robotics. These activities strengthen research and problem-solving alongside the curriculum.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative St. Mary's has a robust Fine Arts & Activities program. The school operates 14 music groups, including choirs, a concert band, and a jazz ensemble, with regular concerts and ensemble events. The Visual Arts program offers painting, drawing, ceramics, and printmaking, and drama opportunities exist from Elementary through High School, including a tri-school Spring Musical with sister schools. The arts program also includes trips, competitions, exhibitions, and involves service clubs connected to the arts.	Arts & creative Arts and creative activities are strong at Showa Campus. Key music ensembles include Advanced Secondary String Ensemble, Brass Band, BST Orchestra and Chamber Choir. Drama, Film Review, Photography and Writing Club are among other offerings. Externally Run Clubs also expand opportunities in calligraphy, dance and other arts partnerships.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language St. Mary's supports cultural and language activities through events and clubs. The school participates in Model United Nations conferences, and hosts intercultural events such as the International Interkultur Choir Competition Kobe. Debating appears in KPASS events and debate meets, providing opportunities to engage in competitive discussions. The Summer Adventure program offers language-rich experiences to support international students and cross-cultural learning.	Cultural & language Language development is supported through multiple clubs. These include French Enrichment, Japanese and Spanish for Learners. NHK Learning Japanese and Japanese Calligraphy appear through externally run clubs. These activities promote cultural awareness alongside language proficiency.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Beyond academics, students can pursue informal interest-based activities and clubs. After-school options include board games and other social clubs that help students socialize and develop teamwork skills. These activities are designed to complement classroom learning and foster peer connections.	Social & hobbies Social and hobby activities include Board Games, Debating and E-Sports. Additional options include Creative Writing, Photography and Space Explorers. Clubs foster peer-to-peer learning and social connections.
Community & service	Community & service Community service and service clubs are part of student life at St. Mary's. The Fine Arts & Activities program notes that the school supports numerous organizations and service clubs, offering opportunities to give back and engage with the local and global community. Students may participate in service projects coordinated by clubs or through advisory programs. These activities foster social responsibility and lay the groundwork for ongoing community involvement.	Community & service Community engagement is encouraged via Creative Crafts and Volunteering and Sustainability clubs. These projects provide opportunities to contribute to local and global communities. They help students develop service-minded attitudes.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership and professional development are supported through advisory programs and university counseling. The High School Advisory helps students reflect on values and goals. The University Counseling program runs from Grade 10 with an introduction to standardized testing and ongoing guidance through Grade 12, including PSAT practice and families' conferences for planning. Career Day invites industry professionals and supports resume building and interview skills.	Leadership & professional Leadership development is integral at Showa Campus. Model United Nations builds diplomacy and public speaking; the Senior School Study Centre supports prefect roles and leadership meetings. Participation in MUN helps students build confidence and teamwork.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing St. Mary's emphasizes physical wellbeing through athletics. Major sports include swimming, baseball, and basketball, with inter-scholastic competitions in the middle and high school and weekend fixtures such as ball hockey, soccer, and tennis. An annual ski trip is part of the Elementary program, contributing to fitness, teamwork, and outdoor activity.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Lifestyle and wellbeing are central, with sport emphasised from Year 7 to Year 13. The programme includes swimming, Football, Netball, Badminton and Yoga. These activities promote health, resilience and teamwork.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The language of instruction is English. In the IB Diploma Programme, language offerings include English A Language and Literature HL/SL; Japanese A Language and Literature HL/SL; Japanese B HL/SL; Japanese Ab Initio; French B HL/SL; French Ab Initio; and Spanish Ab Initio. English language support is available for non-native speakers from Readiness Program through Grade 8, with limited support for Grades 9 and 10 and none for Grade 11 due to IB DP requirements.	Language provision The language of instruction at BST is English. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided to assist non-native English speakers in accessing the curriculum. Language learning is supported through dedicated language learning spaces, including a Language Classroom at the Azabudai Hills Campus, within BST's overall English-language, international education model.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Summer Adventure 2025 is a language-rich summer program for Grades 1–6 designed for non-English-speaking children, but all students are welcome to join, learn, and make new friends. The program uses hands-on activities and language-focused experiences to provide immersion in an international school setting. There are two sessions: Session A from July 28 to August 1 and Session B from August 4 to August 8, 9:00–15:00, with registration via ClubsBuddy. The program aims to support language development and social integration in a multilingual context.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards There is no publicly posted list of school-wide awards for St. Mary's International School on the site for the past five years.	Awards Awards won by BST in the past 5 years (awards credited to the school, not individuals or students): - Company of the Year, British Business Awards (BCCJ), 2025 — BST was named Company of the Year at the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan's British Business Awards, a recognition of excellence, leadership and impact within Japan's international community and aligned with BST's 35th anniversary year.
Accreditations	Accreditations St. Mary's International School is fully accredited by two agencies: the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS). WASC is one of six regional associations that accredit public and private schools, colleges and universities in the United States and East Asia. CIS is a membership organization of international schools around the world. The school also offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in its High School, authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).	Accreditations The British School in Tokyo (BST), including its Showa Campus, holds the following accreditations. - COBIS Patron's Accreditation — BST is the first school in Japan to receive Patron's Accreditation from the Council of British International Schools, confirming adherence to COBIS standards for this accreditation level and signaling high-quality British international education. - CIS Membership — BST became a member of the Council of International Schools in 2023, aligning with CIS's drivers for purpose and direction, high-quality student learning, wellbeing and global citizenship, and gaining access to CIS programs and services. - IB World School (IBDP authorization) — BST was officially authorised as an IB World School and will offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) to Years 12–13 from August 2025. - BTEC Centre — BST was approved as a BTEC centre, enabling delivery of BTEC Level 3 in Enterprise and Sport from August 2024. - ASDAN Centre — BST was approved as an ASDAN centre, and is the only school in Japan offering ASDAN courses.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Admissions Process Step 1 — Inquire and arrange a campus visit. Prospective families should start by making an inquiry or signing up for a campus tour. Applications are welcome at any time, and visiting the campus is encouraged to understand the school's environment. Note that there is no parking available for school tours. The school can be contacted via the Admissions team for questions or to schedule a visit. Step 2 — Prepare and submit the application with supporting documents and fees. Begin by completing the online application and paying the non-refundable application fee of ¥50,000 for each application. The application requires an Application Form, Confidential Information Form, Record Release Form, a copy of the applicant's birth certificate or passport page, a recent family photo, and the applicant's school records for the past two years plus the current year's progress report. For Readiness Program (kindergarten) and Grade 1, a Kindergarten Teacher's Recommendation is also needed; for older grades there are grade-specific recommendations. The application fee can be paid by credit card or wired to the school's account. Step 3 — The admissions evaluation includes academic records, testing, and interviews. Students are admitted on the basis of transcripts from previous schools, standardized test results, a screening test, and a personal interview with both the prospective student and the parents. The school reviews documentation and test results to determine fit with the English-based curriculum. Some grades also require teacher recommendations and counselor/principal references as part of the evaluation. Step 4 — Grade-specific screening steps and timelines. For Readiness Program (RP) and Grade 1, there are on-campus activities such as a group observation (RP) and an on-campus screening (Grade 1) followed by on-campus family interviews. For RP, the process includes a teacher recommendation deadline and a family interview window, with admission decisions communicated after the interview period. For Grade 1, the on-campus screening occurs in early November, followed by observations and a family interview in November–December, with admission decisions typically issued in late January. Step 5 — Admission decision, offer, and enrollment. Admission decision letters are issued on set dates (e.g., February 28, 2026 for RP and January 31, 2026 for Grade 1 in the 2026–2027 cycle). If offered a seat, enrollment requires payment of the Registration fee within two weeks of the offer. The Re-Enrollment Deposit for returning students is non-refundable but credited toward tuition, and a School Bus or other transportation option may be selected with its own fee. Step 6 — Post-acceptance steps and forms. After acceptance, families must complete and submit Health Record forms, the Student ID Card Application Form, the School Bus Application Form (if applying for transport), and provide the Final School Report for the current school year. These steps complete enrollment and help the school finalize records. Notes on fees and payments (embedded in the process): The school lists the following for new entrants: Application Fee ¥50,000; Registration ¥400,000; Development Fund ¥1,000,000; Building Maintenance ¥150,000 per year; Tuition by level: Elementary ¥2,700,000; Middle ¥2,800,000; High ¥2,850,000. Returning students pay a Re-Enrollment Seat Deposit of ¥300,000 and Building Maintenance ¥150,000 plus tuition at the applicable level. Transportation by school bus is available at ¥310,000 one-way or ¥420,000 for both ways. Payments can be made by credit card (for the application fee only) or by bank transfer for the other items; remittances should be made in the student's name with the English spelling of the name and the school ID number. The Re-Enrollment Deposit is credited toward tuition. Cafeteria, accident insurance, and the Corporate Contribution Program are listed as separate items or programs. For full details, view the current Tuition & Fees schedule. Language of instruction and curriculum: The school operates with an English-based curriculum, and families are expected to support their child's success within that framework. The school does not discriminate in admissions on race, creed, or national origin. References: Admissions overview, RP / Grade 1 admissions timeline for 2026–2027, application requirements, and the general admissions policy are publicly posted. Fees for new entrants and returning students, as well as transportation and payment methods, are listed in the Tuition & Fees page. The Admissions section notes that inquiries and campus tours are available and that applications are welcome at any time. The language of instruction is described as English-based in the admissions policy. Waitlisted applicants are governed by a separate policy (see the Waitlist section). Faculty and staff contact information is included in the Admissions and Contact pages. Citations: Admissions overview and steps (turn1view0), RP / Grade 1 admissions timeline (turn2view0, turn4search5), Application Requirements (turn4search6), Tuition & Fees (turn5view0). Waitlist/Pool 2. Waitlist Policy and Process If a grade level is full, students may be placed on a waitlist. Waitlisted students are expected to continue their education while on the waitlist rather than remaining at home; the waitlisted status is valid only until a designated date set by Admissions. Importantly, waitlist placement is not based on a first-come, first-served basis but rather on the individual screening results. Students on the waitlist will be considered for enrollment as soon as a seat opens at their grade level. The waitlist policy applies to each grade-level as appropriate. References: Admissions Policy (turn4search0). Waitlist/Pool details (additional context): The policy specifies that the waitlist is used when a grade is full and that the process is driven by screening results rather than order of application. The policy indicates the waitlist is grade-specific and has an expiration date determined by Admissions. References: Admissions Policy (turn4search0). Scholarships 3. Scholarships There is no publicly posted scholarship program listed for St. Mary's International School in Tokyo. The site describes the school as a not-for-profit institution and notes a Corporate Contribution Program and fundraising activities, but it does not publish formal need-based or merit-based scholarships in the admissions or fees sections. Families may inquire with Admissions about any possible financial aid or external funding opportunities, but no scholarship details are published on the site. References: Support Us page (turn7view0) and Tuition & Fees page (turn5view0) which reference the Corporate Contribution Program and general fundraising, but no scholarship offerings are listed. Additional notes for context - The school teaches in English and uses an English-based curriculum. This is stated in the admissions policy. References: Admissions Policy (turn0search5). - The school is actively international in focus and emphasizes partnerships with families; inquiries and campus tours are encouraged, with admissions open to both local and overseas applicants per RP/G1 timelines. References: Admissions page (turn1view0) and RP / Grade 1 Admissions (turn2view0, turn4search5). - The latest published fee structure for new entrants is for School Year 2025-2026, with annual tuition by level and one-time and annual ancillary fees; the 2026-2027 timelines are available for RP and Grade 1 admissions, indicating the school publishes updated timelines for future cohorts. References: Tuition & Fees (turn5view0), RP / Grade 1 Admissions (turn4search5). If you'd like, I can format this into a printable guide or tailor a calendar with key deadlines based on the grade you're considering.	Admissions Admissions Process (Showa Campus, Year 7–13) 1. Check Eligibility. Review BST's admissions policy and guidelines, and verify the child's age against the UK year-group system to determine the correct year group. Showa Campus serves students from Year 7 (around 11 years old) to Year 13 (up to 18 years old). The school is located at Showa Women's University, and enrollment materials specify the age-to-year alignment for ongoing intakes. 2. Complete Enquiry Form. Submit the Enquiry Form and create an account to begin the process. An admissions representative will contact you within 1–2 business days after the enquiry is received. If you already have an account, use the existing one rather than submitting a new enquiry. 3. Application Forms. Access to the Application Form is provided after the Enquiry Form is reviewed. An application fee of 40,000 JPY (non‑refundable) is payable on the Application Form. Ensure all required information is accurate before submitting the form. 4. Confirmation of Application. After submitting all checklist items and receiving a reference from the applicant's current school or teacher, the applicant is placed in the school's application pool. An interview or assessment is scheduled after documents and references are reviewed, and when space is foreseen for the applicant. 5. Interview/Assessment. If required, interviews or assessments begin in late February and continue into late June. The schedule depends on space availability and the applicant's year group. Parents should plan for possible in-person interactions as part of the decision process. 6. Admissions Decisions. Admissions decisions begin in early March and continue through the summer. For year groups that are full, openings may not be clear until May or later, so families should not expect immediate offers in all cases. 7. Enrolment and Fees. If a place is offered, enrolment steps proceed with the school's fee schedule: a non‑refundable enrolment fee of 500,000 JPY and an additional Educational Resources fee of 680,000 JPY are due as part of joining the school. Tuition is billed annually with per‑term breakdowns (Term 1, Term 2, Term 3) and is payable by bank transfer within the terms specified. Invoices are usually issued 8–14 weeks before the end of the previous term, and existing students' tuition is due within 4 weeks of the invoice date; the school does not accept cash payments. Notes: BST shows that Showa Campus is Year 7–13 and located at Showa Women's University, with Showa address and contact details provided on the campus page. Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year are open.
Scholarships	Scholarships 3) Scholarships - St. Mary's International School does not publish scholarships on its site. The school operates as a not-for-profit institution and relies on donations and fundraising; there is a Corporate Contribution Program, but no formal scholarship program is listed. Families interested in financial aid or scholarships should consult Admissions for any possible options or external funding, though no SMIS-based scholarship offerings are published. References: Support Us (turn7view0) and Fees page (turn5view0).	Scholarships Scholarships and Financial Support Bursaries: BST offers a limited number of bursaries intended to assist eligible families who cannot meet the full fees. The bursaries cover up to 100% of the enrolment fees and up to 50% of tuition (including Capital Development Funds). The total number of bursaries is limited to about 7% of the student roll, and the availability may vary by year. Bursaries are not awarded to Nursery or Reception students and are subject to annual reassessment based on family means and progress. Eligibility requires meeting normal admissions requirements plus evidence of financial need and a demonstrable benefit of a British education; decisions are final and may not be renewed every year. The 2025–26 bursary cycle closed, with plans for the 2026–27 cycle to be published in February 2026. Corporate Contribution Programme (CCP): BST also operates a CCP, a program that allows organizations with foreign employees to contribute to the school to fund corporate scholarships for dependents. The CCP is tax-efficient for participating companies and supports scholarships funded by corporate donations. To join, a company should contact the Development Office (or complete the form) to initiate the process; the arrangement can also be updated for existing enrollees. This program helps fund the school's scholarship offerings and facility improvements.
Waitlist	Waitlist 2) Waitlist / Pool - When a given grade level is full, applicants may be waitlisted. Waitlisted students are expected to continue their education while on the waitlist and not simply wait at home. Waitlisted students will be considered for enrollment when a seat opens at their specific grade level. The waitlisted status is valid only until the designated date as set forth by Admissions. Importantly, waitlisted students are not admitted based on a first-come, first-served basis but rather on their individual screening results. Reference: Admissions Policy (turn4search0).	Waitlist Waitlist / Pool (Showa Campus, Year 7–13) BST uses an application pool system for admissions when year-group spaces are limited. After you submit the complete application and a reference is received from the current school or teacher, the applicant is placed in the application pool. Any interview or assessment is scheduled once space is foreseen for the applicant. Admissions decisions begin in early March and continue through summer; for full year groups, openings may not be clear until May or later, so applicants may remain in the pool for an extended period.
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