The British School in Tokyo - Azabudai Hills Campus and Yokohama International School are both in Tokyo, about 27 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes. The British School in Tokyo - Azabudai Hills Campus also offers British, and Yokohama International School also offers Reggio Emilia. Published annual fees are close, at ¥2,920,000 - 3,030,000 for The British School in Tokyo - Azabudai Hills Campus and ¥2,120,000 - 3,440,000 for Yokohama International School. The British School in Tokyo - Azabudai Hills Campus takes pupils from 3 to 11, and Yokohama International School from 3 to 18. The British School in Tokyo - Azabudai Hills Campus is the larger school, with around 1,300 pupils to Yokohama International School's 830. Typical class sizes are 22 at The British School in Tokyo - Azabudai Hills Campus and 19 at Yokohama International School.
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The British School in Tokyo - Azabudai Hills Campus
Tokyo, Japan
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Yokohama International School
Tokyo, Japan
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Fees / year
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Fees / year ¥2,920,000 - 3,030,000 | Fees / year ¥2,120,000 - 3,440,000 |
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Age range
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Age range 3 - 11 years | Age range 3 - 18 years |
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Type
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Type Co-educational | Type Co-educational |
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Curriculum
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Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), British Curriculum | Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Reggio Emilia Approach |
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Pupils
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Pupils 1,300 | Pupils 830 |
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Typical class size
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Typical class size 22 | Typical class size 19 |
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Instruction language
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Instruction language English | Instruction language English |
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Opened
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Opened 2023 | Opened 1924 |
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Bus service
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Bus service Yes | Bus service Yes |
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Location
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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. | Location The Yokohama International School campus is in the Honmoku area of Yokohama, located in Naka-ku in a mixed commercial and residential neighborhood. It sits beside the Honmoku Front shopping complex and is well integrated with local shops, parks, and transit routes; there are multiple bus routes serving the area and nearby train access to Tokyo. The campus address is 2-100-1 Kominato-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0802, Japan. |
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Stages
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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). | Stages YIS operates an Early Learning Center for ages 3–5, Elementary School from Kindergarten through Grade 5, Middle School in Grades 6–8, and High School in Grades 9–12. The school follows an IB continuum: Primary Years Program (ELC–Grade 5), Middle Years Program (Grades 6–10), and Diploma Program (Grades 11–12). |
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School type
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School type Co-educational international day school. (BST operates two central Tokyo campuses for different age ranges.) | School type Co-educational, day school. |
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Pupil nationality mix
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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. | Pupil nationality mix The student body includes more than 50 nationalities (the community is highly international). The school has around 808 students, with faculty drawn from multiple countries; the most common nationality is not publicly disclosed. |
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Additional learning support
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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. | Additional learning support YIS provides Learning Support for diverse learning needs, working in collaboration with Counselors and EAL teachers to support academics, behavior, and social–emotional development. EAL support is provided across core subjects to help students access the curriculum, and wellness/counseling services are available for social-emotional health. |
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Country affiliation
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Country affiliation The school follows the English National Curriculum and positions itself as a British international school. | Country affiliation No formal country affiliation; the school serves the international community in Yokohama and the Tokyo metropolitan area. |
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Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation Non-denominational. | Religious affiliation No religious affiliation. |
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School day structure
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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. | School day structure Daily start and end times vary by division and are provided during enrollment. Breakfast is available on campus before the start of the day, and lunch is served in three sittings via Dragon Dining, with a campus café (The Street Café) for breaks. The First Day of School in August 2025 ran from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm as an example of a full-day schedule. |
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Bus service details
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Bus service details BST operates a shuttle bus service between three stops: Azabudai Hills campus, SKG Shibuya, and the BST Showa campus. | Bus service details The school offers a bus service with nearby pick‑ups and stops. From Sakuragicho Station or Ishikawacho, take buses 101, 105, or 106 to Kominato-cho; From Negishi Station take buses 58 or 101 to Honmoku-Miyabara; bus stops near the campus are indicated in the access information. |
| Fees | Fees | |
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Fee details
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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. | Fee details One-time fees - Application Fee: JPY 50,000 (non-refundable). - Registration Fee: JPY 1,350,000 (non-refundable; payment due within 14 days of acceptance). Annual tuition by year group (with per-term amounts) - Early Learning Center – Half Day: Annual tuition JPY 2,025,000. Per term (two equal installments): JPY 1,012,500. - Early Learning Center – Full Day: Annual tuition JPY 2,495,000. Per term: JPY 1,247,500. - Kindergarten – Grade 5: Annual tuition JPY 3,060,000. Per term: JPY 1,530,000. - Grades 6 – 11: Annual tuition JPY 3,190,000. Per term: JPY 1,595,000. - Grade 12: Annual tuition JPY 3,285,000. Per term: JPY 1,642,500. - Campus Development Fee (annual): JPY 385,000. This fee is charged annually and is not prorated. Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard billing: Tuition is billed in two equal installments (two terms). Installment due dates: July 31 and December 8. - Mid-year enrollments: Tuition is prorated by quarters for mid-year entries; the Campus Development Fee is not prorated. - Re-enrollment deposit: JPY 300,000 due by April 15 to secure placement for the following year. - Late payment: Fees overdue by 30 days incur a 2.5% monthly late charge. - Registration fee payment: Due within 14 days of acceptance and non-refundable. Application fee is non-refundable. Payment methods and banking details - Primary payment method indicated: international bank transfer. Include the student's full name or invoice number in payment details for correct processing. - SMBC Trust Bank (SMBC信託銀行): - SWIFT: SMTCJPJT - Yokohama Branch (736) - Savings Account: 7579973 - Account Name: Yokohama International School. - Bank of Yokohama: - SWIFT: HAMAJPJT - Motomachi Branch (311) - Savings Account: 1708779 - Account Name: Yokohama International School. What the tuition covers - Tuition includes school‑issued technology (computers/tablets), most expeditions and field trips, and IB Diploma (IBDP), ISA, and PSAT examination fees (excluding resits). Additional costs billed separately - School bus service (separate charge). - Uniforms (separate charge). - Cafeteria services (separate charge). - Certain extracurricular activities (separate charge). All of the above are billed in addition to tuition where applicable. Boarding fees - Boarding fees: Not applicable. No boarding or boarding fees are listed in the school's tuition and fees schedule. Refund and withdrawal policy - Notice of withdrawal must be submitted in writing. - In principle there are no refunds of tuition. The only exceptions noted are partial refund of deposit or in cases where the student has been enrolled for less than the first five days of that semester. Other financial notes - Scholarships: Scholarships are available through a Corporate Contribution Program for students whose parents' employers participate; details are managed by the school's Business Office. - For payment processing, always include the student's full name or invoice number to ensure correct allocation of funds. Contact for billing enquiries - Admissions/Business Office email provided for payment inquiries. |
| Diving deeper | Diving deeper | |
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Boarding arrangements
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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. | Boarding arrangements — |
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Uniform requirement
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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). | Uniform requirement YIS operates a school uniform system that includes a PE uniform. Uniforms and other YIS-branded apparel are sold on campus through the Dragon's Den, the on-site school store. Families are advised to purchase the PE uniform, with specific colours and design details not published on the site. |
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Food options
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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. | Food options Dragon Dining runs the on-campus cafeteria, offering a rotating weekly menu with Western, Asian, vegan and vegetarian options. Meals are prepared on site with locally sourced ingredients where possible, and some herbs and vegetables are grown on campus in collaboration with students. The Street Café, located between the North and South buildings, provides coffee, tea and baked goods, and the cafeteria uses a cashless payment system with allergen labeling for menu items. |
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House system
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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. | House system YIS uses a house-based system to foster student leadership and community. Students participate in House events across divisions, and leadership opportunities related to Houses are available; there are Student Councils in Elementary, Middle and High School to support student voice and governance. |
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Governance and ownership
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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. | Governance and ownership The school is governed by a Board of Directors (elected at the AGM) and a Board of Trustees, with Auditors monitoring governance and financial status. Day-to-day operations are led by the Head of School and the Senior Leadership Team. Foundational governance documents include the Act of Endowment, the Constitution, and the Board Governance Manual; the site does not indicate that YIS is part of a larger group of schools. |
| Academics | Academics | |
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Curriculum details
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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. | Curriculum details YIS delivers instruction in English and follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) runs from the Early Learning Center through Grade 5; the Middle Years Programme (MYP) runs from Grades 6 to 10; and the Diploma Programme (DP) runs in Grades 11 and 12. In addition to the IB Diploma, students may earn IB Certificates, the YIS Diploma, and the Global Citizen Diploma. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based learning, service learning, and well-being, with field trips, expeditions, and a range of clubs. English is the language of instruction, with an English as an Additional Language program to support learners. |
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Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio — | Student teacher ratio — |
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Exam results
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Exam results — | Exam results External examinations are part of the Diploma Programme assessment. YIS publishes external exam results. Details are accessible through the DP results reporting. |
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Higher education progression
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Higher education progression — | Higher education progression Graduates are well prepared for higher education at universities around the world. YIS offers pathways including the IB Diploma, IB Certificates, the YIS Diploma, and the Global Citizen Diploma. Graduates pursue higher education worldwide with the credential mix available through YIS. |
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Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented — | Gifted and talented — |
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Academic calendar
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Academic calendar — | Academic calendar — |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
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Social & emotional learning
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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. | Social & emotional learning Counseling is available across Elementary, Middle, and High School, with counselors providing individual and group support, social-emotional learning, wellness programs, and academic advising delivered in classroom and tutor group settings. Students reflect on strengths, set personal goals, and develop resilience through a structured wellbeing program and university/career guidance. The community emphasizes mindful choices, belonging, and personal growth, with orientation and ongoing family meetings for new students. |
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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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. | Special educational needs (SEN) Learning Support collaborates with counselors and EAL specialists to support students with diverse learning needs, offering observations, consultations, and targeted instruction to help students access the curriculum and reach their potential in an inclusive environment. The program is designed to celebrate learning differences and provide individualized or small-group support as required. |
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English as an additional language
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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. | English as an additional language English is the language of instruction. The EAL program provides developmentally appropriate language support to help students access all learning programs, with targeted instruction across speaking, writing, listening, and reading. The school recognizes a multilingual environment, with home-language programs and a diverse student body speaking many languages. |
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Mental wellbeing
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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. | Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is addressed through counseling services, social-emotional learning, and wellness programming integrated into the school's counseling and health offerings. The health office provides resources and support for student health needs, and counselors partner with families and teachers to support emotional and psychological development. |
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Safeguarding
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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 Safeguarding is embedded in daily practice with a designated safeguarding framework, staff training, and a student-protection policy aligned to international standards. The school provides clear safeguarding contacts and a responsive child-protection structure, with ongoing monitoring and reporting procedures. |
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Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
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Facilities overview
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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. | Facilities overview YIS has a 14,685-square-meter campus designed so every space is a learning space, with flexible environments and communal hubs. It blends Japanese design with global values and emphasizes sustainability. Opened in January 2022, the campus supports exploration, collaboration, and a sense of community. The campus hosts a library, an Early Learning Center, a science wing, Visual Art & Design studios, performing arts spaces, a multipurpose auditorium, a double gym, and outdoor areas such as The Street and Dragon Dining. |
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Sports facilities
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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. | Sports facilities The athletics program is supported by world-class campus facilities, including a 25-meter heated indoor swimming pool, a 90m x 46m artificial turf field with floodlights, netting and a digital scoreboard, a double gymnasium with two official-size basketball courts and spectator seating, outdoor basketball courts, and an indoor dance studio. The secondary athletics program is organized in three seasonal offerings (Fall, Winter, Spring) with opportunities across multiple sports, and teams compete under the Dragons banner. |
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Academic facilities
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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. | Academic facilities The campus includes a Library with satellite libraries and study spaces, a Codependent Science Wing with six laboratories, and Classrooms designed with movable furniture and large glass doors to support inquiry-driven learning. The Early Learning Center (ELC) serves ages 3–5 with floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a fluid layout. Visual Art & Design Studios, Black Box Theatre Rooms, and Music Studios support arts learning, while a Multipurpose Auditorium accommodates performances and gatherings. A solar energy system on the roof, a Deck Garden, and Chowa-an (teahouse) and gardens integrate sustainability and host-culture elements into daily learning. |
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Extra curricular facilities
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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. | Extra curricular facilities Expeditions provide hands-on, experiential learning beyond the classroom. The Japanese Culture Program (JCP) integrates activities and events that celebrate Japanese culture while primarily teaching in English. Service Learning connects empathy with action through community partnerships. The Elementary School Activities program (ESA) offers clubs such as Gardening, LEGO, Robotics, and Book-related activities; Secondary Activities include Model United Nations, Robotics, Environment Club, and Student Councils. Athletics and Artistic Opportunities further broaden experiences through team sports, performance, and visual/performing arts showcases. |
| Parent experience | Parent experience | |
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History
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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. | History Yokohama International School was founded in 1924 and opened on October 27, 1924 in a YMCA classroom with six students and one teacher. It was among the first schools to include 'international' in its name, and by the late 1930s enrollment exceeded 100 students with a boarding facility added in 1936. The school closed during World War II, its campus was destroyed by fire in 1945, and it was rebuilt and reopened in 1955 on its original Yamate site. YIS became a registered School Juridical Person in 1969, introduced the IGCSE in the 1990s, and offered the IB Primary Years Programme from 2001 with a full Early Learning Centre–High School structure by 2003. In January 2022 the school moved to a new Honmoku campus designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates, and the centenary was celebrated on October 27, 2024. |
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Community
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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. | Community The close friendships and cooperation between students, staff, parents and alumni lie at the heart of YIS. A range of events and activities are offered by the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA), supporting learning opportunities and community engagement. The Food Fair is a hallmark event that unites the YIS community and nearby neighborhoods in a festival of food and culture. Alumni remain connected after graduation, with many returning as staff or as parents of current students. |
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Parent teacher association
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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. | Parent teacher association The Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) provides a calendar of events and activities for families, supports learning opportunities, and drives community engagement. The Food Fair is the largest annual PTSA-led event, attracting thousands of attendees and involving hundreds of volunteers across many booths and cultural presentations. Proceeds from the Food Fair fund the PTSA Grants Program, which supports student and wider-community projects. Culture Workshops at Food Fair bring immersive country experiences to the school community, expanding intercultural understanding. The PTSA and school collaborate to foster parent involvement, fundraising, and service opportunities across the year. |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
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Academic & intellectual
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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. | Academic & intellectual Expeditions are a key experiential opportunity at YIS. They connect wilderness engagements to classroom concepts and personal growth, with clear learning intentions. They promote resilience, collaboration, and a deeper respect for nature. Expeditions encourage stepping outside comfort zones, reflection, and returning to campus with new skills, stronger relationships, and a richer understanding of themselves. |
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Arts & creative
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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. | Arts & creative Artistic Opportunities at YIS include visual and performing arts driven by student choice, creative exploration, and collaboration. Learners pursue personal expression and cultural insight through arts activities. They gain confidence in creative abilities and connect with others through showcases and exhibitions. They build skills, confidence, and empathy through artistic exploration. |
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Cultural & language
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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. | Cultural & language Japanese Culture Program (JCP) offers immersion in Japanese culture through an integrated program. Although we primarily learn in English from the ELC to High School, students engage in activities, workshops, and community partnerships that celebrate our host culture. Activities include tea ceremonies, calligraphy, festivals, and traditional cultural experiences that cultivate appreciation, respect, and a deeper understanding of Japan. |
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Social & hobbies
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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. | Social & hobbies Student Activities offer clubs and organizations enabling students to explore interests, develop talents, and challenge themselves. Activities promote creativity, collaboration, and pursuing personal passions. Based on diversity and inclusion, a vibrant range of clubs enables students to try new things and collaborate with peers. |
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Community & service
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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. | Community & service Service Learning at YIS turns empathy into action. Through hands-on projects and partnerships, students address community and global challenges, learn diverse perspectives, and experience teamwork. It fosters a sense of responsibility for local, national, and international communities and breaks down barriers. Making service a core part of learning nurtures compassionate students who understand that real change starts with them. |
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Leadership & professional
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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. | Leadership & professional Expeditions build leadership, self-management, and collaboration skills through challenging journeys. Grade-specific expeditions develop leadership across grades 3–10, culminating in experiences such as the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage and a diving expedition. The program includes leadership retreats and service leadership opportunities as part of authentic learning, enabling students to lead with confidence. Students reflect on leadership and apply it in teamwork and community projects. |
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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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. | Lifestyle & wellbeing Safeguarding and wellbeing are integral to YIS. Safeguarding is woven into every aspect of the community, with staff undergoing regular training in child protection and adherence to international standards for safe recruitment. The middle school program includes a supportive wellbeing program. Expeditions and outdoor education contribute to wellness by promoting resilience, physical health, and mindful connection with nature. |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
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Language provision
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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. | Language provision English is the language of instruction across Yokohama International School. The EAL program personalizes language support to help multilingual learners participate across all subject areas and activities. Japanese language is offered as part of the language program; in Grades 1–5, students new to English may attend EAL instead of the Japanese Language class to access the curriculum, while other students study Japanese in the regular language program. The school offers additional modern foreign languages as IB/DP options, including Spanish, French, German, and Japanese; the Home Language program supports more than 20 home languages, with over 90% of students speaking two or more languages. |
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Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching — | Bilingual teaching — |
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Immersion programs
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Immersion programs — | Immersion programs English is the language of instruction. The Early Learning Center and Kindergarten are fully English-language immersion. In Grades 1–5, students new to English may attend a specialized EAL class instead of the Japanese Language class to access the curriculum with language support. In Secondary (MYP/DP), language progress is monitored by an EAL specialist who collaborates with subject teachers to provide differentiated instruction. |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
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Awards
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Accreditations
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Accreditations :[ | Accreditations — |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
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Admissions
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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. | Admissions 1. Eligibility. The school accepts applicants who are foreign nationals or Japanese nationals with prior international education. At least one residing parent must be fluent in speaking, reading, and writing English. Applicants must live with at least one parent within commuting distance while enrolled at YIS. 2. Admissions Portal and Pre-application. Start with the Pre-application Form to provide basic information and create an account for the Admissions Portal. If a child is already enrolled at YIS, begin the process in the Veracross Parent Portal under the Admissions option. The school year runs from August to June. 3. Our Admissions Team Reviews Your Pre-application. The Admissions Team reviews the pre-application to confirm eligibility and may request additional information by email. If there are issues regarding eligibility, follow-up communication will occur. 4. Complete Application in The Admissions Portal and Pay Application Fee. Return to the Admissions Portal to complete the forms and upload required documents so the school can form a full picture of the child's suitability for the program. Payment of the application fee is part of this step. 5. Document Submission. Submit all requested documents through the Admissions Portal to support the application review. Ensuring all documents are uploaded helps avoid delays in processing. 6. Application Review & Notification Of Admission Decision. The Admissions team reviews the complete application and aims to notify applicants within a few weeks for overseas submissions. There is rolling admission for overseas applicants due to space constraints. For entry at the beginning of the school year (August), apply by early March (early February for high school). 7. Respond To Admissions Decision. If admitted, the family should respond to the admission decision to indicate whether they will enroll. This response typically follows the notification of the decision. 8. Complete Online Enrollment and Pay Registration Fee. After accepting the offer, complete online enrollment and pay the registration fee to secure a place. |
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Scholarships
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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. | Scholarships Corporate Contribution Program (CCP): The CCP is a corporate scholarship program for organizations that cover expatriate employees' educational expenses. Donations fund corporate scholarships for dependents and support the school's fundraising and facilities. CCP donations are not taxable as personal income in Japan under an authorized agreement; contact the business manager for details on eligibility and participation. Chowa Scholarship Fund: The school is launching the Chowa Scholarship Fund in 2026–2027 to provide need-based financial assistance to students facing hardship. The fund is designed to promote equity and inclusion so students can continue to thrive at YIS. |
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Waitlist
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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. | Waitlist When the number of eligible applicants exceeds available spaces, applicants may be placed in a wait pool if deemed acceptable. Priority is given to siblings of current students, children of YIS staff and alumni, returning students, and dependents of organizations participating in our Corporate Contribution Program (CCP). Applicants in the wait pool are requested to submit updated school reports to confirm continued interest. |
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