Japanese International School

The Japanese International School (English Section) is situated in the Tai Po Kau area of Hong Kong’s New Territories. The campus is surrounded by greenery near the Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve, providing a calm and spacious learning setting. It is easily accessible by car, taxi, and public transport, with nearby MTR stations at Fo Tan and Tai Po Market, followed by short minibus or taxi rides. The area is family-oriented and well-connected to neighbouring districts such as Sha Tin and Tai Po.

The English Section of JIS serves students from Reception (approximately age 4) to Primary 6 (approximately age 11). The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), which integrates subjects through inquiry-based learning. The programme builds a foundation for transition to secondary education, often through International College Hong Kong (ICHK).

JIS is a co-educational day school, enrolling both boys and girls. There are no boarding facilities, and all students attend as day pupils. The school is non-profit-making and serves the international community of Hong Kong.

The school promotes an inclusive approach to learning, supporting students with additional or special educational needs where possible. Provision includes individualised support plans, collaboration between teachers and families, and the use of tools such as the Zones of Regulation framework. The Student Support and Well-Being team coordinates interventions and external professional support as needed.

The English Section does not have a formal national affiliation. It is an international, IB-authorised institution that works in partnership with International College Hong Kong (ICHK) for secondary education.

The school has no religious affiliation and provides a secular education.

The school does not publicly list daily start and end times.

JIS provides a school bus service for students, coordinated through the school office. Routes cover major areas of the New Territories, including Tai Po, Sha Tin, and Fo Tan. Buses operate in the morning and after school, with supervision to ensure student safety. Details of routes and fees are provided to families upon enrolment.

The Japanese International School (English Section) follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students from Reception to Primary 6. The PYP provides a transdisciplinary framework, connecting subject areas such as English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, the Arts, and Physical Education through themed Units of Inquiry. Students also study Japanese or Mandarin as an additional language. Learning emphasises inquiry, reflection, and real-world application, with technology integrated through projects and clubs such as Tech Club, where students explore coding and robotics. The curriculum is further enriched by Outdoor Learning, annual camps, and cultural trips that support environmental awareness and community engagement. On completion of Primary 6, students are well prepared for transition to International College Hong Kong (ICHK) or other international secondary schools.

The school integrates Social and Emotional Learning through its Personal, Social and Physical Education (PSPE) programme and the Zones of Regulation framework. Students learn to identify and manage emotions, build healthy relationships, and develop self-awareness and self-control. Mindfulness, conflict resolution, and digital citizenship are regularly taught as part of classroom routines. The school’s Student Support and Well-Being team works with classroom teachers to monitor progress and guide behaviour and emotional development. SEL is embedded into the daily life of the school through assemblies, class discussions, and whole-school wellbeing initiatives.

The Japanese International School is an inclusive, mainstream primary school that supports students with additional learning needs within the general classroom setting where possible. Support includes differentiated instruction, individualised plans, and collaboration between teachers, parents, and external professionals. The school’s approach focuses on early identification and regular monitoring of each child’s progress. Specialist SEN staff or external consultants are engaged when additional expertise is required. The school is not a specialist SEN institution but works to accommodate a range of mild to moderate learning needs through flexible teaching and targeted support.

The school welcomes students from diverse linguistic backgrounds and provides language support within classroom settings to help non-native English speakers access the curriculum. English is the medium of instruction, while Mandarin or Japanese is taught as an additional language. Teachers adapt learning materials and provide vocabulary scaffolding and additional guidance during lessons. However, the school does not publicly outline a separate or formal EAL programme, and details of specialist EAL staffing are not disclosed on the website.

The school promotes mental well-being through its PSPE curriculum, pastoral care, and a nurturing school culture. Students learn strategies for emotional regulation, empathy, and resilience. Teachers receive guidance from the Student Support and Well-Being team, which provides follow-up for individual concerns. Mindfulness and reflection activities are incorporated into classroom practice, helping students manage stress and build self-confidence. Where needed, the school may refer families to external mental health professionals for additional support.

The school implements clear safeguarding measures to ensure a safe environment for all students. Staff receive regular child protection and first aid training, and facilities include designated washrooms for adults and students to maintain privacy and safety. The Student Support and Well-Being team oversees child safety and welfare, following established policies and procedures consistent with Hong Kong Education Bureau requirements. The school emphasises open communication, encouraging students to share concerns with trusted adults. While a detailed safeguarding policy document is referenced, it is not publicly available online.

1. Online Application Submission
Families begin by completing the online admissions form available on the JIS website. A non-refundable application fee is required at this stage, payable via bank transfer. Applicants must also upload proof of payment and relevant documents such as birth certificates, passports, and school reports, where applicable.

2. Application Review
Once the application and payment are received, the admissions office reviews the submission. Parents are contacted if additional information or clarification is required. If space is available in the requested year group, the child is invited for an interview or assessment.

3. Interview or Assessment
All applicants attend an interview at the school. For Reception and Primary 1, this may take the form of a group interview, while older students may meet individually with teaching staff. The purpose is to assess school readiness, communication, and social interaction.

4. Parent Meeting
Following the student’s interview, parents are invited to meet with the Principal to discuss the school’s approach and expectations. This meeting helps ensure mutual understanding between the school and family before enrolment.

5. Offer of Placement
Successful applicants receive a formal offer of admission by email. The offer must be accepted within the specified timeframe, and supporting enrolment documents are then completed.

6. Enrolment Confirmation
Once all forms are submitted and fees are settled, the student’s place is confirmed. The school provides a welcome pack with uniform details, transport information, and orientation guidance before the first day of class.

The Japanese International School (English Section) does not publicly indicate the use of a formal waitlist or pool system.