Rugby School Japan
RSJPart of Rugby School Group, Secular, Founded 2023
Updated July 2026
Languages
Rugby School Japan is a co-educational British day and boarding school for students aged 11 to 18, located in Kashiwanoha Smart City, Greater Tokyo. It is the second international school in the Rugby School Group, offering a holistic education based on a 450-year-old British tradition.
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school is guided by the ethos 'The Whole Person, The Whole Point,' focusing on the academic, spiritual, and artistic growth of pupils. It emphasizes character formation, collaborative teamwork, and the development of grounded, authentic individuals who are encouraged to cultivate courage and are not afraid of failure.
Programmes
The school offers a British-style curriculum leading to IGCSE qualifications in Years 10-11 and A Levels in the Sixth Form (Years 12-13). The academic programme for Years 7-9 includes core subjects such as Mathematics, English, History, Geography, Science, creative arts, and Design Technology, with all pupils required to study a foreign language and Japanese. Sixth Form students are also supported in completing an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
Outcomes
Rugby School Japan is part of the global Rugby School Group, providing pupils with access to a network of international schools and entry to the world’s leading universities. The school prepares students for IGCSE and A Level qualifications.
Student support
Learning support
The school emphasizes pupil wellbeing and pastoral care, with a 'Beacon Status' for pupil welfare awarded by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS). The House system is central to this pastoral provision, providing a close-knit community where pupils are known deeply by staff.
Frequently asked questions(6)
- What curriculum does Rugby School Japan offer?
- Rugby School Japan offers National Curriculum (England), IGCSE and Cambridge A-Level.
- What ages does Rugby School Japan teach?
- Rugby School Japan enrolls students aged 11 to 18.
- Is Rugby School Japan a day or boarding school?
- Rugby School Japan is a day and boarding school.
- What accreditations does Rugby School Japan hold?
- Rugby School Japan holds accreditations including COBIS and IB.
- Is Rugby School Japan co-educational?
- Rugby School Japan is a co-ed school.
- Where is Rugby School Japan located?
- Rugby School Japan is an international school in Adachi, Japan.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
Rugby School Japan accepts rolling applications for students in Years 7 through 12, with places strictly limited in each year group. The application process includes an online application, a 40,000 JPY application fee, and a confidential reference form. Applicants must complete the CAT4 assessment, the Oxford English Placement Test, and an interview with a member of the Senior Leadership Team; Year 12 applicants are also required to complete A Level assessment papers in English, Mathematics, and 3-4 chosen subjects.
Calendar
The school follows a British international model with three terms per year. The academic year begins in late August and concludes in late June, with terms ending in December, March, and June. Each term includes a half-term break.
Facilities
About the campus
Located in Kashiwanoha Smart City, the campus features a mix of renovated legacy structures and new buildings, including a traditional 'quad' and townhouse-style facades. Facilities include science labs, visual art studios, a gallery, design and technology rooms, a 25m indoor swimming pool, a Black Box theatre, a dance studio, a lecture theatre, a library, a gymnasium, rugby and soccer fields, and tennis courts. The campus also incorporates twelve green areas, including a central courtyard and rooftop gardens.
Co-curriculars
The school offers an extensive co-curricular programme designed to develop the 'Whole Person,' including sports, music, drama, dance, debating, financial investment clubs, and ecological clubs. These activities are available to all pupils regardless of experience level and utilize the school's new facilities, such as the Black Box theatre, music centre, and sports fields.
- Tony DarbyFounding Principal
Tony Darby served as the Founding Principal of Rugby School Japan, having previously spent 14 years at Rugby School UK and served as Sub-Warden of St Edward’s School, Oxford. He holds a degree in Politics and Economics from the University of Durham and a PGCE in Business and IT.
- Simon PalfermanSenior Deputy Principal
Simon Palferman is the Senior Deputy Principal, with prior experience as a Housemaster at St. Edward’s School, Oxford, and various roles in international development. He holds a BA in Classics from the University of Leeds and an MPhil in Social Anthropology from the University of Oxford.
- Laura BisphamDeputy Principal, Academic
Laura Bispham serves as Deputy Principal, Academic, having previously been Housemistress of The Abbey at Repton School. She holds a degree in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge and a Masters in Philosophy and Religion.
- Marc BeardsleyDirector of Operations
Marc Beardsley is the Director of Operations, holding a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia, a Master’s in Cognitive Systems and Interactive Media, and a Ph.D. in Information and Communication Technologies from Pompeu Fabra University. He has extensive experience in academia and business in Tokyo and Barcelona.
- Grace PianaAssistant Principal (Teaching & Learning)
- Axel RemoivilleAssistant Principal (Pupil Progression & Pathways)
- Jessica Ivey-SunAssistant Principal (Enrichment)
National Curriculum (England)
IGCSE
COBIS
IB