What curriculum does The British School in Tokyo offer?

The British School in Tokyo offers National Curriculum (England) and IB Diploma.

What ages does The British School in Tokyo teach?

The British School in Tokyo enrolls students aged 3 to 18.

What accreditations does The British School in Tokyo hold?

The British School in Tokyo holds accreditations including IB and COBIS.

Is The British School in Tokyo co-educational?

The British School in Tokyo is a co-ed school.

Where is The British School in Tokyo located?

The British School in Tokyo is an international school in Tokyo, Japan.

The British School in Tokyo

BST

Secular

Updated July 2026

3–18Ages

Co-edGender

Non-profitOwnership

Curriculum

National Curriculum (England)

IB Diploma

Accreditations

COBIS

Languages

English

The British School in Tokyo is an international school providing a holistic education based on the National Curriculum for England for students aged 3 to 18. It combines a modern British identity with an international outlook, serving the diverse community of Tokyo.

AcademicsAdmission & FeesCampusGalleryLeadership

Curriculum

National Curriculum (England)

IB Diploma

Term structure

Three terms

Teaching approach

The school is guided by a vision to nurture each student’s unique potential and help them develop a strong sense of self. Its core values emphasize personal best, honesty, kindness, curiosity, creativity, diversity, international mindedness, and social and environmental responsibility. The educational approach is holistic and inclusive, utilizing concept-based enquiry methods to foster an intrinsic love of learning.

Programmes

The academic programme is based on the National Curriculum for England, tailored for an international context. The curriculum is enhanced by concept-based enquiry methods and is designed to challenge students from Early Years through to Year 13. The school is an IB World School, offering pathways that prepare students for university and beyond.

Outcomes

The school maintains a tradition of academic excellence, with students achieving strong results in (I)GCSE and A Level examinations. Graduates go on to attend universities worldwide, with recent alumni pursuing studies at institutions such as the University of Tokyo, the London School of Economics, and the University of Oxford.

Student support

EAL support

Unknown

Learning support

Dedicated department

Learning support

The school provides student support services and pastoral care across both Primary and Secondary schools to ensure student wellbeing. Safeguarding is a priority, with designated staff members in both the Primary and Secondary sections to manage student safety matters.

Frequently asked questions(5)

What curriculum does The British School in Tokyo offer?: The British School in Tokyo offers National Curriculum (England) and IB Diploma.
What ages does The British School in Tokyo teach?: The British School in Tokyo enrolls students aged 3 to 18.
What accreditations does The British School in Tokyo hold?: The British School in Tokyo holds accreditations including IB and COBIS.
Is The British School in Tokyo co-educational?: The British School in Tokyo is a co-ed school.
Where is The British School in Tokyo located?: The British School in Tokyo is an international school in Tokyo, Japan.

Tuition & fees

No published fee schedule was found for this school.

Admissions

The school provides a broad and balanced curriculum for international students aged 3 to 18. It offers a Corporate Contribution Programme as an alternative to standard tuition fees to mitigate tax implications for families, as well as a limited number of bursaries for eligible families. Prospective families are encouraged to arrange a school tour to experience the campus during a normal school day.

Calendar

The academic year is divided into three terms. The 2026-2027 school year begins on August 24, 2026, and concludes on June 25, 2027, with half-term breaks in each term and designated public holidays.

Facilities

Sports fieldGymnasiumPlaygroundLibraryArt roomMusic roomTheatre / auditoriumScience labs

About the campus

The school operates two central Tokyo campuses: the Azabudai Hills Campus for Nursery to Year 6, and the Showa Campus for Year 7 to Year 13. In addition to these, the school utilizes the Nagasawa Sports Ground in Kawasaki and various residential satellite facilities, including Tomei Gakurin and Boshu Kaihin Gakuryo, for outdoor education and cultural learning.

Co-curriculars

The school offers over 160 extra-curricular clubs and activities, with significant emphasis on music, sport, art, and drama. The 'BST Outdoors' programme provides experiential learning through residential trips to locations such as the Hakuba Valley, Minakami, and Okutama, focusing on activities like skiing, canyoning, rafting, and team-building. Additionally, the school maintains the Nagasawa Sports Ground, a purpose-built facility featuring a large sports field, cricket nets, and skateboard ramps.

Ian ClaytonPrincipal
Ian is originally from the UK and holds a degree in European Studies from Nottingham Trent University and a PGCE from the University of East Anglia. He has extensive international leadership experience, including roles as Head of the Senior School at the British School Manila, Vice Principal at the English Schools Foundation, and Head of the International Stream at the French International School in Hong Kong. He is committed to developing and nurturing the school on its future journey.
David JamesDeputy Principal
David grew up in West Wales and holds a degree in History from Cardiff University, a PGCE from the University of Wales Institute Cardiff, and a Masters in Educational Leadership & Management from Bath University. He has held various senior leadership roles in the UK and internationally, most recently as Director of Professional Learning (Whole School Deputy Head) at Garden International School, Malaysia.
Stewart BrownHead of Secondary
Stewart is a passionate educator originally from the UK who has worked in international schools in Hong Kong, China, and Japan since 2007. He holds a degree in Biochemistry with Management from Imperial College London and a Master’s degree in Corporate Strategy and Governance from Nottingham University. He is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and is driven by a philosophy of academic excellence for every student.
Eleanor LoranHead of Primary
Eleanor has over 25 years of experience in education, including leadership roles in the UK, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Japan. She holds an MA in Early Childhood Education from The University of Sheffield and is trained to deliver NPQML and NPQSL programmes. At BST, she leads the Primary School with a focus on holistic education, student-directed pedagogies, and community-centered schooling.
Noriko KosugiBursar
Noriko holds a BA in Law from the University of Tokyo and an MBA from Temple University. Her professional background is primarily in the manufacturing and real estate industries, having worked at companies such as JFE Holdings, Molex, Imerys, and Unizo Holdings, where she served as a board director before joining BST in 2020.
Ben LoranDirector of Operations
Ben is originally from the UK and holds a degree in History from Middlesex University and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Leicester University. He has worked in international school education since 2006, with senior leadership experience in New Zealand and Hong Kong, most recently as Whole School Deputy Head at Discovery Bay International School.
Kelly DiazDeputy Head of Secondary
Kelly is originally from the UK and studied English and French Laws at the University of Liverpool. After 14 years of teaching in the UK, she gained experience in a diverse international setting in Hong Kong before joining The British School in Tokyo in 2022. She is passionate about fostering inclusive and holistic learning environments.