Best British Schools in Japan

The UK Curriculum, also known as the British Curriculum, is very popular in Japan. Discover the Top 3 British Schools in Japan.

Best British Schools in Japan

British Schools in Japan are a great choice for both local and expat families as they offer globally recognized curricula, outstanding academics plus a nurturing environment for children. Discover our selection of the best British Schools in Japan, including reviews, fees, and why families choose them.

Table of Contents

Why families choose a British school in Japan?

Choosing the right school for one’s child is a significant decision for any parent, especially expatriates living in a foreign country like Japan. British schools have become a popular choice for many families, not just from the UK, but globally. This preference stems from several compelling reasons that cater to both academic excellence and holistic development.

High Standards of Education

British schools are renowned for their rigorous curriculum and high educational standards. The British curriculum, particularly the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and A-Levels, is globally recognized for its thoroughness and breadth. This robust framework prepares students exceptionally well for university education, often giving them a competitive edge in global university admissions, including top-tier institutions in the UK, USA, and beyond.

Cultural Familiarity and Continuity

For British expatriates, enrolling their children in a British school in Japan provides a sense of continuity from their home country’s education system. This familiarity is comforting to both parents and students as it eases the transition into a new cultural environment while maintaining a consistent educational journey. Moreover, it allows students to stay connected with their cultural roots, which can be particularly grounding in a diverse and multifaceted cultural setting like Japan.

English as a Primary Medium of Instruction

English being the primary language of instruction is a significant draw. This is particularly advantageous for English-speaking families or those from countries where English is a dominant language in business and academia. It ensures that children continue to develop their language skills in an English-dominant environment, which is crucial in today’s globalized world.

Extracurricular Opportunities and Holistic Development

Beyond academics, British schools in Japan offer a wide range of extracurricular activities that promote holistic development. From sports to arts and various clubs, these activities are integral to developing students’ interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and overall personality. Such opportunities are not just about leisure but are structured to complement the academic curriculum, thereby fostering a well-rounded education.

Global Perspective with a Local Blend

While British schools in Japan adhere to a British curriculum, they also incorporate local culture and language into their programs. This unique blend helps students gain a global perspective while appreciating and respecting local traditions and customs. Learning Japanese and participating in local festivals and events enables students to immerse themselves fully in the host country’s environment, enriching their educational experience and broadening their cultural understanding.

In conclusion, British schools in Japan represent an ideal blend of high-quality education, cultural continuity, and holistic development. They prepare students not just academically but also as global citizens, equipped to navigate and contribute to the world with confidence and empathy.

How much does it cost to attend British Schools in Japan?

The yearly tuition fees for British Schools in Japan generally range from $15,000 to $30,000 per year. This cost can vary based on factors like the curriculum, the quality of campus facilities, the standard of boarding, and the services – with some top-tier schools exceeding $35,000 annually.
Category
Low Range
High Range
Annual Tuition
$15,000
$30,000
Monthly Tuition Equivalent
$1,250
$2,500
Registration Fee (one-time)
$1,000
$2,000
Uniforms & Materials
$250
$500
Extras & Trips
$500
$1,000
Total Est. Annual Cost
$17,750
$35,500

Top British Schools Japan 2026

  • Rugby School Japan

    Tokyo, Japan
    Co-Education
    School type: Boarding School - International School - Private School
    Curriculum: British Curriculum
    Language of instruction: English

    Yearly fee: from 5,000,000 to 8,200,000 JPY

    Foundation: 2023
    Nationalities: 26 different nationalities
    Nr of students: 26 students
    Examinations: A Level - AS - IGCSE

    Rugby School Japan (RSJ) is located in Kashiwanoha, a designated education, Innovation and entrepreneurial hub within the greater Tokyo district, Japan.Opened in September 2023, Rugby School Japan is the second international school founded by the prestigious Rugby School group. The school is a co-educational, day and boarding school for pupils ages 11-18 years. It offers an authentic British School experience whilst embracing the advantages of being based in Japan. The…

    Rugby School Japan is an academically selective school with pupils from 15 countries. We offer the British curriculum preparing students for I/GCSEs, AS and A levels. Pupils are taught in English as the medium of instruction so all pupils are expected to have a level of English which allows them to access the curriculum. We pride ourselves on providing an education that is not only academically challenging but also seeks to develop the whole student. As an Apple School, our pupils use iPads until Year 10 and then they may use laptops from Years 11-13. RSJ first IGCSE examination results will be published in August 2024.  Our first A-level results will be published in August 2025. RSJ is presently completing accreditation for COBIS and FOBISIA.  We are members of the BSA and ABSA. RSJ has a...

    Annual tuition fees at Rugby School Japan range from JPY 5,000,000 to JPY 8,200,000, depending on the student’s grade level and program.

    Day school tuition:
    Boarding tuition: The annual School Fee consists of:Tuition Fee (The same for Day and Boarding Students)Boarding Fee (an additional charge only for Boarding Students: 5 days or 7 days)School Meals (All meals: 5 days or...
  • The British School in Tokyo

    Tokyo, Japan
    Co-Education
    School type: International School - Private School
    Curriculum: British Curriculum
    Language of instruction: English

    Yearly fee: from 19,323 to 20,288 USD

    Foundation: 2007.0
    Nationalities: N/A
    Nr of students: N/A
    Holistic education with extensive outdoor learning at the new Azabudai Hills campus, offering a British curriculum for ages 3-18 in Tokyo.
    The British School in Tokyo (BST) offers a comprehensive academic program grounded in the National Curriculum for England, designed to support the diverse needs of international students aged 3 to 18 years. The school emphasizes a "truly holistic education," which aims to nurture each student’s unique potential. In the Primary School phase, the curriculum is broad and balanced, focusing on fostering innovation and creativity. This foundational education encourages young learners to develop a robust sense of self and a genuine passion for lifelong learning. As students transition to Secondary School, the curriculum becomes more rigorous and challenging, inspiring learners to engage deeply with their studies and contribute positively to their communities. This stage emphasizes independent l...

    Annual tuition fees at The British School in Tokyo range from USD 19,323 to USD 20,288, depending on the student’s grade level and program.

    Day school tuition:
    Boarding tuition:
  • St. Mary's International School

    Setagaya City, Japan
    Boys only
    School type: International School - Private School
    Curriculum: British Curriculum - IB Curriculum - IB Diploma Programme - Other
    Language of instruction: English

    Yearly fee: from 10,569 to 11,630 USD

    Foundation: 1954.0
    Nationalities: N/A
    Nr of students: N/A
    St. Mary’s International School in Setagaya City offers a rigorous IB curriculum for ages 3-11, enriched by strong arts and athletics programs.
    St. Mary’s International School, located in the heart of Tokyo, offers a comprehensive international education from elementary through high school, emphasizing a rigorous academic curriculum designed to foster not only academic excellence but also personal growth. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Curriculum, which is known for its high standards and strong emphasis on critical thinking, independent learning, and global citizenship. This curriculum prepares students for a challenging academic journey while equipping them with the skills necessary to navigate an ever-changing world. In the elementary and middle school years, students are introduced to a balanced curriculum that incorporates core subjects such as mathematics, science, language arts, and social studies,...

    Annual tuition fees at St. Mary’s International School range from USD 10,569 to USD 11,630, depending on the student’s grade level and program.

    Day school tuition:
    Boarding tuition:
  • Phoenix House International School

    Chiyoda City, Japan
    Co-Education
    School type: International School - Private School
    Curriculum: British Curriculum

    Yearly fee: from 19,490 to 21,851 USD

    Foundation: 2021.0
    Nationalities: N/A
    Nr of students: N/A
    First in Japan to achieve Beacon Status for safeguarding, Phoenix House International School offers a British curriculum for ages 5-11 in Chiyoda City.
    Phoenix House International School is a British Prep School located in Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo, catering to children aged 5 to 11 years through Prep 1 to Prep 6. The academic program is firmly rooted in the National Curriculum for England, ensuring that students receive a robust foundation in essential subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science. This core curriculum serves as a springboard for a broad education that encompasses humanities, modern languages, sports, computing, drama, and music. The diverse curriculum is designed to cultivate not only knowledge but also critical thinking, creativity, and independence in every pupil. The school's educational philosophy is centered around an “interactive and personalised” approach to learning, emphasizing the development of independent, cri...

    Annual tuition fees at Phoenix House International School range from USD 19,490 to USD 21,851, depending on the student’s grade level and program.

    Day school tuition:
    Boarding tuition:
  • Saint Maur International School

    Yokohama, Japan
    Co-Education
    School type: International School - Private School
    Curriculum: British Curriculum - IB Curriculum - IB Diploma Programme - IPC
    Language of instruction: English

    Yearly fee: from 17,325 to 22,026 USD

    Foundation: 1872.0
    Nationalities: N/A
    Nr of students: N/A
    Pioneering international education since 1872, Saint Maur in Yokohama offers a comprehensive IB curriculum for ages 3-18.
    Saint Maur International School offers a comprehensive academic program grounded in the belief that each student possesses unique abilities, strengths, and talents. Since its establishment in 1872, the school has been an innovator in international education in Japan, providing a nurturing and quality education based on Christian principles for children aged 2½ years to Grade 12. The curriculum reflects the school's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for a diverse, multicultural and multi-faith community. Central to their educational philosophy are the Saint Maur Essential Outcomes (SMEOs), which represent the dispositions they aim to instill in students. These outcomes emphasize moral citizenship, individuality, global awareness, balance, and a lifelong commitment to learnin...

    Annual tuition fees at Saint Maur International School range from USD 17,325 to USD 22,026, depending on the student’s grade level and program.

    Day school tuition:
    Boarding tuition:
  • Laurus International School of Science

    Tokyo, Japan
    Co-Education
    School type: International School - Private School
    Curriculum: British Curriculum
    Language of instruction: English

    Yearly fee: USD

    Foundation: N/A
    Nationalities: N/A
    Nr of students: N/A
    The only international science school in Japan offering a continuous British STEM curriculum for ages 2-14 in Tokyo, focusing on personalized learning.
    Laurus International School of Science offers a unique academic program that positions itself as Japan's only international science school, with a strong emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. The curriculum is structured to provide a continuous learning pathway from Preschool through Secondary education, ensuring that students develop a solid foundation in science-based inquiry and experimentation from an early age. In the Early Years, students engage in foundational activities that foster curiosity and exploration, laying the groundwork for advanced subjects such as programming, engineering, technology, and entrepreneurship as they progress into Primary and Secondary education. This systematic approach is designed to unlock each child's full poten...

    Annual tuition fees at Laurus International School of Science range from USD to USD , depending on the student’s grade level and program.

    Day school tuition:
    Boarding tuition:
  • Ivy Prep International School

    Minato City, Japan
    Co-Education
    School type: International School - Private School
    Curriculum: British Curriculum
    Language of instruction: English

    Yearly fee: USD

    Foundation: N/A
    Nationalities: N/A
    Nr of students: N/A
    Ivy Prep International School in Minato City offers a unique skill-based curriculum integrating Cambridge EYFS, Reggio Emilia, and Montessori for ages 3-14.
    At Ivy Prep International School, the academic program is centered around a commitment to fostering a well-rounded development in students, following the educational philosophy that "education is not the learning of facts but the training of the mind to think," as famously quoted by Albert Einstein. This belief informs their rigorous approach to education, which emphasizes both academic excellence and social growth. The curriculum is anchored in the Cambridge Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and draws inspiration from the Reggio Emilia and Montessori approaches, ensuring a rich and immersive learning environment for children aged 18 months to 6 years. The school's Value-Based Education combines a Skill-Based Curriculum with a multilingual immersion experience, where students engage with...

    Annual tuition fees at Ivy Prep International School range from USD to USD , depending on the student’s grade level and program.

    Day school tuition:
    Boarding tuition:
  • K. International School Tokyo

    Koto City, Japan
    Co-Education
    School type: International School - Private School
    Curriculum: British Curriculum - IB Curriculum - IB Diploma Programme - IB Primary Years Programme
    Language of instruction: English

    Yearly fee: from 10,065 to 12,212 USD

    Foundation: N/A
    Nationalities: N/A
    Nr of students: N/A
    K. International School Tokyo offers a unique blend of IB PYP-DP and British curriculum for ages 6-18 in Koto City, Japan.

    Annual tuition fees at K. International School Tokyo range from USD 10,065 to USD 12,212, depending on the student’s grade level and program.

    Day school tuition:
    Boarding tuition:
  • Global Indian International School - Higashikasai Campus

    Tokyo, Japan
    Co-Education
    School type: International School - Private School
    Curriculum: British Curriculum - IB Curriculum - IB Diploma Programme - IB Primary Years Programme - Indian Curriculum
    Language of instruction: Bilingual - English - Japanese

    Yearly fee: from 6,076 to 13,460 USD

    Foundation: N/A
    Nationalities: N/A
    Nr of students: N/A
    Global Indian International School in Tokyo offers a unique blend of IB PYP-DP and British curriculum for ages 3-18.

    Annual tuition fees at Global Indian International School – Higashikasai Campus range from USD 6,076 to USD 13,460, depending on the student’s grade level and program.

    Day school tuition:
    Boarding tuition:
  • Clarence International School

    Tokyo, Japan
    Co-Education
    School type: International School - Private School
    Curriculum: British Curriculum
    Language of instruction: English

    Yearly fee: from 17,079 to 17,079 USD

    Foundation: N/A
    Nationalities: N/A
    Nr of students: N/A
    Clarence International School in Tokyo offers play-based British curriculum for ages 2-6, emphasizing arts education and daily outdoor activities.
    Clarence International School offers a comprehensive academic program designed for children aged 18 months to 6 years, following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. The school creates a warm and nurturing environment that encourages confident, imaginative, and curious learners. With a focus on personalized, play-based learning, the curriculum emphasizes the arts, ensuring that children experience engaging and exciting educational delivery that fosters creativity and self-expression. The program aims to facilitate a smooth transition from "home-life" to "school-life," providing an environment that mirrors the comforts of home while capitalizing on its unique location in Tokyo. The structured curriculum is tailored to different age groups through specific classes: Tiny Stars ...

    Annual tuition fees at Clarence International School range from USD 17,079 to USD 17,079, depending on the student’s grade level and program.

    Day school tuition:
    Boarding tuition:
  • Abroad International School - Okayama

    Okayama, Japan
    Co-Education
    School type: International School - Private School
    Curriculum: British Curriculum - IB Curriculum - IB Primary Years Programme
    Language of instruction: Bilingual - English - Japanese

    Yearly fee: from 7,767 to 10,310 USD

    Foundation: N/A
    Nationalities: N/A
    Nr of students: N/A
    Officially authorized IB World School offering inquiry-based IB PYP and British curriculum for ages 1-14 in Okayama, Japan.
    Abroad International School - Okayama is an officially authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP). The school is also a Candidate School for the Diploma Programme, demonstrating its commitment to providing high-quality and challenging international education. This commitment reflects the school's educational philosophy, which emphasizes the development of knowledgeable, caring young individuals who achieve personal success and contribute positively to society, ultimately helping to create a more harmonious and peaceful world. The academic journey at Abroad International School begins at the Early Learning Centre (ELC), which caters to children aged one to five. In the ELC, the focus is on provid...

    Annual tuition fees at Abroad International School – Okayama range from USD 7,767 to USD 10,310, depending on the student’s grade level and program.

    Day school tuition:
    Boarding tuition:
  • Ascot International School Japan

    Kobe, Japan
    Co-Education
    School type: International School - Private School
    Curriculum: British Curriculum - Japanese Curriculum
    Language of instruction: Bilingual - English - Japanese

    Yearly fee: from 7,392 to 11,336 USD

    Foundation: N/A
    Nationalities: N/A
    Nr of students: N/A
    Kobe’s only K–13 Cambridge International School with outdoor learning for ages 3-18, blending British and Japanese curricula in a nurturing environment.
    Ascot International School Japan offers a comprehensive academic program that caters to students from Early Years through Upper Secondary School. As the only K–13 Cambridge International School and testing center located west of the Kansai region, Ascot is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that is recognized globally. The school’s educational philosophy is built around "cultivating a love of learning under a canopy of care," which emphasizes the importance of personal growth and the development of lifelong learning skills. This approach not only fosters academic success but also nurtures students' emotional and social development. The curriculum at Ascot is anchored in the Cambridge International framework, known for its rigor and relevance. This curriculum encourages studen...

    Annual tuition fees at Ascot International School Japan range from USD 7,392 to USD 11,336, depending on the student’s grade level and program.

    Day school tuition:
    Boarding tuition:
  • Camelot International School

    Itabashi City, Japan
    Co-Education
    School type: International School - Private School
    Curriculum: British Curriculum

    Yearly fee: from 9,101 to 9,239 USD

    Foundation: 2014.0
    Nationalities: N/A
    Nr of students: N/A
    Mixed-grade classrooms at Camelot International School in Itabashi City foster individualized learning with a British curriculum for ages 6-18.
    Camelot International School, founded in 2014 and located in Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, offers a transformative learning experience that prioritizes the individual wants and needs of each student. The school’s educational philosophy is built on mutual respect, guidance, and direction, fostering both academic and personal growth. Camelot is committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also thoughtful and kind-hearted members of society. The Primary School program at Camelot serves students from Grade 1 to Grade 5 and follows the Cambridge Primary Curriculum. This curriculum emphasizes building foundational knowledge and skills early on, promoting positive learning habits that prepare students for their secondary education. A distinctive feature of t...

    Annual tuition fees at Camelot International School range from USD 9,101 to USD 9,239, depending on the student’s grade level and program.

    Day school tuition:
    Boarding tuition:
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Summary

Families choose British schools in Japan for their rigorous curriculum, continuity of education, and the comfort of English as the medium of instruction. These schools not only provide a globally recognized education but also foster a well-rounded personality through a wide range of extracurricular activities, preparing students to excel both academically and socially.