Quick summary of key school information
All the details about this school in their own words
Nationalities
Number of students |
1300 |
Number of nationalities represented in the school |
60+ |
Most common nationality |
British, Japanese, American, Australian, Canadian, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Korean, Singaporean etc. |
Languages
Native English speaking teachers |
Yes, all teachers are native English speakers and teach in English.
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Language support for students not fluent in English |
No. We expect all students to be able to demonstrate reasonable age-appropriate fluency in both speaking and writing in English. |
Additional language classes offered by the school |
In addition to Japanese which is compulsory for all students, we also offer French and Spanish courses. |
Classroom
Max. number of students per class |
22 |
Average number of students per class |
22 |
Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
In Primary School, each class has one teacher and one teaching assitant. |
Use of technology in the classroom |
The school provides iPads and laptops for Primary students to use in classroom lessons. Also, our students start 'ICT - coding' course from Year 2 ( six years old).
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Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes we are equipped, for instance, Google Classrooms, Seesaw etc. We have already used them when classes went online for Covid closure. |
Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No |
Academics
External examinations or assessments available |
(i)GCSEs, A Level (the last A Level cohort will be running from 2024-2026).
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Results in these examinations |
Please refer to our website: https://www.bst.ac.jp/uniquely-bst/academic-results-university-destinations |
Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
Approximate hours of homework given |
The homework varies depending on each year group. The homework for younger children is minimal and increases as the children get older. |
Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
95% |
Student support
Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
We have two SEN(Special Education Needs) Coordinators. |
Learning support offered |
The British School in Tokyo has limited resources to cater for students whose learning needs can only be met with significant support outside of the mainstream classroom, or additional adult support within the class. It is in the interests of all concerned, but particularly those of the students, that once they are admitted to the school they are able to thrive within our high achieving environment. If, in exceptional circumstances, the School agrees to accept a student requiring significant
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The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
We have The Challenge Programme at BST.
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Student access to education psychologist |
Yes, we have two in-house school counsellors.
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Admissions
Entry evaluation for students |
As an academically non-selective school, we do not have an entrance examination; however, students whose first language is not English will be asked to complete an English test and an oral assessment, either in person or online.
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Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Age appropriate Language, Literacy and Maths skills may be assessed for those with EAL (English as an additional language) needs, or for children with an educational background outside the British system. |
Waiting list |
No. |
Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
Admissions for the next academic year starts from mid-November. |
Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
School day
School start time |
8.35am for Primary School and 8:15am for Secondary School |
School finish time |
Around 3.30pm for Primary School and 3:45pm for Secondary School |
Supervised care before/after school |
After-school and before-school clubs only. |
School bus service available |
We provide bus service between our two campuses, Showa Women's University to Azabudai Hills, with one stop at Shibuya. |
School provided lunches |
No, however, students can order from approved external lunch providers. Year 7 to 13 students also have access to the on-campus cafeteria at our Showa Campus. |
Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
No. |
Uniform required |
Yes. |
Extracurricular activities
Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
We have 160+ clubs across the school which are categorized in four streams: Music, Sports, Language, and Extracurricular Clubs.
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Sports activities included |
Swimming, Volleyball, Athletics, Football, Triathlon, Running, Hockey, Basketball, Teeball, Cricket, Rugby etc.
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Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes, our students compete in various sport games.
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Facilities
Facilities at the school |
Science labs, drama classroom, libraries, halls/theaters (one for 670+ people, and another one for 2,100+ people), fish pond, open space, canteen/cafeteria, music rooms, individual music practice rooms, generous musical instruments, iMacs for music editing, iPads for each Primary student, desktops for computer science classes, Japanese culturally decorated rooms for Japanese classes, art/design studios, shared space for Primary students, and special Study Centre for Sixth Form students (Year 12-13, age 17-18). Our new Primary School campus opened in August 2023.
Our Secondary School is located in Showa Women's University.
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Sports facilities at the school |
Indoor gymnasiums (basketball, volleyball, games, etc), indoor swimming pool, outdoor sports fields, outdoor athletics track, football/rugby field. |
About the school
Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Opened by British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher in 1989, BST is now the biggest British international school in Japan. We look to nurture each student’s unique potential and strive to help them create a strong sense of self, built around purpose and passion. No matter where they go, whether returning to continue their education in their home country, or seeking places at top universities around the world, we are confident that BST students are invariably well-equipped to take the next step. |
Teaching approach of the school |
The indoor and outdoor learning environment at The British School in Tokyo is a place of inspiration. Within these spaces, the school's educational approach enables students to think critically, be creative, develop interests and pursue passions. |