Holistic Learning
For more than 36 years, The British School in Tokyo (BST) has welcomed families from around the world. In 2025, BST was named to the Spear’s Index Top 100 Private Schools in the World list—recognition of its continued commitment to educational excellence.
The British School in Tokyo meets the needs of today’s global community.
For more than 36 years, The British School in Tokyo (BST) has welcomed families from around the world, providing an inclusive and holistic education grounded in the values of excellence, integrity, and lifelong learning.
In 2025, BST was named to the Spear’s Index Top 100 Private Schools in the World list—recognition of its continued commitment to educational excellence. Today, as the school grows and innovates, it remains dedicated to nurturing each student’s unique potential, from their earliest years through to senior school.
A Welcoming Start
At BST, learning begins early, and joyfully. Children can join from age three, entering a warm, nurturing Early Years environment designed to support curiosity, creativity, and social-emotional development. These foundational years build the confidence, independence, and love of learning that carry students forward.
Central to Early Years is BST’s commitment to “learning through play.” Play is not simply recreational; it forms the basis of meaningful learning for young children. Through purposeful, child-led exploration, students develop communication, problem-solving, cooperation, and early literacy and numeracy skills in natural and engaging ways. With thoughtfully designed learning spaces and experienced educators, children explore, discover, and develop a joyful curiosity that stays with them as they progress through their lives.
A Truly Holistic Education
From Early Years through Senior School, BST offers a holistic education that balances academic achievement with character development, creativity, and well-being. A broad and balanced curriculum allows students to discover their talents through sports, music, performing arts, visual arts, outdoor education, and a wide range of extracurricular activities.
A defining feature of a BST education is the extensive program of residential trips across Japan, offered from Year 1 to Year 13. These experiences provide outdoor exploration, cultural immersion, and service learning. Whether skiing in the mountains, hiking in national parks, camping with classmates, visiting museums, or taking part in team-building challenges, students broaden their horizons and experience Japan’s diverse landscapes and rich heritage. These trips encourage independence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of the world.
A Personalized Pathway
To meet the needs of today’s global community, BST now offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) as its core senior school pathway, alongside BTEC qualifications, while ASDAN is available across all year groups. These options ensure that each student can pursue a route aligned with their strengths, ambitions, and learning preferences.
The IBDP reflects BST’s commitment to delivering a future-focused, globally relevant education. With strong foundations in research, critical thinking, global perspectives, and
community engagement, the IBDP prepares students for entry into leading universities and equips them with the skills and mindset needed to contribute meaningfully beyond school.
Embedded in the Community
With BST’s Primary School campus is just two minutes from Tokyo American Club, families value the convenience of having two major community hubs located side by side, helping newcomers settle quickly and strengthening day-to-day connections. The sense of international community is further enhanced by BST’s active and welcoming parent-teacher association, which organizes a rich calendar of events throughout the year, from the vibrant Spring Fair to charity initiatives, book sales, parent gatherings, and student celebrations. These occasions bring families together, fostering friendships and creating an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels part of something special.
Learn more and begin enrollment: bst.ac.jp/admissions • admissions@bst.ac.jp
Academic Evolution
The British School in Tokyo is moving from A Levels to the International Baccalaureate.
The British School in Tokyo is moving from A Levels to the International Baccalaureate
The British School in Tokyo (BST), the largest British international school in Japan, is planning to transition from the A Level curriculum to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for students in Years 12 and 13 (ages 17 and 18). This shift is part of the school’s commitment to providing an educational experience that aligns with the evolving aspirations and needs of its diverse and dynamic student community.
BST is currently a candidate school* for the IBDP and aims to become an authorized IB World School, with the last A-Level cohort running from 2024 to 2026. The (International) General Certificate of Secondary Education—or (I)GCSE—will remain for Year 11, and there will be no changes for other year groups.
Evolving Education
Founded in 1989, BST is widely recognized for its strong reputation and commitment to excellence. The school currently serves a diverse international community of students representing 65 nationalities. While A Levels remain a respected qualification, the school has recognized the need to evolve in response to its changing demographic. The IBDP, a globally recognized qualification offered by thousands of schools worldwide, provides a broader, more international approach to education.
The IBDP offers a comprehensive education, requiring students to study six subjects across disciplines. It encourages critical thinking through Theory of Knowledge and promotes holistic development through Creativity, Activity, and Service, fostering independence and confidence.
Widely recognized by universities, the IBDP is one of the most rigorous pre-university qualifications. Research shows that IBDP graduates are more likely to be accepted at top higher-education institutions, with components such as the Extended Essay preparing students for university challenges.
Student Success
Over the past five years, BST students have matriculated to institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Columbia, Pennsylvania, Chicago, NYU, Toronto, UBC, Amsterdam, Leiden, and Todai. BST believes that it is important to match students to the best university for them, and the IBDP will help BST students continue to secure places in a wide variety of universities around the world.
As BST embarks on this exciting journey to become an IB World School, it remains committed to providing students with the best possible education, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for success in an increasingly globalized world.
For details and to enroll, visit www.bst.ac.jp.