The British School in, TokyoVerified

In Brief

BST is the natural choice for British families in Tokyo who want a British education and a strong expat community around them. The new Azabudai Hills primary campus is excellent. Just go in with eyes open on the IB transition - ask what the current sixth-form results look like and how the school is building its IB track record.

BST has been the go-to for British families in Tokyo since Margaret Thatcher opened it in 1989. With around 1,400 students from 60+ nationalities, it is large enough to feel like a proper school community but still manages a class cap of 22. The brand-new primary campus in Azabudai Hills - opened in August 2023 - is genuinely impressive; central, modern, and well located for families living in Minato-ku or nearby.

The curriculum runs British National Curriculum through to sixth form, but A-Levels are being phased out after the 2024-2026 cohort. BST is transitioning fully to the IB Diploma. That is not necessarily a problem - the IB is a strong qualification - but the school is still building its IB track record and you should ask about results to date and how teachers are being supported through the change. If your child is in Years 10-13 in the next couple of years, ask specifically about the pathway they will follow.

The admissions process includes English proficiency requirements for both students and parents - worth knowing before you apply. Families who have been through BST tend to speak warmly about the community; it has a reputation for being welcoming and well-organised. The secondary campus in Setagaya is a separate site, so do check the journey from your home address to both campuses if you have children across the age range.