The British School in Tokyo opened in 1989 and is the main British curriculum school in the city. It teaches the English National Curriculum in English, leading to IGCSE and A Levels, and has grown to serve children from the early years to the sixth form across two campuses. For families comparing international schools in Tokyo who want a British education, BST is the natural starting point.
BST at a glance
| Curriculum and exam boards | English National Curriculum; IGCSE in Years 10 and 11; A Levels in the sixth form |
|---|---|
| Stages | Early years to Year 13, around age 3 to 18; coeducational |
| Founded | Opened 1989 |
| Accreditation | British curriculum school; confirm current inspection and accreditation status with the school |
| Fee band | Premium for Tokyo |
| Campus area | Primary at Azabudai Hills, central Tokyo; senior at Showa, Setagaya |
Curriculum and academics
BST follows the English National Curriculum, giving families a programme that maps directly onto schools in the United Kingdom. Children move through the early years and primary phases, take IGCSE examinations in Years 10 and 11, and complete A Levels in the sixth form, with a broad subject list spanning the sciences, humanities, languages, the arts and business. Japanese is taught alongside English so that pupils engage with their host country.
The British structure makes BST a strong fit for families who expect to return to the UK system or apply to UK universities, while the A Level route is widely recognised internationally. Ask the admissions team about subject choices at IGCSE and A Level, the support for pupils joining mid-phase, and how the careers team handles UK and overseas university applications.
Comparing BST with other schools?
Put the British School in Tokyo side by side with up to three schools on fees, stages and curriculum. Free and independent.
British School in Tokyo fees
British School in Tokyo fees sit in the premium part of the Tokyo international school fees range, alongside the city's other established international schools. Tuition rises by stage from the early years to the sixth form.
Beyond tuition, budget for an application or registration fee, a facilities charge, uniform, exam entry costs in the IGCSE and A Level years, and the cost of lunches, trips and any bus service between the campuses and home. Because figures are reviewed each year, confirm the current schedule with the admissions office.
Admissions
BST follows a British academic year that starts in late August or early September, and it assesses applications as places open, with the main intake at the start of the year. Popular year groups can be full, so early enquiry and a place on any waiting list matter for relocating families.
The process typically includes prior school reports, references and an age-appropriate assessment, with the school keen to confirm that a child can access the National Curriculum at the right stage. Plan your application around the autumn start, and confirm which campus your child's year group attends.
Location and who goes there
BST runs two sites. The primary school sits at Azabudai Hills in central Tokyo, close to the embassy district and central housing, while the senior school is at the Showa campus in Setagaya, a short bus ride to the west on the campus of Showa Women's University. A school bus network links the two and connects with the central residential districts where many British and Commonwealth families live.
Families at BST cluster in the central international wards and the western suburbs, choosing the school for its British structure and its strong links to the UK. For a wider view of where families settle and how commutes work, see our guide to international schools in Tokyo.
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
How much are British School in Tokyo fees?
BST fees sit in the premium band for Tokyo, in line with the city's established international schools, and rise by stage from the early years to the sixth form. Budget also for an application fee, a facilities charge, and the cost of uniform, lunch, trips, exam entries and any bus service. Confirm the current schedule with the admissions office.
Where is the British School in Tokyo?
BST runs two campuses. The primary school sits at Azabudai Hills in central Tokyo, and the senior school is at the Showa campus in Setagaya, a short bus ride to the west. A bus network links the two and connects with central residential districts.
Is the British School in Tokyo a good school?
BST is the main British curriculum school in the city, opened in 1989, teaching the English National Curriculum with IGCSE and A Levels. It suits families who want a British education and a clear route to UK and international universities. We do not publish a star rating without verified parent reviews.
When do British School in Tokyo applications open?
BST follows a British academic year starting in late August or early September and assesses applications as places open, with the main intake at the start of the year. Apply early for popular year groups and ask whether a place exists in your child's year.
What curriculum does the British School in Tokyo follow?
BST follows the English National Curriculum from the early years, leading to IGCSE in Years 10 and 11 and A Levels in the sixth form, taught in English with Japanese offered alongside.
