The British School in Tokyo
International School in Tokyo
Quick answer
The British School in Tokyo (BST) serves 1,400 students from 60 nationalities aged 3 to 18 — Tokyo's leading British international school. The school delivers the National Curriculum of England with IGCSE and A Level pathways, accredited by IBO, CIS, COBIS, FOBISIA and CIE — a five-accreditation set. Tuition $18,839-$19,548 per year. Long-established premier choice for British, Asian-corporate and international expat families on Tokyo assignments seeking British-track education.
Key facts
- Curriculum: IB, British leaving qualifications include A-Levels and IB Diploma.
- Tuition: $18,839–$19,548/yr published annual range.
- Avg class size: 22 (max 22) Tokyo international school · 1,400 students total.
- 60 nationalities top: British, Japanese, American.
- Ages: Ages 3 to 18 school day starts at 8.50am for Primary School and 8:45am for Secondary School.
- Accreditations: IBO, CIS, COBIS plus 2 more.
1,400
60 (British, Japanese, American, Australian, Canadian, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Korean, Singaporean etc.)
22 avg / 22 max
Rolling
IBO, CIS, COBIS, FOBISIA, CIE
A-Levels and IB Diploma
About The British School in Tokyo
Opened by British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher in 1989, BST is the largest 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.
Learning & language support (SEN / EAL)
This school states meaningful learning-support provision — still confirm it fits your child's specific need.
Why this matters
Special-needs provision at international schools varies widely and is rarely guaranteed by the school itself — and local legal duties differ by country. Confirm what this school provides, in writing, before you commit.
- Learning support: moderate
- In-house specialist staff listed
Not published
- —Educational-psychologist availability not stated
- —School states it does NOT offer dedicated EAL/ESL support
Questions to ask the school
- Is an educational psychologist on staff or available by referral?
- What level of English is required for entry, and what EAL/ESL support is provided for a child still learning English?
- Can you support a child with my child's specific need (e.g. dyslexia, ADHD, autism), and have you done so this year? Ask for concrete examples.
- Is there an additional fee for learning support or EAL — and how much per year?
- Is learning support guaranteed for the full enrolment, or can it be withdrawn later?
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual tuition (USD) | $18,839 – $19,548 |
| Annual tuition (local) | ¥2920000-¥3030000 |
| Fee year | 2025-2026 |
| Est. all-in cost (modeled)how we calculate | $23,154(+21%) |
| Est. first-year total (modeled) | $25,654 |
| Cost position in Tokyo | 80th percentile(premium tier) |
IB, British
A-Levels and IB Diploma
IB Diploima A Level (the last A Level cohort will be running from 2024-2026).
Please refer to our website: https://www.bst.ac.jp/uniquely-bst/academic-results-university-destinations
In addition to Japanese which is compulsory for all students, we also offer French and Spanish courses.
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 support, parents may be asked to pay for additional costs incurred.
We have two SEN(Special Education Needs) Coordinators.
No. We expect all students to be able to demonstrate reasonable age-appropriate fluency in both speaking and writing in English.
8.50am for Primary School and 8:45am for Secondary School – Around 3.30pm for Primary School and 3:45pm for Secondary School
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.
No.
Imported from a directory listing and not independently verified — confirm fees and details with the school.
Is The British School in Tokyo right for your family?
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At a Glance
Fee Position in Tokyo
Budget-friendlySchool Profile
Class Size
Student Diversity
Very diverse
Common: British, Japanese, American, Australian, Canadian, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Korean, Singaporean etc.
Estimated Real Cost
Tuition + registration, transport, uniform, exams
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Nearby Schools (within 5km)
Disclaimer: School profiles are source-backed decision aids, not endorsements or official rankings. Tuition figures are approximate and may not include registration fees, uniforms, transport, or exam costs. Always verify directly with the school before applying. WhereNext is not affiliated with any school listed. This is not admissions consulting, legal advice, or official school placement guidance.