Aoba-Japan International School - Hikarigaoka Campus vs Malvern College Tokyo

	A Aoba-Japan International School - Hikarigaoka Campus Tokyo, Japan	M Malvern College Tokyo Tokyo, Japan
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ¥1,862,500 - 3,074,500	Fees / year ¥2,645,000 - 2,751,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 17 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 790	Pupils 400
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 19
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1976	Opened 2023
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Located in Nerima City, northwest of Tokyo's 23 wards. It is about 30 minutes from downtown Tokyo and a 15-minute walk from Hikarigaoka Station on the Oedo Line. Address: 7-5-1 Hikarigaoka, Nerima-ku, Tokyo 179-0072. The campus features open-plan classrooms, a sports pitch, a pool, and a gymnasium.	Location Malvern College Tokyo is in Kodaira, Tokyo, at 3-2-1 Josuiminamicho, Kodaira 187-0021, Japan. The campus is about a 40-minute commute from central Tokyo and sits in a dense educational area within a 5 km radius of more than 50 institutions, including Hitotsubashi University and Tsuda University. The site encompasses a spacious campus with a four-storey main building and extensive sports facilities on a plot of around 15,577 m².
Stages	Stages Multigrade Kindergarten (ages 3-5), Primary (Grades 1-6), Middle School (Grades 7-9).	Stages Malvern College Tokyo operates as an all‑through school from Pre‑Prep to Upper Sixth (Year 1–13). It is an IB World School accredited for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and is a candidate for the IB Diploma Programme (DP). The school opened in August 2023 and is planned to reach Year 13 by 2027, with capacity to accommodate up to about 950 pupils.
School type	School type —	School type Malvern College Tokyo is a co‑educational international day school. It currently operates as a day school and does not offer on‑site boarding.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix The school represents 23 nationalities. Nationalities include American, Brazilian, Australian, New Zealander, British, Spanish, Swedish, Japanese, Chinese, South Korean, Taiwanese and Thai among others; the exact local-to-international pupil ratio is not published.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support The school provides a Learning Enhancement Department to support pupils with low to mild Special Educational Needs. All applicants are assessed during admissions to determine learning profiles, and admission for pupils requiring additional support depends on the availability of appropriate resources.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation The school is affiliated with Malvern College UK, reflecting a British heritage and governance within the Malvern College family of schools.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation There is no formal religious affiliation stated; the school operates as a secular international IB school.
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure The school day typically runs from 8:20 a.m. to 3:20 p.m., with lunch provided on site. The timetable is aligned with IB expectations and age-appropriate class structures.
Bus service details	Bus service details Bus service for Early Years students throughout Tokyo with multiple pickup locations.	Bus service details The school provides a bus service with multiple routes across Tokyo and a free Kokubunji shuttle. Route A serves Hiroo, Roppongi, and Azabu Juban; Route B serves Futako Tamagawa and Chitose Funabashi; Route C serves Meguro, Shibuya, and Shinjuku; Route D serves Yotsuya and Yurakucho. Bus monitors ensure pupil safety, and admission is subject to seat availability; the Kokubunji shuttle is available for Pre‑Prep to Prep 3 pupils.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & Entrance Fees - Application fee: JPY 25,000, payable at the time of application. - Registration (enrolment) fee: JPY 320,000, payable at the time of registration/acceptance. - Building development (capital) fee (one-time at registration): JPY 320,000, payable at the time of registration/acceptance. Annual tuition (amounts shown as annual total and per semester) - Kindergarten K2: JPY 2,098,000 (per semester: JPY 1,049,000). - Kindergarten K3–K5: JPY 2,332,000 (per semester: JPY 1,166,000). - Grades 1–5: JPY 2,518,000 (per semester: JPY 1,259,000). - Grades 6–12: JPY 2,862,000 (per semester: JPY 1,431,000). - Online IB Diploma Programme (G11–G12): JPY 1,650,000 (per semester: JPY 825,000). Other annual / recurring school fees (charged with the first tuition invoice unless otherwise stated) - Building maintenance fee (annual): JPY 200,000. - Family Community membership fee (annual, per family): JPY 12,500. - Graduation fees: K5 only JPY 54,000; Grade 12 only JPY 152,000. - School lunch (optional, billed per year): Kindergarten (K2–K5) JPY 159,000; Grades 1–9 JPY 182,000. - Bus service (optional, billed per year): one-way JPY 234,000; round-trip JPY 380,000. The bus fee for the full school year is billed with the first tuition invoice. - DP (IB Diploma) external examination fees (where applicable): charged to relevant students at actual cost; example amount shown previously ~ JPY 120,000 (subject to change depending on IB registration fees and exchange rates). - Pamoja / GLD / other specialist programme fees (where applicable): charged at actual cost to participating students and billed when applicable. Discounts - Sibling discounts on tuition for families with more than one child enrolled: second child 10% off that child's annual tuition; third child and subsequent children 15% off each subsequent child's annual tuition (applies to full-year students; adjustments made on final tuition payment). Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment frequency: families may choose one payment or two installments. One-payment due date / or first payment due date: 20 June (new students pay at registration). Two-payment schedule: payments due 20 June and 20 November (new students pay at registration for their first installment). - Bus fees, building maintenance fee and Family Community membership fee are billed in full with the first tuition invoice and are not divided for mid‑year entry. - Mid-year entry: tuition is calculated according to the school's quarter system; attendance for any portion of a quarter requires payment of the entire quarter. - Late payment: arrears are subject to an interest/late charge of 1.20% per month, compounded monthly, on overdue accounts. Continued serious delinquency may result in suspension of attendance or withholding of transcripts/certificates. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable to the Hikarigaoka campus (campus offers day school only). One-off and other optional costs - Re-entry fees if a withdrawn student returns: JPY 100,000 (same school year); JPY 150,000 (next school year); JPY 200,000 (second school year after withdrawal); full charge thereafter. Building Development fee is charged in full on re-entry as applicable. - After-school extensions, extracurricular trips, summer school and some activity fees: charged separately and often non‑refundable; specific amounts depend on the programme and are invoiced when applicable. Refund information (key points) - Application fee, Registration fee and Building Development fee are non‑refundable. - Building Maintenance Fee and Family Community Membership Fee are refundable only if the cancellation/withdrawal notice is received by 31 July; no refund if notice is submitted after that date. - First-semester tuition (and certain support fees) may be refundable only when written cancellation/withdrawal is received by 31 July; after that date refunds are generally not provided. Specific refund calculations and administrative deductions may apply. - Leave of absence: if approved by the Principal and taken by semester, 50% of tuition for the leave period will be waived; other fees are not billed for the leave term but Building Maintenance and Family Community fees are not refunded for leave taken in the second semester. Fee payment instructions and options - Fees are invoiced through the school's billing process and due by the dates shown on the invoice; the school uses a parent portal for registration and administration. Invoices specify the payment instructions and required payment method(s). - The published fee and payment documents do not list a single mandatory public credit‑card or third‑party payment channel; parents should follow the payment instructions on each invoice (payment method and bank details are provided on the invoice or via the parent portal). Notes on incidental/variable charges - Where fees are expressed as “actual cost” (for example, IB DP exam fees, Pamoja fees or certain trip costs), the exact amount is charged to participating students and may vary year to year depending on external provider charges and exchange rates. If any specific line item needs to be displayed in a different currency or formatted differently for your database, the numeric values above are provided in Japanese Yen (JPY).	Fee details One-time application and enrolment fees - Application fee: JPY 22,000 (non-refundable). - Registration fee: JPY 300,000 per child (non-refundable, non-transferable). Payment due within 7 days after you confirm acceptance of an offer. - Building development fee: JPY 742,000 per child (non-refundable). This fee applies to pupils who are enrolled under the school's stated building-development charge. Payment due within 7 days after you confirm acceptance of an offer where the fee applies. Annual tuition fees (by year group) and per-term amounts - Pre‑Prep (PYP): JPY 2,692,700 per year. Per term: JPY 897,567 (annual divided by three terms; school operates three terms per year). - Prep 1–6 (PYP): JPY 2,662,700 per year. Per term: JPY 887,567 (annual divided by three terms). - Foundation Year 1–3 (MYP): JPY 2,800,600 per year. Per term: JPY 933,533 (annual divided by three terms). - Lower Sixth (The Sixth Form): JPY 2,910,000 per year. Per term: JPY 970,000 (annual divided by three terms). Upper Sixth fees are listed as TBC where applicable. Note: the per-term figures above are derived by dividing the published annual tuition by three because the school's calendar is organised in three terms. These per-term figures are a calculated breakdown, not a separately published “termly” tariff. Recurring and additional annual charges - Facility maintenance fee: JPY 277,500 per year (non-refundable). Payable from a pupil's second year of enrolment. - Sibling discount (Pre‑Prep only): second enrolled child 5% discount; third (and subsequent) child 10% discount (applies to Pre‑Prep fees as stated). Other costs and typical additional charges - School bus: multiple routes are operated (Route A–D plus a free shuttle to Kokubunji station). Route map and stops are published; specific bus subscription fees are handled separately and are not shown as a single campus-wide amount on the public fee tables. - Co-curricular activities, optional programmes, summer courses and optional lunches have separate charges (example: summer programme fees and optional lunch charges are published for short courses). These are charged in addition to annual tuition where applicable. - Uniforms, specialist kit, optional examination or external-assessment fees, travel for expeditions and optional residential trips are normally additional and charged separately when applicable; such charges are not bundled into the published annual tuition figures. (The school publishes separate activity/programme fees where applicable.) Boarding - Boarding accommodation is not part of the published fee schedule for day pupils at present. Plans to provide a dormitory within a few years have been reported; a boarding tariff is not published in the school's current public fee schedule. Billing schedule and payment terms - Application fee is payable on submission of an application. Registration fee and any applicable building development fee are payable within seven days after confirmation of acceptance of an offer. Facility maintenance is payable annually from the pupil's second year. - The school expresses fees in Japanese yen (JPY). All published fees are payable in JPY and the school instructs that payments be made by bank transfer; international applicants are provided with SWIFT/BIC details for overseas transfers. Detailed payment instructions and bank details are provided by the Finance/Admissions office when required. - Invoices and precise payment deadlines (for tuition instalments or termly billing) are handled by the school's Finance Office; the public fee pages indicate the timing for acceptance-payment (7 days) for registration/building fees but do not publish a separate termly invoice schedule. Refund information - The application fee, the registration fee, the building development fee and the facility maintenance fee are stated as non-refundable. Specific refund rules for tuition payments or for withdrawal/early leaving are not included on the public fee summary pages; separate programme pages (for example short-course refunds) state their own refund windows where applicable. Accepted payment methods - Bank transfer (JPY) is the published payment method for application and school fees; SWIFT/BIC information is provided for overseas payments. No general credit-card payment option is published on the school's public fee pages. Summary of key numeric items (annual amounts) - Application fee: JPY 22,000. - Registration fee: JPY 300,000 per child. - Building development fee: JPY 742,000 per child (where applicable). - Annual tuition by group: Pre‑Prep JPY 2,692,700; Prep 1–6 JPY 2,662,700; Foundation Year 1–3 (MYP) JPY 2,800,600; Lower Sixth JPY 2,910,000. - Facility maintenance fee: JPY 277,500 per year from year two. (Per-term tuition figures above are the annual fees divided by three because the school's published calendar runs on a three-term academic year; the per-term figures are calculated values derived from the published annual tuition and the published term structure.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Hikarigaoka Campus serves Kindergarten to Grade 9. The Early Years (K3–K5) are multi‑age; Primary Years Programme (K3–Grade 6) and Middle Years Programme (Grade 7–9) are implemented within the IB framework, and a Diploma Programme is offered across the network. The Global Leadership Diploma (GLD) provides a specialized high school pathway. The curriculum emphasizes transdisciplinary inquiry, collaborative learning, and the use of technology; after‑school extension programs support broader learning. The campus has open‑plan classrooms, a sports pitch, a pool, and a gymnasium, and serves a student body of over 570.	Curriculum details Malvern College Tokyo delivers the International Baccalaureate across its full range, from Pre-Prep to Upper Sixth, with English as the language of instruction and daily Japanese supporting bilingual education. The Preparatory Years (Prep 1–6) follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) with inquiry-based, transdisciplinary learning and culminate in the PYP Exhibition. Senior Years comprise Foundation Years 1–3, Remove and Hundred, building into the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) with eight subject groups, interdisciplinary units and Service as Action. Sixth Form offers the IB Diploma Programme (DP) aligned with IB standards, with students studying one subject from each of the six groups plus the DP core elements (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS). From 2026 onward, Malvern College Tokyo plans to extend to Year 13 by 2027, aiming for up to 950 pupils.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates are prepared for admission to top universities worldwide. The school offers university counseling and visits, with alumni gaining admission to leading institutions such as the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia (UBC), UCLA, UC Berkeley, King's College London, University of Warwick, Monash University, Waseda University, and Keio University.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Global Leadership Diploma (GLD) provides a flexible, highly customized senior school pathway with leadership coaching and a portfolio-based approach; GLD graduates earn the Aoba High School Diploma, accredited by CIS and NEASC, and are prepared for admission to universities worldwide.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Annual Admissions Cycle. 2026-2027 applications are being accepted for August 2026 entry across all grades and campuses. To be considered in the first round of interviews, the online application should be completed in December 2025, with reviews taking place in January 2026. For 2025-2026, families newly entering or returning to Japan may apply for Semester 2 entry; some grades are already full, and waitlists might be considered. 2. Application Flow. Apply online by completing the form. You will receive an email from Veracross with the link to Aoba's Admissions Portal. If you do not receive the email, contact admissions. Access the Admissions Portal and complete the application checklist, which includes Applicant and Parent Information; Questionnaire; Upload of School Reports (kinder/G1 applicants should also provide if available); Teacher Recommendations (Aoba format); Medical and Childhood Immunization Records; and the Application Fee. 3. Interview and Assessment. Candidates will be invited to an online or on-campus interview. There are sometimes observation sessions or English assessments depending on the grade. The Admissions team reviews all completed applications and contacts families in January. 4. Result. Results are announced in early March. For applications outside of the key application cycle, results usually take about one week after the interview. Upon acceptance, families will be asked to complete Online Enrollment and to pay one-time Registration and Building and Development fees to secure their seat. 5. Eligibility. English is the language of instruction in all grades. Applicants who are proficient in English and who are familiar with international education systems, in particular the International Baccalaureate, stand to gain most from being admitted. Applicants who are not yet fluent in English may benefit from the elementary and middle school education with enrollment in the inclusive in-class support program. Communication with families is in English, so at least one parent/guardian should be able to communicate comfortably with school personnel in English. Visa Support: Aoba does not provide assistance with student visas. Housing Options: Aoba does not offer boarding facilities. 6. Grade Placement. The cutoff date for age placements is September 1. The applicant's birthdate is considered in placements for kindergarten to grade 1. Applicants for G2 and above are placed according to their completed or current grade level and upon consideration of individual circumstances. K2 students (Meguro campus only) may join from 18 months old; K3 students must be three years old and out of diapers before admission.	Admissions Step 1 – Enquiry: The process begins by completing the Enquiry Form. Families are encouraged to speak with the Admissions Team and to arrange a visit to experience Malvern College Tokyo firsthand. You may also email the Admissions Team directly to share basic details about your child and to request guidance on next steps. This stage signals initial interest and sets up the opportunity for a campus visit and a later assessment. Step 2 – Visit Us: A personalised campus tour or a scheduled Friday tour is available to experience the school's atmosphere, facilities and teaching approach. You will see how the IB PYP Programme, IB MYP Programme and the planned IB Diploma pathways shape day‑to‑day learning in a British‑style international school environment. This visit helps families decide whether the ethos and environment suit their child. Step 3 – Registration: After your enquiry, you should complete the Online Application and pay the Registration Fee. Before applying, review the Age Guidelines to confirm the appropriate year group for your child, and use a desktop or laptop for the online form if possible. The online application requires uploading a photograph and all required documentation, and you must pay the non‑refundable application/registration sequence: 22,000 JPY application fee and 300,000 JPY Registration Fee per child. All steps must be completed before an assessment and interview can be arranged. Step 4 – Entrance Assessments: The Admissions process includes phase-based assessments for 2026‑27. Phase 1 runs August to mid‑October 2025, Phase 2 from mid‑October 2025 to mid‑January 2026 (results by end February 2026), and Phase 3 from mid‑January 2026 to mid‑March 2026 (results by end April 2026). Assessments are age‑appropriate and include an English interview supplemented by Japanese; the format varies by age. Pre‑Prep uses observation sessions, Prep 1–3 combines English interviews with parent/ pupil discussion, and Prep 4+ adds an age‑specific online assessment and a written task in English, followed by a parent–pupil interview. Where applicable, candidates also undergo an externally moderated CAT4 online assessment to measure cognitive abilities. Step 5 – Outcome: After completing the assessments, the admissions panel decides on placement based on the application, latest school reports (if available), assessment results, language proficiency, and other entry criteria. A formal offer may be issued if a place is available; waiting lists are sometimes in operation, and the Admissions Team provides updates on the likelihood of future enrolment when relevant. Decisions and any waitlist status are communicated to families as soon as possible. Notes on language, assessment, and logistics: English is the main medium of instruction, with mandatory daily Japanese lessons and EAL support as needed. Interviews are conducted primarily in English, with Japanese support as required. Remote interviews or online assessments are possible for families not in Japan, though some year levels may require an in-person visit. Admissions timing and ongoing enrollment: Applications are accepted throughout the school year via the online platform, and early applications are advised to secure a place given high demand for IB provision. Location and contact: Malvern College Tokyo is located at 3‑2‑1 Josuiminamicho, Kodaira, Tokyo 187‑0021.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Overview: Malvern College Tokyo offers a scholarships programme to recognise pupils with exceptional talent, dedication and potential. Scholarships are available for the 2026‑27 academic year and can be awarded by nomination or application. Categories include Academic Scholarships, Performing Arts Scholarships, Visual Arts/Design Scholarships and Sports Scholarships. External candidates must complete the general admissions process (regular application and application fee, online assessment, and admissions interview) and scholarship assessment is conducted in parallel with the regular process. 1) Academic Scholarships: Available to pupils entering Foundation Year 1 and above; these recognise outstanding academic knowledge and scholarly potential within the IB programme. Scholars are expected to demonstrate a strong work ethic, independent thinking, and high performance across subjects. 2) Performing Arts Scholarships: Open to pupils in Prep 5 (Prep 5) and above who show exceptional talent in music or drama and who can contribute to the school's artistic life; auditions or performance evidence are required depending on discipline. 3) Visual Arts/Design Scholarships: Open to FY1 (Year 7) onwards for those with genuine talent in visual arts or design; scholars are expected to contribute artwork to school life and competitions. 4) Sports Scholarships: Open to Prep 5 (Year 5) and above for athletes with high-level ability; scholars are expected to participate in school teams and demonstrate commitment to training. Special consideration may be given to athletes competing at club, national or international levels. Who can apply and process: Scholarships are available to both internal and external candidates. External candidates must submit a scholarship application, personal statement and supporting documents, and then complete the regular admissions process (application, online assessment, and interview) before scholarship decisions are made. Short-listed candidates are invited to a scholarship selection interview, and final decisions are made by the MCT Scholarship Panel, which considers overall merit. Internal candidates follow the same pathway but may have internal forms and recommendations handled through school channels. For applications, downloadable scholarship forms and required documentation are provided, including a principal/mentor recommendation, a passport copy, school reports, and a recent photo. bursaries are also available for families needing financial support. Expatriate fee remission: There is a Fee Remission Policy for expatriate families linked to corporate partnerships, providing a tuition remission of 10% to 20% for three years depending on partnership level. This policy targets families joining from multinational companies and supports collaboration across research, mentoring, and joint initiatives. How to apply: All candidates must submit a scholarship application and a personal statement outlining academic, personal and cocurricular strengths, as well as supporting documents (including passport copy, school reports, and recommendation forms). Short-listed candidates may be required to undergo additional assessments or auditions as part of the scholarship selection process. External candidates' scholarship applications are processed alongside their regular admissions application. Bursaries: Bursaries are available for families requiring financial assistance, including expatriate families relocating to Tokyo; bursary applications are open to pupils across year groups from Prep 1 onwards. For bursary information, contact the Admissions Team. Sibling discount: A 5% sibling discount is offered to the second enrolled child and 10% to the third (or more) for Pre-Prep fees; this discount applies only to Pre-Prep fees and ends when the pupil moves to Prep 1. Contact for scholarships: For enquiries about scholarships or bursaries, email the Admissions Team.
Waitlist	Waitlist Some grades are already full, and waitlists might be considered. When openings arise, waitlisted families may be contacted as part of the admissions process.	Waitlist Waiting lists are sometimes in operation. When in effect, the Admissions Team provides up-to-date information on the likelihood of future enrolment and the status of applying families. This means that even after an assessment, a place may be offered later or kept on a waiting list, depending on availability and the cohort balance.
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