Ascot International School Japan vs Deutsche Schule Kobe International

	A Ascot International School Japan Kobe, Japan	D Deutsche Schule Kobe International Kobe, Japan
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ¥1,151,000 - 1,871,000	Fees / year ¥1,609,000 - 1,876,950
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 1 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Japanese Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), Cambridge (Primary), German Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 70	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 8	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Japanese	Instruction language English, German
Opened	Opened 2018	Opened 1909
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Ascot International School Japan is in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, with the campus at 1-11-2 Kanokodai Minamimachi, Kita-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo 651-1514, Japan. The nearest rail access is Dojo-Minamiguchi Station, about a 15-minute walk from the campus. The site sits on Kanokodai in a green, semi-rural area and includes woodland on campus, offering a natural learning environment. Bus services connect key areas such as Sannomiya, Rokko Island, Sumiyoshi, Hankyu Mikage, Takurazuka, and Sanda.	Location Rokko Island 3-2-8 Koyochonaka, Higashinada-ku, Kobe City, Japan
Stages	Stages Ascot International School Japan offers Early Years, Primary (Key Stage 1 & 2), Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3) and Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5) within a Cambridge International framework. The curriculum provides a clear pathway through IGCSE and A-levels, with transition planning from Early Years through to Upper Secondary. The Cambridge alignment has been in place since May 2022.	Stages Playgroup 1–2 years; Early Years 2–5 years; Primary Years 5–12 years; Secondary 12–18 years
School type	School type AISJ operates as a private international school on a day-cum-boarding model, with on-site boarding options available for secondary students in separate Boys' and Girls' dormitories located within walking distance of the school. The day school follows a Cambridge/English-national framework for its curriculum and assessment. Boarding facilities are offered specifically for certain year groups in the secondary program.	School type International school; IB World School with multilingual instruction in English, German and Japanese; Cambridge International Programmes for Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary starting 2026/27; German Thüringer Curriculum for German-native students.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix The student body represents more than 15 cultures; the school notes a diverse, intercultural community supported by staff from six continents. Specific counts of nationalities or the local-to-international student ratio are not published.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support No formal SEN policy is published on the AISJ site. The school integrates Japanese language learning alongside its Cambridge English-language curriculum, and staff are described as bilingual, which supports language learners and bilingual students. Specific SEN provisions or facilities are not publicly detailed.	Additional learning support Small class sizes and personalized support, with optional one‑to‑one or small‑group support.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation is published; AISJ presents itself as an international Cambridge International School serving families in Kobe.	Country affiliation Germany
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is published or stated by the school.	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure The school opens at 8:30 a.m. Monday–Friday. Teaching runs from 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with extended care available from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. School lunch options are available, with students bringing lunch or choosing a school-provided option.	School day structure Playgroup runs Thursday mornings (1–2 years). Early Years and Primary Years run Monday–Friday, 8:30–15:30. A typical Primary day includes a 7:50 arrival, classes from 8:35, and activities up to 5:00 pm (late room, optional).
Bus service details	Bus service details AISJ operates bus services serving areas including Sannomiya, Rokko Island, Sumiyoshi, Hankyu Mikage, Takurazuka, and Sanda, providing transport for students as part of its campus services. The bus network is a stated part of the school's offering to support families.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Initial (one-time) fees - Application Fee: JPY 22,000. (Payable once only; non-refundable.) - Enrollment Fee: JPY 165,000. (Payable once only; non-refundable.) - Enrollment Fee – sibling discount (for Ascot student's sibling): JPY 110,000. (Payable once only; non-refundable.) - Assessment Fee (where applicable; after Year 1): JPY 11,000. Tuition fees by year group (Annual and half-term amounts) - Nursery Full (9:00–16:00), age 2–3 — Annual Tuition: JPY 1,030,000; Half-term amount shown: JPY 515,000. - Nursery Half (9:00–12:30), age 2–3 — Annual Tuition: JPY 530,000; Half-term amount: JPY 265,000. - Kindergarten, age 3–4 — Annual Tuition: JPY 1,090,000; Half-term amount: JPY 545,000. - Reception, age 4–5 — Annual Tuition: JPY 1,090,000; Half-term amount: JPY 545,000. - Key Stage 1 (Year 1 and 2), age 5–7 — Annual Tuition: JPY 1,160,000; Half-term amount: JPY 580,000. - Key Stage 2 (Year 3 and 4), age 7–9 — Annual Tuition: JPY 1,210,000; Half-term amount: JPY 605,000. - Key Stage 2 (Year 5 and 6), age 9–11 — Annual Tuition: JPY 1,320,000; Half-term amount: JPY 660,000. - Key Stage 3 (Year 7, 8 and 9), age 11–14 — Annual Tuition: JPY 1,470,000; Half-term amount: JPY 735,000. - Key Stage 4 (Year 10 and 11), age 14–16 — Annual Tuition: JPY 1,600,000; Half-term amount: JPY 800,000. - Key Stage 5 (Year 12 and 13), age 16–18 — Annual Tuition: JPY 1,750,000; Half-term amount: JPY 875,000. - In-school Instructor (16–18) — Annual Tuition: JPY 1,750,000; Half-term amount: JPY 875,000. - Online Learning (16–18) — Annual Tuition: JPY 1,750,000; Half-term amount: JPY 875,000. Other mandatory and exam-related fees - Building & Development Fee: JPY 110,000. - Technology Fee: JPY 11,000. - Cambridge assessment/test fees (by year group, payable as applicable): - Cambridge (O) / IGCSE tests for Years 1–5: JPY 15,000 (per indicated test item). - Cambridge (O) / IGCSE tests for Year 6: JPY 23,000. - Cambridge MidYIS tests for Years 7–8: JPY 20,000. - Cambridge MidYIS tests for Year 9: JPY 26,000. - Cambridge Yellis tests for Year 10: JPY 26,000. School bus fees - Sanda Area — Round-trip: JPY 25,000; One-way: JPY 20,000. - Takarazuka Area — Round-trip: JPY 40,000; One-way: JPY 32,000. - Rokko Area — Round-trip: JPY 40,000; One-way: JPY 32,000. - Sannomiya Area — Round-trip: JPY 50,000; One-way: JPY 40,000. - Notes on bus billing: the bus fee is charged monthly; priority is given to round-trip users; semi-annual (longer-term) bus users are charged the applicable rate even if the service is used once in a month; one-way single-trip use is charged at the stated one-way rate divided by 20 days; refunds are not offered after use. After-school care and tutoring fees - After School Care (16:00–17:30): JPY 3,300 (per session/period as shown). - After School Tutoring (16:00–17:00): JPY 5,100 (per session/period as shown). Dormitory / boarding fees (where applicable) - Dormitory initial (one-off) fee: JPY 22,000. (Non-refundable after the academic year starts.) - Dormitory Monthly Fee (weekday, Monday to Friday): JPY 30,000. - Per non-school day (Saturday, Sunday and holiday): JPY 4,000. Cash-handling, issuance and small administrative fees - Cash Handling Fee (payable upon receipt of cash or before certificate is issued): JPY 550. - Reissue of Student ID Card: JPY 500. - Issuance of Transcript (per copy; issued up to 3 years): JPY 1,000. - Issuance of Certificate of Graduation: JPY 1,000. - Issuance of Certificate of Expected Graduation: JPY 1,000. - Issuance of Report Card (per year; issued up to 3 years): JPY 1,000. - Translation of documents specified by the school: JPY 500 per page. Billing schedule and payment terms - Initial fees (application, enrollment and similar initial charges) are payable once and are non-refundable. - Tuition figures are presented as annual amounts and as a half-term figure (labelled on the schedule as “Half Term x2”); tuition and other ongoing fees are non-refundable once the academic year has started where stated. - School bus fees are charged monthly; one-way single-trip usage is calculated using the one-way rate divided by 20 days. Refunds for bus usage are not provided once the service has been used. - Specific invoicing cycles (dates of invoice issue and exact due dates) are issued by the school at enrolment; administrative handling fees apply for cash payments or re-issued documents. Refund information - Initial fees (application, enrollment) and certain charges are explicitly non-refundable. - Tuition and ancillary fees are described as non-refundable after the academic year starts where indicated. - Bus fees and individual ride charges are not refundable after use; refunds are not offered under the circumstances described for bus service. Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods listed: bank transfer, cash, and PayPal. - Small cash-handling and issuance fees apply when paying by cash or when certificates/documents are issued. Notes and caveats - Cambridge exam fees (IGCSE / AS / A-level) are charged separately and are not included in the listed tuition amounts. - All prices are subject to change and specific dates, invoicing cycles and any additional optional charges (for example, extra-curricular or international shipping for documents) are handled and confirmed by the school at enrolment or on invoices.	Fee details Application and registration fees - Application fee: JPY 50,000. - Registration (enrolment) fee: JPY 290,000. Annual tuition (by programme / year group) - Play Group (Five Tickets): JPY 7,500. - Pre‑Kindergarten: JPY 1,563,000 per academic year. Equivalent instalments: JPY 781,500 per semester (if split in two) or JPY 390,750 per quarter (if split in four). - Early Years: JPY 1,563,000 per academic year. Equivalent instalments: JPY 781,500 per semester or JPY 390,750 per quarter. - Pre‑School: JPY 1,696,000 per academic year. Equivalent instalments: JPY 848,000 per semester or JPY 424,000 per quarter. - Primary School (Grades 1–6): JPY 1,696,000 per academic year. Equivalent instalments: JPY 848,000 per semester or JPY 424,000 per quarter. Annual mandatory / recurring fees and compulsory extras - Technology fee: JPY 35,000 per year. - Building and development fee: JPY 150,000 per year. - Insurance: JPY 21,000 per year. - Membership fee for School Association: JPY 15,000 per year. - Course materials (Pre‑School – Grade 6): JPY 10,000 per year. - PTA fee: JPY 4,000 per year. - Yearbook fee: JPY 4,500 per year (where charged). Optional / occasional extras - Pre‑Kindergarten to Grade 2 school trips: JPY 5,000 (per trip / annual item as listed). - Grades 3–6 annual school trip / camp: JPY 80,000 (annual). - School bus service (if booked): JPY 221,000 per year. - Note: several items above are indicated as subject to 10% consumption tax; tax will be applied where specified. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school issues tuition invoices on an annual basis but offers different payment schedules: a single annual payment is preferred; families may also elect to be billed in two instalments or quarterly (pro‑rata billing is used for students enrolling part‑way through the year). Instalment equivalents shown above are calculated from the annual tuition and reflect those common billing splits. - Students who register during the school year are charged tuition pro‑rated according to the quarter in which they enter. Existing enrolment contracts are automatically extended unless written resignation is received with the required notice (contractual notice provisions apply). In exceptional cases (for example, a family's sudden relocation for work) the school considers withdrawals outside the normal regulations upon documented request. Tuition adjustments on withdrawal are handled on a quarterly basis under the school's refund/withdrawal rules. Refunds and withdrawal - Registration, application, building & development, insurance, technology and membership fees are charged for all students on entry and are not refundable in most cases. Children who register but do not attend, or who leave within a defined payment period, are generally not entitled to a refund of those upfront fees. Tuition refunds for mid‑year withdrawal are handled pro‑rata on a quarterly basis; specific notice and documentation requirements apply for withdrawal and for exceptional waivers. Boarding (residential) fees - No boarding or residential programme fees are listed for Deutsche Schule Kobe International. The school operates as a day school for the early years and primary programmes and is expanding provision into secondary in the 2026–27 timeframe; no boarding charges are published for current programmes. Other costs commonly incurred by families - Transport to/from school where not using the school bus (local public transport costs) and any emergency medical or specialist activity charges are additional and billed separately where applicable. Uniforms are not listed in the public fee items above; families should budget separately for any personal supplies, optional after‑school clubs, lunches, and incidental school costs. Fee payment options - The school issues invoices to enrolled families; specific accepted payment methods (for example, international bank transfer/wire, domestic bank transfer, credit card or other online payment services) are managed through the school's finance office and by invoice processes. Families should expect to receive an invoice and payment instructions from the school's admissions/accounts team when a place is offered. (Payment method availability may vary by payer location and by the invoicing arrangement chosen.)
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 Ascot International School Japan follows the Cambridge International Curriculum, aligned with the English National Curriculum, and is a Cambridge International School and testing center. Early Years (nursery through Year 1) use the Cambridge Early Years Foundation Stage, with child-centered, play-based learning that develops social-emotional skills and early literacy through unit-based activities. Primary (Key Stage 1 and 2) provides a broad subject-based curriculum including English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Design and Technology, Art, Music, Physical Education, ICT, and a second language, building on Early Years and linked to the English National Curriculum. Upper Secondary, or Key Stage 4, offers IGCSE with core subjects of English, Mathematics, and Science and elective options such as Psychology, Business Studies and Art and Design, with examinations typically at the end of Year 11. Key Stage 5 offers A level courses and the Cambridge AICE Diploma to support progression to higher education. In addition to Cambridge study, Ascot runs a Nature and SDG focused supplemental curriculum on a campus of about 5 acres with 4 acres of woodland and is accredited by WASC, with small class sizes.	Curriculum details DSKI is an IB World School offering a curriculum that blends IB with Cambridge programmes. In the Early Years and Primary Years, students follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) with the Cambridge Primary Programme for mathematics and language. English is the main language of instruction, and all students learn German and Japanese, with Kokugo for native Japanese speakers and Japanese as a Foreign Language. From 2026/27, Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary Cambridge International Programmes lead to the IGCSE, taught in English with German and Japanese language study. In 2030/31, the Diploma Programme (IB DP) will be offered; English remains the language of instruction, German is taught as a higher-level foreign language, and Japanese may be offered at native speaker level; the IB Diploma Programme is recognised for university admissions, and Deutsches Sprachdiplom II supports German university pathways.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes and personalized support are provided to help each child thrive.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression The Diploma Programme (IB DP) will be offered from 2030/31 and the IB is recognised in most countries as a basis for university applications. The Deutsches Sprachdiplom II is available to support German university pathways, and the school plans to introduce Cambridge IGCSE programmes for broader higher education options.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	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. Inquiry. An admission inquiry can be made at any time. You can reach out by email or phone to request admission information, and the school will provide the relevant details for your family. You may be asked for basic information about your child to help tailor the information you'll receive. 2. Admission Period. Admissions are possible throughout the year, space permitting. The most popular entry times are late August (predominantly international students) and early April (predominantly Japanese students). Space availability can vary by grade and year, so early contact is advised. 3. Book a tour or Open House. You may attend an Open House or arrange a school visit by email or phone. The visit typically includes a Head of School meeting, a guided tour, and opportunities to interact with teaching staff. During this visit, you can ask questions about curriculum, facilities, and student life, and you may also arrange a Trial Day for your child. 4. Application. Applications are submitted in person after completing the necessary forms and paying the application fee. The school will then arrange an interview with the Headmaster, which can be conducted in person or online. The one-time application fee is ¥22,000 and the one-time enrollment fee is ¥165,000. There are annual charges including Building and Development ¥110,000 and Technology ¥11,000, and the annual tuition starts at ¥1,030,000, with the first-year total at ¥1,338,000. 5. Interview with the Headmaster. The interview helps clarify how well the child's needs align with the school's offerings, and it can involve both the family and the child. Interviews can be conducted on site or online if needed. Staff may participate to discuss English proficiency, learning support needs, and overall fit with Ascot's program. 6. Acceptance. Admission decisions are communicated in a timely manner, along with additional forms for acceptance. Once the offer is accepted, families receive further instructions about enrollment steps and timelines. 7. First Day of School. The school will welcome the child on the agreed start date and place them in the appropriate class. Families will receive information about uniforms and other materials, which can be purchased at the school if desired. A smooth transition plan is provided to help new students settle in.	Admissions 1. The inquiry introduces your interest and allows the school to share guidance on the admissions process. An initial inquiry helps staff understand your needs and plan a suitable visit. This first step starts the enrollment process. 2. Tell us about yourself: Submit the Pre-Admission Questionnaire to the school office. The form helps gather basic information ahead of your visit so staff can prepare a focused discussion about your child's needs and development. It marks the formal move toward the application process. 3. Visit us: For Families in Japan, a guided school tour is available by appointment; for FamiliesOutside Japan, the school can arrange a video or phone meeting. Tours provide a real sense of the school community and programs. 4. Submit an Application Form: After the initial visit or call, provide a completed Application Form and the three most recent report cards from your current school or kindergarten; translations are required if the reports are not in English, German, French, or Japanese; if recent report cards are not available, submit Confidential School Report Form (Primary School) or Recommendation Form (Early Years). 5. Attend a Trial Day: Entrance exams are not required. The school aims to meet each student, observe language skills and readiness, and confirm fit. For Families in Japan, children aged 2–5 join a trial from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and children aged 6 and above from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM; after the trial, a follow-up interview is arranged or the school contacts you with the result. For Families Outside Japan, admissions decisions may be based on report cards and confidential references. 6. Accept an Offer & Complete Registration: Accept the offer and complete registration; vaccination records (if not submitted at a trial) and a copy of the student's passport (photo page) should be provided. Download and complete the Registration Form, Declaration Form, Emergency contact / Pick up, Student Information Form, Student Health Form, and Physical Examination Form, then email or send them back to the school.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not publish a formal waitlist or pool system. Admissions are offered on a rolling basis, space permitting. If a grade is temporarily full, spaces may open later depending on availability, but there is no published waitlist policy or capacity for a formal waitlist pool on Ascot's pages.	Waitlist —
	View full profile →	View full profile →