Canadian Academy vs North London Collegiate School Kobe

	C Canadian Academy Kobe, Japan	North London Collegiate School Kobe Kobe, Japan
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ¥2,300,000 - 3,510,000	Fees / year ¥2,800,000 - 2,900,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 6 - 13 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 674	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1913	Opened 2025
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Canadian Academy is on Rokko Island, a man-made community in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The island is connected to the mainland by the Rokkoliner rail line, placing the campus in a residential area with easy access to services. It is about 20 minutes from downtown Kobe and about 37 minutes to Osaka by public transport, with restaurants, shops, and a hospital nearby for convenience.	Location NLCS Kobe is located on Rokko Island in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The Junior School campus is housed in the AsiaOne Building on Rokko Island. The purpose-built Senior School campus on Rokko Mountain will open in 2028.
Stages	Stages The school is organized into three divisions: Elementary School (Grades 1–5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12). An Early Learning and Activities Center (ELAC) supports early years, with the ELAC library space on campus.	Stages NLCS Kobe currently operates a Junior School for Grades 1–7 (ages 6–13). The Senior School will open in 2028 for Grades 6 - 9 (ages 11-15)
School type	School type Canadian Academy is co-educational and operates as a day and boarding international school. It maintains a boarding program with on-campus Gloucester House housing to support older students.	School type The school is a selective, co-educational day school for Grades 1–7. The Senior School will offer boarding in addition to day schooling from 2028.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix The student body includes more than 40 nationalities. The largest group comes from North America, with representation from East Asia and Japan as host country; languages spoken exceed 15. Historically, local Japanese students have comprised about a quarter of the community, with international students making up about three-quarters of the student body.	Pupil nationality mix The school community represents a diverse mix of nationalities, with Japanese students forming the majority of the student body. This creates an internationally minded yet distinctly Japanese environment, reflecting the school’s philosophy of being an “International School with a Japanese Heart” and appealing to both local and international families across the Kansai region and beyond.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The Student Services department provides English as an Additional Language (EAL), Learning Support, and Counseling through a multidisciplinary, inclusive approach. Differentiated instruction supports diverse learner needs.	Additional learning support NLCS Kobe provides learning support through small class sizes, personalised pastoral care, and close collaboration between teachers and families. At present, the school does not offer a dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) programme or specialist provision.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation There is no formal country affiliation. The school is a Japan-based international school with historical Canadian roots.	Country affiliation NLCS Kobe is affiliated with NLCS UK and joins the other NLCS network of international schools in Singapore, Dubai, Jeju and Hong Kong (opening soon).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Religious affiliation is not indicated; CA operates as a non-sectarian international school.	Religious affiliation There is no religious affiliation listed for NLCS Kobe; the school emphasises an international IB curriculum with Japanese language and culture.
School day structure	School day structure The standard school day commonly runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:25 p.m. with a 2:25 p.m. dismissal on Wednesdays. Secondary-level mornings include an advisory period to start the day.	School day structure Public pages do not publish daily start and end times. For exact timings, the Admissions team can provide details.
Bus service details	Bus service details Canadian Academy offers bus routes on Rokko, Ashiya, and Osaka lines, with multiple stops. Registration is required, seating is limited, and options can be for full year or a semester; buses include monitors and CCTV on board. Fees and stops depend on distance.	Bus service details NLCS Kobe offers daily shuttle services from within Kobe and Osaka.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and initial fees - Application fee: ¥90,000 (non‑refundable). Application fees are payable by credit card at the time of application. - Registration fee (one‑time, new students): ¥400,000 (non‑refundable). The Registration Fee finalizes enrollment and reserves the student's space; it is payable within 30 days of the letter of acceptance or before the student's first day. - Capital Contribution Fee (one‑time, new students): ¥600,000 (non‑refundable). The Capital Contribution Fee supports campus maintenance and renewal and is payable within 30 days of the letter of acceptance or before the student's first day. - Building & Development Fee (annual): ¥300,000. This fee is charged annually to all students, is not prorated for mid‑year joins/withdrawals, and is fully refundable only according to the school's withdrawal schedule (see Refunds). Tuition fees (annual) by year group - Pre‑K / Kindergarten A: ¥2,000,000 per year. - Kindergarten B: ¥2,580,000 per year. - Grades 1–5: ¥2,580,000 per year. - Grades 6–8: ¥3,020,000 per year. - Grades 9–11: ¥3,090,000 per year. - Grade 12: ¥3,210,000 per year. Note on billing frequency: Tuition is charged and invoiced as an annual fee. The school publishes prorating rules for families joining during the year; see the prorating schedule below. A per‑term equivalent can be calculated as half the annual tuition where needed, but the published charges are annual and prorated according to published entry dates. (Per‑term amounts are a calculated division of the annual fees, not separately published charges.) Prorating and refunds for tuition - Tuition proration for students enrolling during the school year (School Year 2025–26): - If the first day of school is on or before October 24, 2025: Tuition payable 100%. - If on or before December 19, 2025: Tuition payable 75%. - If on or before March 20, 2026: Tuition payable 50%. - If on or before June 11, 2026: Tuition payable 25%. - Refund schedule for withdrawal (School Year 2025–26): - Semester One enrollment: withdrawal notice on or before July 1, 2025 = 100% refund; withdrawal on or before December 1, 2025 = 50% refund; withdrawal on or after December 2, 2025 = no refund. - Semester Two enrollment: withdrawal notice on or before December 1, 2025 = 100% refund of the second semester; withdrawal on or after December 2, 2025 = no refund. Boarding fees and related charges - Boarding fee (annual, Grades 9–12): ¥3,200,000 in addition to the tuition fee. The boarding fee includes participation in the Residential Life Program and all meals during term time. Alternate activities during break weeks may carry additional charges. Students entering the boarding program at any point in Semester One are charged the boarding fee in full; students entering in Semester Two are charged 50% of the full boarding fee. The boarding fee is a year‑long commitment and is non‑refundable for families withdrawing during the school year. - Boarding deposits and security: New students entering the boarding program pay a deposit of ¥500,000 to reserve a space (payable within 30 days of acceptance or before first day); returning students must also pay a ¥500,000 deposit when confirming intent to return. A security deposit of ¥50,000 is charged to new boarding students; it is refundable on departure net of any deductions for damages or outstanding charges. In the event of withdrawal after payment of the deposit, the deposit becomes non‑refundable in principle. Transportation (school bus) fees and options - Annual bus service fees vary by route and stop. Examples of annual rates for the 2025–26 year: Rokko Route (examples) — one‑way ¥177,450; round‑trip ¥334,950. Ashiya Route examples — one‑way ¥141,750; round‑trip ¥265,650. Osaka Route examples — one‑way ¥231,000; round‑trip ¥420,000. These fees are for a year‑long commitment to the bus program. Daily tickets are available for occasional riders at ¥1,200 per ticket (availability dependent on seat space). The bus payment schedule and pro‑rating follow the same rules as tuition. Student support and extra program fees - English as an Additional Language (EAL): For students entering Grade 1 or above who are assessed as requiring EAL in Phases 1–4, the EAL fee is ¥200,000 per year for the first three years of enrollment and ¥100,000 per year thereafter. The EAL fee is payable on the same schedule as annual tuition, is prorated on entry, and is not refundable for students leaving during the school year. The EAL fee is refundable only if a student is assessed at Phase 5 within the first quarter of attendance. - Learning Support: If a student requires significant one‑to‑one learning support, a fee of up to ¥3,500,000 may be assessed (amount determined by the school and may be prorated). Participation in the Learning Support program is at the school's discretion. Food services - School lunches are provided by the school's food services provider (Cezar's Kitchen). Each student receives a Cezar's account that families top up directly; the school provides basic demographic information to the provider to create accounts. Families manage and top up lunch accounts directly with Cezar's Kitchen. Other costs (uniforms, clubs, incidental charges) - Uniforms and PE kit are sold through the school's Falcon Store; sample retail prices observed on the Falcon Store include a PE shirt at ¥2,500 and sweatpants at ¥3,500. Additional uniform items, sports kit, and school merchandise are available and priced individually through the store. - After‑school clubs and some co‑curricular activities carry separate fees; some club sign‑ups and payments are handled through the school's activity platforms. Field trips, alternate break activities for boarders, and some competitive activities may carry additional charges. Annual or occasional charges for specific activities are invoiced separately. Billing schedule, payment terms, and penalties - Due dates: - New families: school fees are due in full within 30 days of invoicing or before the new student's first day, whichever is earlier. - Returning families: school fees are due in full by July 1 preceding the start of the school year. - Installment option for privately paying families: a six‑month installment plan (July–December) may be requested; the plan must be secured by bank draft and carries a service charge of ¥25,000 per student (added to the first installment). Applications for the installment plan must be received by the Finance Office by the June 15 preceding the school year. Corporations sponsoring school fees must pay in full by the due date. - Payment methods and currencies: Application fees are payable by credit card at application; all other fees are invoiced by the Finance Office and are payable by bank transfer only. All fees are payable in Japanese yen; bank transfer, credit card, or other charges are the responsibility of the payor. Families paying privately who choose installments must set up a bank draft for monthly collection. - Late payment penalties and enforcement: Any amount owing for more than 30 days attracts a penalty charge of ¥5,000 per week. The school reserves the right to withhold or terminate a student's access to school services for outstanding amounts, which may include withholding report cards, transcripts, examination access, field trips, activities, or campus access. Refunds and cancellation specifics - Application Fee: non‑refundable. Registration Fee and Capital Contribution Fee: charged to all new students and non‑refundable. The Building & Development Fee is not prorated and is only refundable according to the school's specified withdrawal windows (see Building & Development Fee refund dates above). Tuition refunds follow the published withdrawal schedule for Semester One and Semester Two enrollments (see Prorating and refunds for tuition). Boarding deposits generally become non‑refundable in principle if a family withdraws after paying them; the boarding security deposit (¥50,000) is refundable on departure net of deductions. Summary of key monetary figures (School Year 2025–26) - Application fee: ¥90,000. Registration (one‑time): ¥400,000. Capital contribution (one‑time): ¥600,000. Building & Development (annual): ¥300,000. Tuition by year group: Pre‑K/Kindergarten A ¥2,000,000; Kindergarten B and Grades 1–5 ¥2,580,000; Grades 6–8 ¥3,020,000; Grades 9–11 ¥3,090,000; Grade 12 ¥3,210,000. Boarding (annual): ¥3,200,000. Additional possible fees: EAL, Learning Support (up to ¥3,500,000), bus service (varies by route), deposits for boarding (¥500,000) and boarding security (¥50,000).	Fee details Application fees (non-refundable): JPY 35,000 — payable when the application is submitted. Enrolment Fee (one‑time, non-refundable): JPY 400,000 — payable to confirm a place after an offer is made. Tuition Fees (annual) - Grade 1–3 (Ages 6–8): JPY 3,200,000 - Grade 4–7 (Ages 9–13): JPY 3,300,000 Facility maintenance (annual): JPY 400,000 * Please note that fees are subject to revision from time to time. For the most up to date information, please refer to the school’s official website.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The Senior School on Rokko Mountain will cater to both boarding and day students. Boarders will benefit from modern, comfortable accommodation, promoting independence while staying closely connected to school life. The Rokko Mountain campus will open in 2028.
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 NLCS Kobe is part of the North London Collegiate School family of schools. It maintains a close connection to NLCS UK and is part of a network of NLCS international campuses, including NLCS Jeju, NLCS Dubai and NLCS Singapore.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum from Pre-K through Grade 12. The Elementary program (Grades 1–5) uses the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) with six transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry, drawing on AERO, Next Generation, and ACARA standards, and incorporating Balanced Literacy and Bridges mathematics. The Middle School program (Grades 6–8) follows the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), comprising eight subject areas—Language Acquisition, Language and Literature, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, Physical and Health Education, and Design—and culminating in a Grade 10 Personal Project. High School (Grades 9–12) offers three graduation pathways: the CA Diploma paired with the IB Diploma Programme; the CA Diploma paired with the IB Bilingual Diploma; or CA Diploma with IB Course Certificates, with the IB Diploma core of Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS. The Japan Experience is a one-year program for Grade 9 (and sometimes Grade 10) that uses the IB MYP framework with a Japanese-focused curriculum and boarding options. English language support and Learning Support are available across the school as part of Student Services, including EAL and Learning Support for both elementary and secondary levels.	Curriculum details NLCS Kobe offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum with instruction in English and a strong emphasis on Japanese language and culture. The Junior School delivers an enquiry-based, English-language curriculum designed to develop foundational academic and linguistic skills. The Junior School serves Grades 1–6, with admissions announced for August 2025. The Senior School will welcome Grade 7 in 2026, expanding to additional grades as the Rokko Mountain campus opens; the curriculum blends NLCS UK traditions with a focus on Japanese heritage, with all lessons taught in English and Japanese language and literature integrated. A permanent Rokko Mountain campus is planned to open in 2028, offering boarding and day options and supporting a pathway to leading universities worldwide.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
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 NLCS Kobe places social and emotional development at the heart of its pastoral approach. The Junior School page states that outstanding individual care and support, strong values and exceptional extra-curricular opportunities help pupils stay resilient, positive and happy; a happy child will always be a more effective learner. The school emphasises that the well-being of students is at the heart of everything we do, and life in the junior school is described as vibrant and nurturing, with older pupils mentoring younger pupils to foster belonging and collaboration. Through clubs, societies and service projects, students learn to collaborate, communicate and develop leadership skills, supporting their social and emotional growth alongside academic development. The Our School section notes that NLCS Kobe seeks to remove barriers to learning by supporting students in all aspects of their lives.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) Publicly disclosed information on SEN provision at NLCS Kobe is limited. The Junior School page describes 'Outstanding individual care and support' and notes that pupils are 'resilient, positive and happy,' indicating general pastoral support rather than a defined SEN program. Policy pages focus on safeguarding, e-safety and behaviour management rather than explicit SEN services. The publicly available information does not specify which kinds of Special Educational Needs the school can support or whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution. Consequently, there is no publicly disclosed detail on dedicated SEN staff or a SEN coordinator.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language NLCS Kobe teaches all junior school lessons in English, and the immersive environment supports linguistic development. The curriculum overview states that all learners develop a sophisticated command of English with a focus on internationalism. There is no explicit published information about a dedicated EAL program or EAL staff. The emphasis in available materials is on general English-language development rather than a formal EAL service. Therefore, NLCS Kobe does not publicly disclose specific EAL provision.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Wellbeing is a central element of NLCS Kobe's approach; the Junior School states that the well-being of students is at the heart of everything we do. The school highlights outstanding individual care and support as part of creating a balanced, happy student experience. Life in the school is described as vibrant and nurturing, with a strong emphasis on social-emotional growth alongside academics. The programme promotes resilience and positive development through a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities and community activities. There is no publicly disclosed detail about dedicated mental health staff; wellbeing is described as integrated within pastoral care and personal support.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding NLCS Kobe publishes a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy (August 2025) that sets out staff training, roles and procedures for safeguarding. The policy designates a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) as Tamsin Elsey (Vice Principal) and a Deputy DSL as Jerome Singh (Assistant Principal), with Principal and NLCS International contact details listed for safeguarding matters. The DSL and deputy are described as trained staff responsible for safeguarding and online safety, with a formal training plan and ongoing duties outlined. The policy references emergency contacts (189) and UK guidance such as Keeping Children Safe in Education, and provides contact details for safeguarding matters at NLCS Kobe and NLCS International. Parents are welcome to approach the DSL with safeguarding concerns.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview NLCS Kobe operates two campuses in Kobe. The Junior School Campus is located at the Asia One Center on Rokko Island and began operating for Grades 1–7 in September 2025. The Senior School Campus will open in 2028 on Rokko Mountain and will provide boarding for Grades 6–12. Junior School facilities include a dedicated sports hall, a drama studio, two science laboratories, bright classrooms, and spaces for ICT, art and music. The Senior School Campus will include a theatre, a sports hall, an amphitheatre, and classrooms with views over Kobe; the Rokko Mountain site will also offer outdoor learning and a natural setting.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Junior School facilities include a sports hall for physical education. The Senior School will also feature a sports hall on the Rokko Mountain site, along with other spaces for performance and learning. The Rokko Mountain campus will be situated in a natural setting and will provide spaces for outdoor learning and sports activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities The Junior School has two science laboratories and dedicated spaces for ICT, art, music and drama, in addition to bright classrooms that foster collaboration. Both campuses are designed to support a range of subjects through specialist rooms, with the Senior School adding further dedicated spaces on Rokko Mountain. The Senior School design includes a theatre and other facilities intended to support an academically ambitious curriculum.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities NLCS Kobe offers a wide extra-curricular programme including sports, music, drama, art and technology for the junior school. The senior school programme expands opportunities with student-led societies across a broad range of disciplines and activities, and includes lectures that extend learning beyond the syllabus.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History NLCS Kobe opened in August 2025 as the newest overseas branch of North London Collegiate School, becoming NLCS's fifth international campus. The campus is located in the AsiaOne Center on Rokko Island, Kobe, and is open for Grades 1–7, with plans to add Grades 7–8 in 2026–2027 and a Rokko Mountain Senior School campus in 2028, at which point boarding will be available for Grades 6–12. Founding Principal Matthew Williams leads the school, bringing NLCS's heritage together with a Japanese cultural dimension. NLCS Kobe is part of the NLCS family alongside NLCS London, NLCS Jeju, NLCS Dubai, and NLCS Singapore.
Community	Community —	Community NLCS Kobe combines an international English-language education with a strong commitment to Japanese language and culture. NLCS Kobe is part of the NLCS family, linking to sister campuses in Jeju, Dubai, Singapore and London, creating a global community with shared values. Cross-campus events such as Celebrating Global Sisterhood connect Kobe with Jeju, Dubai, Singapore and London, highlighting collaboration and shared purpose across NLCS campuses. Open Days, school tours, and admissions events provide opportunities for families to engage with staff and students and learn about campus life.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association NLCS Kobe does not list a dedicated PTA page on its site at present; parent involvement is coordinated through general school channels and events. The site includes a Parents menu with Junior and Senior School sections and an Events area, indicating formal parent engagement channels exist within the school's site structure. NLCS London's Parents' Guild provides a model of active parent involvement, with social events, uniform sales, instrument exchanges, babysitter lists, and community activities such as the Fireworks Display and the Parents' Quiz. NLCS Kobe participates in NLCS-wide community initiatives, including cross-campus events such as Celebrating Global Sisterhood that involve Kobe alongside Jeju, Dubai and Singapore. Open Days and school tours are among the pathways for parents to engage with education and staff across the NLCS network.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual NLCS Kobe offers an academically oriented extracurricular programme that extends learning beyond the classroom. The senior school features student-created societies spanning a wide range of subjects, including English literature, Latin, linguistics, law, history, international relations, biology, chemistry, arts, dance, drama, architecture, maths, computer science, and more. These societies host debates, seminars, and presentations, with sessions run by students and frequent invitations of external speakers. A weekly Nicholson Lectures programme gives teachers and students the opportunity to present academic talks on topics beyond the syllabus, fostering scholarly curiosity.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Arts and creative pursuits are integrated into NLCS Kobe's extracurricular life. In the junior school, options include sports, music, drama, art, and technology, with opportunities to join a sports team, learn a musical instrument, participate in drama productions, and engage in visual arts and design activities. In the senior school, a broad slate of arts activities is supported through societies that cover arts, dance, and drama among other areas, and the programme includes performances and exhibitions connected to the wider arts calendar.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language NLCS Kobe emphasizes culture and language through a robust, student-led extracurricular ecosystem. Societies cover languages and humanities topics, including English literature, Latin, linguistics, law, history, and international relations, and they often include cultural exchanges and events. The programme also includes cultural exchanges and service projects that connect pupils with broader communities. Japanese language and literature are an integral part of the curriculum, ensuring students engage with Japan's heritage while instruction remains in English.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Social and hobby groups form a key part of school life, with societies created and run by students and offering regular lunchtime sessions and activities. The extracurricular programme spans sports, arts, music, drama, and technology, providing opportunities for collaboration and leadership across age groups. Participation in clubs and societies helps pupils develop communication, teamwork, and time-management skills in a supportive environment.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Community and service activities are an integral part of NLCS Kobe's extracurricular offering. Pupils participate in service projects and cultural exchanges that connect them with the wider community and foster social responsibility. The senior programme explicitly includes community service as a core element, alongside other co-curricular opportunities for wider engagement. These activities are designed to build empathy, leadership, and a sense of global citizenship.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional The school foregrounds leadership development through student-led activities. Societies are created and run by students, providing opportunities to organise sessions, invite speakers, and lead discussions. The senior programme also offers structured student leadership opportunities within tutor groups, the house system, and the PSHE framework, which together cultivate organisational and interpersonal skills.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing is a central consideration at NLCS Kobe. The school emphasises happiness and health as core outcomes, supported by a caring and personalised approach to student welfare. A broad sports offering forms part of a balanced lifestyle, promoting physical fitness and healthy routines. The Rokko Mountain campus, opening in 2028, will include outdoor learning experiences and additional spaces for sport and wellbeing activities, enriching daily life for students.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision English is the language of instruction for all lessons at NLCS Kobe. Japanese language and literature are an integral part of the curriculum, supporting language development and cultural heritage.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching NLCS Kobe uses English as the language of instruction across the curriculum. All core lessons are taught in English within an immersive environment designed to support students’ English language development, confidence, and communication skills. Japanese lessons are taught in Japanese, reflecting the school’s strong emphasis on bilingual development.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations PYP IB and MYP IB (in progress)
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Online Application: Families may submit an application up to one year in advance of enrollment. The family creates an online account and can return to the application at any time; one application is required per child. Required supporting documents become available during the online process, and the act of submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. After submission, the Admissions Committee reviews the application to assess fit relative to grade-level availability. 2. Supporting Documents: During the online process, submit the child's school records/transcripts for the past three years (where possible), standardised test results if available (e.g., ITBS, MAPs, PSAT, TOEFL), and any relevant testing/assessments or evaluations (IQ tests, psycho-educational, occupational, or speech therapy, socio-emotional evaluations). Include a copy of the child's passport and a clear digital photo (color, at least 400x600 pixels). These documents help the school understand the student's learning needs and profile. 3. School Reference: The Admissions process requires confidential recommendations: one for elementary applicants (PreK-3 through Grade 5) and two for secondary applicants (Grade 6-12). Provide the email addresses of the child's current teachers/principal/counselor so the school can request these recommendations. A confidential recommendations form becomes available during the online application process. 4. Application Fee: The application fee is ¥90,000 per application and is paid online to cover administrative costs. After payment, the child's application and supporting documents are reviewed by the Admissions Committee. The fee is non-refundable. If the applicant is placed in the waiting pool, the application remains active for two academic years (the year of application and the start of the following academic year), with potential requests for updated documentation. 5. Admissions Interview: Following the receipt of the application, documents, and fee, and subject to seat availability, the Admissions Committee reviews the submission to determine fit. An interview is scheduled that includes a spoken component with the child and an opportunity for questions. Depending on age and criteria, there may be mathematics, reading, and writing assessments, and non-native English speakers are evaluated for English as an Additional Language (EAL) support. Face-to-face interviews are preferred, but online interviews can be arranged for applicants outside the Kansai area; a second interview may occur for additional information. 6. Acceptance of Offer: After the interview, the Admissions Committee makes a recommendation to the Head of School, who makes all admissions decisions. Families applying for the current school year are typically notified of the decision by email and in writing within about one week of the interview. If accepted, families have one week to sign and return the Acceptance of Offer, and the Registration Fee is due one month after notification. If the required documents or fees are not submitted, the seat may be offered to other applicants. Fees overview (context for admissions): The 2025-26 fee schedule includes an Application Fee of ¥90,000, a one-time Registration Fee of ¥400,000, a one-time Capital Contribution Fee of ¥600,000, and a Building & Development Fee of ¥300,000. Tuition by level ranges from ¥2,000,000 (Pre-K / Kindergarten A) to ¥3,210,000 (Grade 12), with a Boarding Fee of ¥3,200,000. These fees are reviewed annually and are subject to modest annual increases.	Admissions 1. Initial enquiry: Begin by contacting the NLCS Kobe Admissions team for an initial consultation. The team provides detailed information about the school, its curriculum, and the online application process. They can also advise on grade placement and the overall admissions timeline. 2. Application submission: Applications are submitted online via the OpenApply portal. It is recommended to use a device with a larger screen. The portal provides access to the Application Process, guidance on which grade is the right level for your child, the Application Checklist (so you know what documents you will need to submit), and the Admissions Assessment process. 3. Assessment: The Principal and Vice Principal are fully involved in the process and make the final decision. Assessments differ by age: for Grades 1–2, there is a review of documentation, a school readiness test, and an observation test in class (if possible). For Grades 3–6, the process includes a review of documentation, an English and mathematics test, a cognitive ability test (externally prepared and assessed), a subject test where possible, and a face-to-face interview. 4. Offers: After the admissions assessments are complete, you will be advised of the decision. 5. Enrolment: Upon acceptance of an offer, the Admissions team will contact you so that your child can be fully prepared for and enjoy a smooth transition into the NLCS Kobe school community. 6. Grade openings and timescale: NLCS Kobe opens in August 2025. Entry is available for Grades 1–6 for the 2025–2026 academic year (starting August 2025). The campus plans August 2026 for Grade 7, August 2027 for Grade 8, and August 2028 for later grades. Occasional places may be available in other year groups. 7. Fees overview (2025–26): For the 2025–26 academic year, first-year costs can include an application fee (approximately ¥35,000), an enrolment fee of ¥400,000, a tuition charge of ¥2,800,000, and a facility maintenance charge of ¥400,000; the total for the first year is about ¥3,635,000. Annual tuition for Grades 1–3 is about ¥3,200,000, and for Grades 4–6 about ¥3,300,000.
Scholarships	Scholarships Canadian Academy does not publish any scholarship offerings on its official admissions/tuition pages, and there is no CA-listed scholarship program described in the admissions FAQs. Families interested in financial support should consider external avenues, such as government programs or other external scholarships, rather than CA-provided awards. The school does offer corporate partnership arrangements (Corporate Contribution Plan) that can affect financing for eligible families, but these are not scholarships awarded to students.	Scholarships NLCS Kobe does not publish scholarships or bursaries on its admissions materials. The page describes the admissions process and does not include any scholarship section. The NLCS network, however, does offer bursaries and scholarships at other campuses (e.g., NLCS London), but there is no public information indicating NLCS Kobe has its own scholarship program.
Waitlist	Waitlist Yes. Canadian Academy maintains a waiting pool when spaces are not available in a given grade. To enter the waiting pool, applicants must complete the entire application process. For the current 2025-26 timeline, spaces are limited; applications for grades without availability will be considered for the start of the 2026-27 school year. When a seat becomes available, all applicants in the waiting pool are reviewed, and selections are made from the pool. Updated documentation may be requested over time. Applicants are typically notified of admissions decisions within a short window after the interview, and the pool remains active through the relevant academic years.	Waitlist NLCS Kobe does not publish a formal waitlist. The admissions page notes that Grades 1–8 entries are available for the 2027–2028 academic year and that occasional places may be available in other year groups; current availability is subject to openings and decisions.
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