Rugby School Japan vs North London Collegiate School Kobe

Rugby School Japan is located in Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. It sits within the Kashiwanoha Smart City education and innovation hub, near Chiba University, University of Tokyo and other academic institutions. The nearest rail link is Kashiwanoha Campus station on the Tsukuba Express line, about 30 minutes from central Tokyo by train, with the campus a short 3-minute walk from the station. The postal address is 6-2-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa City, Chiba 277-0882, Japan.

Year 7 through Year 13 (ages 11–18). The curriculum follows a British model with IGCSE in Years 10–11 and A-levels in Years 12–13.

Rugby School Japan is a co-educational school offering both day and boarding options. It provides day school as well as full (7-day) boarding and weekly (5.5-day) boarding arrangements, with a house system and 6 boarding houses.

Pupils come from 25+ nationalities. The most represented nationality is Japanese (40%). The school has a strong international community and a substantial proportion of boarders (about 56% in 2025).

RSJ operates a Personalised Learning (PL) department with SEND and EAL support, using Pupil Support Sheets and targeted interventions, and coordinating with external specialists as needed. Admission may be granted to pupils whose learning needs can be met within the mainstream programme with adjustments; RSJ does not offer dedicated SEN programmes.

British international school in the Tokyo area.

No religious affiliation.

The school runs 5.5 days a week, Monday to Saturday, with Saturday morning including enrichment activities. Both day and boarding pupils use the boarding houses, which are open from 7:00am and extend to the final co‑curricular and supervised homework sessions in the evening. Typical day pupils finish around 5:30pm after lessons and activities.

RSJ does not operate a school bus service. Transport to/from school is not included in standard fees.

RSJ offers day pupils, weekly boarders (5.5 days) and full boarders (7 days). Full boarders reside in purpose-built boarding houses with access to facilities seven days a week. Weekly boarders stay overnight Monday to Saturday morning and leave the campus by Saturday lunchtime. Every pupil belongs to a House, led by a Housemaster or Housemistress with a core House team providing pastoral and academic support; boarding life includes a weekend activity program.

All pupils must wear the mandatory RSJ uniform before their first day; uniform items can be purchased directly from Tombow or by appointment at RSJ's school shop. If uniform items are out of stock or delayed, pupils may borrow uniform or wear appropriate alternatives; if items are missing for reasons other than stock/delivery, RSJ may purchase them on the pupil's behalf and bill the family.

All meals are served in the Dining Hall. Breakfast is served 7:00–8:00am, lunch 12:30–1:30pm, and supper 5:30–6:45pm, with snacks available in boarding houses during breaks. At mealtimes there is a choice of nutritious options, including European, Asian and vegetarian dishes, alongside salad, soup and dessert.

Each RSJ pupil belongs to a House, creating a community across day pupils, weekly boarders and full boarders. The House system is led by a Housemaster or Housemistress with a core House team and tutors, and provides pastoral care, social opportunities and cross-year collaboration.

RSJ is a school corporation established under Japan's Private Schools Act and accredited by the Governor of Chiba Prefecture. It operates as part of Rugby School Global and is developed in partnership with Clarence Education Asia.

Rugby School Japan follows a British international curriculum for pupils aged 11–18, structured as Years 7–9 (Lower School), Years 10–11 IGCSEs, and Years 12–13 A levels, with an EPQ available in the Sixth Form. The curriculum is delivered in English. Lower School (Years 7–9) offers a broad, balanced programme including Mathematics, English, History, Geography, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), and there will also be an emphasis on lessons in the creative arts such as Music, Art and Drama as well as lessons in Design Technology.

Japanese is taught in two streams - one for first-language learners and one focusing on Japanese as a foreign language - to prepare for the Japanese IGCSE in Years 10–11.

In Years 10–11 students pursue IGCSEs across a wide range of subjects, including a Japanese IGCSE; in Years 12–13 the Sixth Form offers A levels (typically three subjects, with the option to take four), externally assessed at the end of Year 13, and may include the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ); examination boards include Cambridge, AQA, OxfordAQA and Pearson Edexcel.

Co-curricular life is integral, with basketball, football, and other sports, drama, music, debating, and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

5:1

2024/25 IGCSE results:
- 31% of grades were awarded at A/9+8
- 59% of grades were awarded at A–A/9–7
2024/25 A-Level results
- 25% of grades were awarded at A
- 56% of grades were awarded at A-A

RSJ places wellbeing at the heart of education and supports social and emotional learning (SEL) through a structured pastoral framework and PSHE curriculum. Assemblies, tutor groups, and wellbeing activities reinforce values such as kindness, respect, and positive relationships. The school runs whole school Wellbeing Days and uses Lea Waters' Visible Wellbeing framework, with six domains (strengths, emotional management, attention and awareness, relationships, coping, and habits and goals) to guide activities and reflection. The pastoral framework includes a bilingual Designated Safeguarding Lead team, house-based pastoral staff, and tutor-led support across year groups. Staff training and ongoing evaluation of pupil wellbeing are integrated into school life.

RSJ provides SEN and EAL support within a whole-school approach. The Additional Needs Policy defines SEN and EAL and describes a graduated approach to support. Levels of support include Additional Academic Support, SEN Support, and EAL Support, with progress reviewed by the Personalised Learning Department and tutors. On entry, pupils are baseline-screened for language and learning needs, and information is shared with staff to tailor support. The policy emphasizes collaboration with parents and health professionals, and documents processes for assessment, targets, and review. RSJ is not described as a separate specialist SEN institution.

RSJ recognises English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners and provides appropriate support under its Additional Needs framework. Pupils are screened on entry to establish baseline English language proficiency. Support may include Personalised Learning lessons delivered during or outside curriculum time, depending on need. Progress and targets are reviewed regularly by the Personalised Learning Department in collaboration with parents. The policy indicates that EAL support is available to pupils who meet admission criteria and require language support.

RSJ aims to promote positive mental health and wellbeing for all pupils through universal and targeted approaches.

The Pupil Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy identifies leadership by the Deputy Principal (Pastoral), the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), and the boarding Housemaster/mistresses (HMs), and requires concern reporting via CPOMS.

The school provides a trained counselling psychologist offering bilingual sessions and regular drop-in appointments; confidentiality is maintained with safeguarding exceptions.

Teaching about mental health is included in the PSHE curriculum (Personal, Social, Health Education), with signposting to internal and external support.

In addition, the School is a member of the online platform The Wellbeing Hub and uses this train and support staff, pupils and parents in topics on mental health and wellbeing.

Parents are supported with resources and guidance, and referrals to health professionals are coordinated with staff.

Safeguarding and the welfare of pupils are paramount at RSJ. The Safeguarding Policy outlines roles, responsibilities, and a safeguarding committee led by the Designated Safeguarding Lead with deputy leads and health centre involvement. It references UK guidance (Keeping Children Safe in Education) and Japanese legislation, and requires staff training and adherence to reporting procedures. The policy covers a wide range of safeguarding issues, including child protection, reporting concerns, and wellbeing planning linked to education. RSJ integrates safeguarding with wellbeing and mental health provisions to ensure a safe school environment.

Rugby School Japan (RSJ) was founded in 2023 as Rugby School's second international school in its 450‑year history, following Rugby School Thailand. It is Greater Tokyo's first British boarding school and is based in Kashiwanoha Smart City, about 30 minutes from central Tokyo. The school is a partnership between the Rugby School Group and Clarence Education Asia (CEA), combining Rugby's heritage with a Japanese‑based pathway for students aged 11 to 18. RSJ operates a six‑house pastoral system—School House, Rupert Brooke, Tudor, Sheriff, Southfield, and Town—to anchor community life and lifelong friendships. Since opening, RSJ has drawn pupils from 26+ nationalities and plans to reach 500 pupils by 2027 with a full capacity of 780; its first leavers have progressed to universities including UCL, King's College London, McGill, Edinburgh, Hong Kong University, and Waseda.

RSJ supports an 11–18 community drawn from 30+ nationalities, with about 56% of pupils boarding. The house system anchors pastoral life, building long‑term friendships within a shared culture. The co‑curricular program includes 70+ enrichment activities, spanning sport, arts, and service, and is designed to extend learning beyond the classroom. Community life is reinforced by events such as School Assembly, Sports Day, and other school gatherings; for example, Year 13 leavers are celebrated as they move into higher education, and inter-house and Derby Day gatherings with other British schools in Japan reflect the school's sport and community spirit.

RSJ engages families through a formal Parent Forum. In February 2025, more than 40 parents attended the forum to discuss six key areas of school life, providing constructive feedback to shape future initiatives. The forum highlighted a desire for more accessible information about school events and for stronger parent connections; in response, RSJ has launched Classlist to connect parents and improve communications, and to host additional informal parent events on campus. This demonstrates an active, structured channel for parent input alongside ongoing school communications.

Rugby School Japan sits on a Garden Campus in Kashiwanoha Smart City, featuring twelve green spaces around a central green courtyard, with around 300 existing trees preserved and more planted. The campus combines heritage and contemporary design and hosts a range of modern academic and co-curricular spaces. Core academic facilities include science rooms, visual art studios and a gallery, design & technology rooms, a medical centre, a lecture theatre, a library and reading rooms, plus a Sixth-form Centre. Co-curricular and creative facilities include a Blackbox theatre, a Harlequin floor Dance Studio, music rooms and recording studios. The sports complex includes a 25m indoor swimming pool, a gymnasium, rugby and soccer pitches, tennis courts and multi-purpose courts, along with a dining hall and common rooms.

The campus includes a 25m indoor swimming pool, a gymnasium, rugby and soccer pitches, tennis courts and multi-purpose courts.

Science labs, visual art studios and gallery, design and technology studios, medical centre, lecture theatre, library and reading rooms, Sixth-form Centre.

Blackbox theatre, Harlequin-floor dance studio, debate room, music rooms and recording studios.

RSJ offers an extensive programme of academic enrichment beyond the classroom. Pupils participate in national and international competitions and benefit from collaborations with universities that bring regular lectures and visiting speakers to campus. A broad range of societies supports learning across subjects, encouraging deeper exploration and interdisciplinary thinking. Departmental visits and external collaborations are used to challenge pupils and broaden their intellectual horizons.

RSJ places strong emphasis on the creative arts as part of a holistic education. The campus houses facilities including a Black Box theatre, a Music Centre and dedicated Art studios to support performing and visual arts. The co-curricular programme includes music, drama and dance opportunities, with pupils able to perform in events and exhibitions. Creative arts are integrated with the wider curriculum to develop confidence, collaboration and creativity.

Rugby School Japan celebrates a vibrant and diverse student body representing over 25 nationalities. In 2026, the school launched its inaugural Global Day, an annual highlight that fosters cultural appreciation and inspires inclusive global perspectives. While English is the primary language of instruction and community life, pupils are encouraged to broaden their horizons through dedicated language programs in Chinese, German, French, and Japanese.

RSJ offers a vibrant array of co-curricular clubs and societies, including debating, financial investment clubs and ecological clubs. A House system underpins pupil life, providing leadership opportunities and a sense of belonging across year groups. Boarding and day pupils have access to activities in the evenings and on weekends, fostering social engagement and a balanced school experience.

The Rugby School Japan Enrichment Programme integrates community engagement and service directly into the student experience. Through partnerships with local and international organisations—including the Kashiwa Exchange Society, United World Schools, and the Postcard Collective—pupils move beyond theoretical learning into active social participation. Many initiatives, such as Profit with Purpose and the Sustainability Society, are student-led to prioritise leadership, project management, and a sense of ownership. Practical activities ranging from the School Cleaning initiative to charity sales require students to apply planning, collaboration, and resilience in real-world contexts. These service-oriented projects are designed to nurture empathy and inclusive perspectives, demonstrating the measurable impact of collective effort.

Leadership development is embedded in RSJ life. Every pupil belongs to a House, which builds responsibility, teamwork and leadership through interactions within and across year groups. The co-curricular programme includes clubs such as debating and financial investment, offering opportunities to develop presentation, analytical, and collaborative skills.

RSJ supports physical health and wellbeing through a broad sports programme beyond rugby, including football, basketball, hockey, tennis, badminton and swimming. The campus provides indoor and outdoor courts, a sports hall and a swimming pool to support a wide range of activities. Boarding life includes evening and weekend activities that contribute to a balanced lifestyle and social wellbeing.

RSJ provides English as the language of instruction and teaches Japanese as a core subject. Beginning in the earliest years, pupils have the opportunity to study at least one modern language in addition to English and Japanese. In Years 10–11, pupils typically study one foreign language for IGCSE, with French, German, and Japanese offered in the opening year.

RSJ does not offer bilingual education. The language of instruction is English, and all campus communications are in English. Japanese is taught as a subject with two programmes in Years 7–9: a Japanese language programme for first-language learners and a separate programme to teach Japanese as a foreign language. In Years 10–11, students study Japanese as part of the Japanese IGCSE qualification.

Rugby School Japan has been awarded COBIS Beacon Status for pupil welfare. This COBIS designation recognizes exceptional pastoral care and welfare for students, and RSJ is noted as one of the few schools in Japan to receive it. The award was announced in November 2024 as part of COBIS recognition.

Rugby School Japan holds the following accreditations:

- COBIS membership and accreditation (Council of British International Schools). In November 2024, Rugby School Japan gained accreditation and membership to COBIS, joining a global network of British international schools that meet robust international standards and pursue high academic and pastoral provision. rsj also holds COBIS Beacon Status for pupil welfare as part of this COBIS recognition.

- Governor of Chiba Prefecture accreditation. Rugby School Japan is a school corporation established under Japan's Private Schools Act and is accredited by the Governor of Chiba Prefecture (School Code H212310000206).

doris recommends that you start by speaking to admissions. This connects you directly to the school's admissions team who can respond with answers, more information, and next steps.

1. Application submission and initial eligibility. Applications are accepted for Years 7 through 12, with spaces strictly limited in each year. Applications are processed on a rolling basis throughout the school year, but early applications are encouraged and some year groups may close once full. If a year group is full, a waiting list will be used to manage demand. The online application is completed via the OpenApply system, and after submission a member of the Admissions team will contact you to outline next steps.

2. Application fee payment and Confidential Reference Form request. All families must pay a 40,000 yen application fee and request a Confidential Reference Form through the OpenApply system at this stage. The Confidential Reference Form asks the nominated referee for comments on your child's academic and pastoral suitability. If there are issues requesting the form, contact the admissions team for assistance.

3. Admissions assessments and testing. Applicants will complete the CAT4 assessment and the Oxford English Placement Test, followed by an interview with a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Before these assessments, families are invited to a pre-screening interview with a member of the Admissions Team. Year 12 applicants will also take English and Maths assessment papers (30 minutes each) plus additional subjects as chosen by the pupil.

4. Decision and communication of results. After completing the assessments, the Admissions Team will contact you with your results in approximately 1–2 weeks. For successful overseas applicants who will travel to Japan alone, a student visa application is required at this stage, and the visa process typically takes about three months.

5. Open Days, visits, and arranging in-person meetings. The School holds regular Open Days, and prospective parents are encouraged to register to visit the campus. If in-person attendance is not possible, online sessions can be arranged, and private campus visits can be coordinated by emailing admissions@rugbyschooljapan.ed.jp.

6. Next steps and ongoing communication. Following initial contact, families will continue to engage with the Admissions Team as the process progresses, with annual year-group considerations and potential updates to timelines based on year-group capacity and admissions decisions. Waiting lists and capacity constraints may influence the timing of offers.

RSJ offers a multi-faceted Scholarships Programme across several disciplines, with Awards lasting for the duration of a pupil's time at RSJ, subject to annual review. The main scholarship types are Academic, Expressive and Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Sports, and All-Rounder (by invitation). Each award typically includes a tuition-related waiver, with other fees payable; boarding fee support may be offered at the Principal's discretion. Details: Academic Scholarships (Years 7–12) may include up to a 10% waiver of Day Pupil Annual Tuition Fees, plus 100% waivers of Enrolment Fee and School Development Fee; other fees remain payable. Expressive and Visual Arts Scholarships include a 10% tuition waiver and 100% waivers of Enrolment and School Development Fees, with other fees payable; Performing Arts Scholarships mirror the same structure, and Sports Scholarships offer similar waivers with an additional practical assessment component. All-Rounder Scholarships (By Invitation only) are for pupils contributing across multiple life areas and follow a tailored programme with mentor support; award details are shared upon invitation. All scholarships require annual review and adherence to RSJ values. Application basics: RSJ's Scholarship process involves an initial RSJ Admissions application, then a separate Scholarship path for eligible candidates, including interviews, portfolios, or auditions as appropriate; internal candidates may be considered.

The school uses a waiting-list system when a year group is full. If a year group has no remaining space, waiting lists are activated to manage interested applicants and determine potential offers as spaces become available. This approach is taken because year-group spaces are limited and the school reserves the right to close applications to certain year groups when full.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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).

There is no religious affiliation listed for NLCS Kobe; the school emphasises an international IB curriculum with Japanese language and culture.

Public pages do not publish daily start and end times. For exact timings, the Admissions team can provide details.

NLCS Kobe offers daily shuttle services from within Kobe and Osaka.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Elisabet Gunzi (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.

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 begins with Grades 1–6, 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. A local partnership with Hakko Car Group supports NLCS Kobe's development in the Kansai region.

NLCS Kobe aims to combine 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PYP IB (in progress)

doris recommends that you start by speaking to admissions. This connects you directly to the school's admissions team who can respond with answers, more information, and next steps.

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.

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.

NLCS Kobe does not publish a formal waitlist. The admissions page notes that Grades 1–6 entries are available for the 2025–2026 academic year and that occasional places may be available in other year groups; current availability is subject to openings and decisions.