Compare IB Curriculum International Schools in Kobe, Japan

MBIS is located in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The campus address is 1-2-1 Chimori-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe 654-0072. It sits in a quiet residential area between the mountains and the sea, close to Kobe's coast. The school is within easy reach by foot to Suma Station, with two train lines nearby.

MBIS offers education from Early Years through Grade 12. It is an IB World School offering the full continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP) and is accredited by WASC.

MBIS is a co-educational international day school.

About 35 nationalities are represented. The largest group is Japanese (around 23%), followed by North Americans (about 18%), with roughly 59% of students coming from the rest of the world; overall, international students comprise the majority of the student body.

MBIS provides counseling services to support students' academic, social, emotional, and mental well-being, with a school counselor and collaboration with specialists. It includes targeted support for developmental and other special needs.

MBIS does not have a formal country affiliation; it is located in Japan and serves a diverse international student body.

MBIS is founded by the Marist Brothers, a Catholic religious order, and operates within the Marist educational tradition.

Students typically follow a school day with morning homeroom/assembly, first period starting around 8:50 AM and dismissal around 3:10 PM; after-school activities and clubs can continue beyond that time.

MBIS runs its own bus service with routes such as Shioya and Ashiya. The Shioya route schedules pickups at about 7:55–8:20 AM and afternoon drops around 3:25–3:50 PM. The Ashiya route serves multiple stops with pickups around 7:15–7:55 AM and afternoon drops around 4:20 PM. Timetables are published for each route.

MBIS does not offer boarding. All students are expected to live with a parent or guardian in the Kansai region for the duration of their studies. The school does not sponsor student visa applications; families are responsible for visa arrangements. Upon enrollment, MBIS can provide proof of admission for visa purposes if needed.

MBIS uses distinct summer and winter uniforms plus a dedicated PE kit. The winter uniform includes a blazer (mandatory for students in Grades 10–12), a long-sleeve white shirt, and sweaters or vests, with skirts or pants defined by grade. A gym uniform is required for physical education, and school ties are used for different grade bands (G1–G6 and G7–G12).

MBIS is a member of the Marist Global Network. The school is governed by MBIS leadership and the MBIS Board, which outlines the board's role in policy, oversight, and compliance with relevant education acts.

MBIS in Kobe, Japan offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum for students from Early Years through Grade 12, with English as the language of instruction and alignment with Common Core standards. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) guides learners from Early Years 3 to Grade 5 through inquiry-based, transdisciplinary units that integrate language, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, physical education, and religion. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) runs from Grade 6 to Grade 10 across eight subject groups—English, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, an additional language (Japanese), Physical Education, and Design—and includes a Grade 10 Personal Project. The Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11–12 requires six subjects across Groups 1–6 (Studies in language and literature, Language acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts) and the core Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS. MBIS has been IB-authorized since 2017 and is accredited by WASC, confirming its global standards of curriculum design and assessment.

MBIS integrates Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) throughout its curriculum to support the emotional, social, and ethical development of every student. SEL at MBIS fosters emotional intelligence, resilience, and healthy relationships, and equips students with tools to manage their emotions, set goals, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. The approach emphasizes self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making as core competencies. MBIS maintains a safeguarding focus and has a dedicated team to address student safety and wellbeing. Counseling services are available to support students' mental and emotional well-being, including a Guidance Counselor and a Social/Emotional Counselor who work with students across grades. The MBIS safeguarding team and policies are designed to ensure a safe, supportive environment for all students.

MBIS provides specialized support for students with developmental disorders, learning disabilities, ADHD, and other special needs. The school has a Director of Student Support Services and a Whole School Counselor who coordinate student support across the campus. Admissions state that MBIS welcomes all applicants, but personnel and facilities may not be equipped to accommodate the full range of student needs; admissions and placement decisions are made on an individual basis. MBIS maintains a Student Services framework that includes a Medical Office staffed by a Medical Officer and a Nurse to address health and well-being needs. Counseling services explicitly address developmental and special needs as part of MBIS's support offerings. Given the above, MBIS provides SEN-related support primarily through counseling and student support staff rather than a publicly catalogued, centralized SEN program.

English is the primary language of instruction at MBIS. The school serves a multilingual community with over 20 languages spoken. MBIS accepts students who are still developing their English; the admissions FAQ notes a preference for an age-appropriate level of English but that language-learning students can be considered. There is a Marist English School program described on MBIS's site that teaches English as a second language to younger learners. These elements indicate that MBIS supports EAL learners through both in-school acceptance of learners and an external English language program for younger students.

MBIS prioritizes mental and emotional well-being alongside academics, with Counseling Services available to students. The school provides a Guidance Counselor for academic and university planning, and a Social/Emotional Counselor for developing emotional intelligence, resilience, and coping strategies. Counseling sessions are confidential and offered in person or online, with dedicated ways to arrange appointments (e.g., through the school's wellbeing platform). Counselors help students address issues such as stress, anxiety, interpersonal relationships, and personal growth, supporting them across the school journey. The counseling framework explicitly notes collaboration with specialists when needed to support student well-being.

MBIS is committed to child protection and safeguarding, aligning with the Japanese Act on the Prevention of Child Abuse and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The school's safeguarding policies and practices align with the standards of the Japan Council of International Schools (JCIS) and other accrediting bodies. A dedicated MBIS Child Saf safeguarding Team responds to concerns about student safety and collaborates with parents, school colleagues, and authorities as needed. Staff adhere to a strict Code of Conduct and receive ongoing safeguarding training with clear reporting procedures. Counseling services are part of safeguarding, with pathways to involve specialists when appropriate to protect student well-being.

1. Submit an Online Application: Begin by submitting the online application with the required details about the child and family. An online Applicant Page is created after submission to organize and track the process. An application fee is required and can be paid via bank transfer or credit card, incurring a 5% processing fee. 2. Provide Supporting Documents: Upload all necessary documents, including academic records from the past three years, proof of identity, and a recommendation from a current teacher or principal. A checklist of the required documents is provided in the online Applicant Page to guide families. 3. Interview & Assessment: After the application is reviewed, an admissions team member will schedule an interview with the Divisional Head. An English language proficiency test may be administered if deemed necessary for certain grades. 4. Finalize Enrollment: If accepted, complete the required enrollment forms and submit payment for the enrollment deposit. All applicants must reside in the Kansai region with at least one parent or guardian during study, and the school does not sponsor student visas; families should arrange the visa themselves and can request proof of admission if needed.

Marist Brothers International School offers scholarships and tuition assistance programs to support families. Eligibility criteria and application guidelines are outlined in the Scholarships and Tuition Assistance Policy. For the 2025–2026 academic year, a detailed Fee Schedule is available, and scholarship programs are designed to assist students based on merit and/or need. Parents should review the policy for specifics on how to apply and qualify.

If no space is available in the requested grade level, an applicant may be placed in a wait pool. The wait pool operates as a pool of candidates rather than a strict sequential list. When a space becomes available, the most suitable candidate is selected from the pool, and some grade levels may be nearing capacity, which influences waitpool usage.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There is no formal country affiliation. The school is a Japan-based international school with historical Canadian roots.

Religious affiliation is not indicated; CA operates as a non-sectarian international school.

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.

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.

The boarding facilities consist of four houses: Kiku, Take, Rokko, and Maya. The houses are designed to feel like homes rather than traditional dormitories, with dorm rooms, living rooms, kitchens, a dorm entryway, and a dining hall. The Rokko Liner connects students to central Kobe and the wider Kansai region, enabling after-school and weekend exploration. A dedicated support network cares for boarding students.

A PE uniform exists and is available for purchase through the PTA Falcon Store.

Cezars Kitchen provides on-site dining; CA uses a cashless cafeteria system for meals and offers a dining hall on campus.

The boarding program uses four houses: Kiku, Take, Rokko, and Maya, designed to feel like a home for students.

The school is a not-for-profit institution; it is not owned by a parent company or shareholders and is governed by a board of trustees.

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.

CA supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through the Student Services department, which uses a multidisciplinary, team-based approach to address each student's social-emotional needs and to develop adaptive learning skills, with counseling helping students understand perseverance, their emotions, goals, and conflict resolution.

Learning Support and English as an Additional Language are provided as part of CA's inclusive Student Support Services, focusing on differentiated and inclusive strategies to support all learners; CA describes itself as an inclusive learning community and does not identify itself as a specialist SEN institution.

EAL support is provided in-class as part of CA's EAL Program, led by an EAL coordinator, with daily in-class support integrated into core activities such as Unit of Inquiry, Writer's Workshop, and Reader's Workshop; elementary EAL efforts are described as in-class rather than pull-out.

Mental wellbeing is supported through Counseling as part of Student Services, with a counseling team addressing perseverance, emotions, and conflict resolution; in boarding, Head of Residential Life, dorm parents, and a dorm nurse monitor well-being and coordinate care.

Canadian Academy has a Child Safeguarding Policy that is reviewed annually; all staff and outside contractors in teaching or supervisory roles receive safeguarding training, and a designated Child Safeguarding Team oversees implementation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rokko Island 3-2-8 Koyochonaka, Higashinada-ku, Kobe City, Japan

Playgroup 1–2 years; Early Years 2–5 years; Primary Years 5–12 years; Secondary 12–18 years

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.

Small class sizes and personalized support, with optional one‑to‑one or small‑group support.

Germany

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).

DSKI is a private, non-profit international school.

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.

Small class sizes and personalized support are provided to help each child thrive.

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.

Social-emotional learning is embedded across the school. In Early Years, play-based learning supports social-emotional growth, language development, and problem-solving skills. Playgroup activities develop social skills and confidence in English. The IB Primary Years Programme includes Personal, Social & Emotional Education as part of its Units of Inquiry.

Small class sizes and optional one-on-one or small-group support provide personalized learning. Saturday School offers inclusive learning opportunities for SEN students. Move to Learn is an inclusive program that welcomes children with special needs.

Three languages are used at DSKI: English, German and Japanese. In Primary Years, English, German and Japanese are used in the programme. In Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary, the language of instruction is English, and German and Japanese are learned as languages. All students learn German and Japanese either at native speaker level or as a foreign language.

Move to Learn is an inclusive program designed to promote physical and mental development. Early Years learning supports emotional growth, social skills, and language confidence. The environment nurtures the academic, emotional, social, physical and creative growth of children.

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.