Clarence International School

1. Explore Clarence International School's philosophy and curriculum. The school emphasizes an arts-rich early childhood program based on the British Early Years Foundation Stage framework, with a focus on imaginative learning and cross-cultural exposure. Parents should plan to attend a tour with the Head of School or join a weekly online information session to see classrooms, ask questions, and learn about the program in practice. After reviewing these materials, you can proceed to the formal application route via Open Apply.

2. Submit the application through Open Apply. Begin by ensuring you understand the Admissions Policy and the Finance and Fee Policy, which are acknowledged before a place can be considered. The application form is submitted online through Open Apply, and you will be prompted to review the policy requirements as part of the process. The school's practice is to require these acknowledgments prior to progressing with an offer.

3. Review admission criteria and prerequisites. A minimum set of prerequisites must be met for consideration, and this is detailed in the Admissions Policy. Candidates should verify that their child's profile aligns with the stated criteria before continuing. If eligibility is unclear, refer to the policy for guidance on eligibility.

4. Understand entry and year group placement. Clarence International School does not administer a formal entry examination at any stage. An informal in-school English assessment may be required for applicants seeking admission to Blue Sky, Rainbow, or Sunshine classes. Final year-group placement is decided by the Head of School after reviewing the application.

5. Admission decision and placement. The Head of School makes the final decision on pupil admission and year group placement after reviewing the application form. If a child would be placed outside the recommended age-group, placement is considered only in exceptional circumstances following assessment and recommendation by the Head of School.

6. Admissions timeline and term starts. The CIS school year begins in September; however, a child can join during the year if space is available. Offers for 1st Term admission are issued from April onwards. Applications to join the waiting list can be made at any time after that, once the Application Fee has been paid and the necessary documentation submitted.

7. Admissions for pupils requiring additional support. CIS does not offer formal programs for specific learning difficulties. Admission may be granted when individual learning needs can be met within the mainstream program, though certain needs may incur additional costs. Parents should disclose any disability or special educational needs at registration.

8. Waiting list process. Demand is high, and there are two separate waiting lists to maintain cultural diversity: one for prospective Japanese students and one for prospective international/returning students. Applications to join the waiting list follow the same requirements as general applications (after the application fee is paid and documentation is submitted).

Clarence International School uses two separate waiting lists to preserve cultural balance: one for prospective Japanese students and one for prospective international/returning students. This dual-list approach reflects the school's mix of Japanese and international families and helps determine future intake when spaces open. Waiting lists are active throughout the year, and applications to join the waiting list can be made after the initial application has been submitted and the application fee has been paid, with necessary documentation provided. The school typically issues offers for the first term from April onward if spaces are available.

Clarence International School does not offer scholarships or formal bursaries. The published Finance and Fees Policy lays out the fee structure and payment procedures without any scholarship provision. Fees include: a non-refundable Application Fee of ¥20,000, a Registration Fee of ¥220,000, and annual fees such as the Annual Facility Maintenance Fee (¥65,000) and Annual Insurance Fee (¥20,000). Tuition varies by class and days per week, with detailed schedules published in the School Fees Schedule. There is also a 10% Special Care Fee for children under 2 for a period, a 10% sibling discount on older siblings' tuition, and various optional fees (e.g., bus service, lunch, and single-day sign-ups). Since there is no scholarship program described, families may seek third-party sponsorship only under the policy's terms (written agreement required if a third party is paying).