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Green Season at Harrow Appi Japan
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Alpine Academy at Appi Kogen Ski Resort
Learning at Harrow Appi Japan
Harrow Appi Japan
Harrow International School Appi Japan logo

Harrow International School Appi Japan

Japan, Hachimantai

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· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

What makes this school unique

Our 24/7 full-boarding model means learning, enrichment and pastoral care continue right through evenings and weekends.

Beyond top results, every student builds their strengths with extra academic support and wide university pathways.

Our mountain setting offers year-round outdoor learning, camps and expeditions, building resilience and wellbeing.

The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ¥10,548,740 - 11,455,370
Ages 11 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 355
Type Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 2022
Bus Service No
Availability Available places?
principal
Stephen Tong
Head Master
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Cambridge International AS Levels
Taught languages Japanese, Mandarin, French
Typical class size 16
Strengths Outdoor Education, STEM, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Community and Service, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Set among the mountains of Appi Kogen in Iwate, Harrow International School Appi Japan welcomes students aged 11 to 18 (Years 7 to 13) and offers a full-boarding education rooted in the 450-year heritage of Harrow School in the UK. Our holistic approach rests on three pillars—academic learning, enrichment and boarding—while our seven-day full-boarding model makes every part of school life count. Learning, enrichment and pastoral care continue throughout evenings and weekends, helping every student grow beyond grades, develop character and independence, and find a healthier balance between screen time and real-world experience—with the mountains on their doorstep.

180-8 Appikogen, Hachimantai, Iwate 028-7306, Japan

The Essentials

Harrow International School Appi Japan has 355 pupils, typical class sizes of 16, instruction in English.

Location
Harrow International School Appi Japan is located at 180-8 Appikogen, Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, in the Appi Kogen mountains. The campus sits adjacent to JR Appi-Kogen Station and is within reach of Appi Kogen's ski resort area, offering a mountain environment suitable for a full boarding programme. The surrounding nature supports a focus on outdoor, nature‑based learning.

Stages
Harrow Appi serves students aged 11 to 18. It is structured into Prep (Years 7–8, ages 11–13), Senior School (Years 9–11, ages 13–15), and Sixth Form (Years 12–13, ages 16–18).

Type
The school is co-educational and offers full boarding for all students. There are seven boarding houses on campus.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Harrow Appi Japan has more than 350 students from 33 countries and regions. Around a quarter (25%) are Japanese, 27% are Chinese and another 27% come from elsewhere in Asia, while the remaining 21% are from Europe, the US, Australia and New Zealand.

Additional learning support
The school provides 360° personalised support through its house system and pastoral teams. It operates a 24/7 on-site Medical Centre staffed by qualified (often bilingual) nurses, with dedicated nurses in every boarding house. Safeguarding policies are in place and staff are screened and trained to international standards. Specific SEN provisions are not publicly detailed on the school's pages.

Country affiliation
Harrow Appi is affiliated with Harrow School in the United Kingdom and is part of the AISL Harrow group of international schools.

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is stated; Harrow Appi operates as a secular international school.

School day structure
The school runs a full boarding model, with boarding life woven into the school day. Lessons run from 8:20 to 16:20, followed by an hour of prep, CCA or SCA time. After dinner, students return to their Houses for communal time or extra academic support from the residential tutors.

Bus service
Travel to Appi is via air, train, or car; From Morioka Station to Appi, it is about 60 minutes by train or 50 minutes by car. A shuttle bus for events is offered for Morioka Station pickups during campus tours. Regular, published daily bus services are not listed publicly.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Harrow Appi operates a full boarding model. All students are boarders and live on campus in boarding houses guided by a House Master or Mistress and House Parents, with 360° pastoral and academic support. The boarding provision includes access to the school's facilities and additional supervised study sessions; younger boarders can receive English and Mathematics support, while older students can request IGCSE or A Level tuition from qualified Harrow staff. Boarding life also involves shared meals within the boarding community.

Uniform Requirement
Uniform is required. The 2026-27 fees list School Uniform as a mandatory equipment item, with an approximate cost of 260,000 JPY.

House System
The school uses a House system modelled on Harrow, where every student belongs to a House with a House Master/Mistress and Form Tutor who know each student well and provide academic and pastoral support. Houses host events such as Sports Days, Charity Events, and Dance/Music Competitions, fostering community and healthy competition.

Governance and Ownership
Harrow Appi Japan is governed by a board of governors and is owned and operated by Asia International School Limited (AISL), which owns and operates a network of Harrow-branded schools in Asia.
Fees

Annual tuition at Harrow International School Appi Japan ranges from JPY 10,548,740 to JPY 11,455,370 for 2026/27.

Applying to the school involves an application fee of ¥50,000, payable on application. Once a place is accepted, families pay an enrolment fee of ¥1,000,000 along with a refundable school deposit of ¥440,000, or ¥880,000 for applicants who require visa support.

The annual tuition fee, which includes boarding costs, is split into three payments due before the start of each term. It is

- ¥10,548,740: Years 7 and 8
- ¥11,045,720 for Years 9 to 11 and
- ¥11,455,370 for Years 12 and 13
Academics

Harrow International School Appi Japan teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Cambridge International AS Levels for students aged 11 to 18.

Curriculum
At Harrow Appi Japan, they follow the British curriculum, starting with prep years, then IGCSE before culminating at Sixth Form.

Exam Results
In 2025–26, our students achieved our strongest IGCSE results to date, with 83% of grades at A*–B, 53% at A*–A and 30% at A*, alongside a value added score of +1.0, a full grade per entry above upper quartile expectations.

This built on excellent results in 2024–25, when 76% of grades were A*–B, 52% A*–A and 33% A*, with a value added of +0.8.

2025–26 also brought our first full set of A-Level results, with 40% of grades at A*–A and 100% at A*–B in seven subjects, including Economics, History and Music.

In 2024–25, one student took A-Level Mathematics a year early and achieved an A, the school’s first official A-Level result.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The houses provide a close-knit community where students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally. The boarding House system explicitly emphasizes pastoral care, with each House acting as a supportive social unit for its pupils. The school offers 360° personalised support, with teachers and staff available to help students every day. A Safe School materials describe safeguarding as central to the ethos, reinforcing emotional safety across the community. The safeguarding framework is aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, underscoring students' right to protection, voice, and development.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
All core subjects are taught and assessed in English. Students who speak English as an additional language are expertly supported as they develop their spoken and written English. The curriculum also offers Japanese and Chinese language study, with a substantial portion of time devoted to language learning. The admissions process outlines a formal EAL programme and CEFR/GSE levels corresponding to English proficiency across year groups. English instruction is the default for lessons and examinations, with EAL support designed to help students reach target English levels throughout their time at the school.

Safeguarding
Harrow Appi Japan maintains a safeguarding policy with a Child Safeguarding Policy published in July 2022, reviewed annually. The A Safe School section confirms that safeguarding is central to the school ethos, and all staff and visitors are expected to comply with safeguarding policies and procedures. All staff are carefully screened and undergo safeguarding training on joining, with ongoing training as needed. Safeguarding arrangements are audited regularly by the International Child Protection Advisors (ICPA), who also provide staff training. Families can download the safeguarding policy for detailed procedures and practices.
Parent Experience

History
Harrow International School Appi Japan, commonly Harrow Appi, is Harrow International's first affiliated school in Japan, located in Appi Kogen, Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture. Groundbreaking for the campus occurred on 27 June 2020, marking the start of construction for a full boarding school. The campus site covers about 90,000 square metres and was planned to open in 2022 under Harrow's British international curriculum. The school began operations in August 2022, opening with a launch online event for families worldwide and with founding headmaster Mick Farley leading the project, reflecting Harrow's 450-year heritage. The AISL Harrow group and Harrow London governance underpin the Harrow Appi venture, connecting it to Harrow School's long history and global network.

Community
Harrow Appi hosts a diverse international community with 29 nationalities represented in the student body. International Cultural Day is an annual campus event featuring student-led stalls, performances, and fundraising for Mira no Mori, with hundreds of participants from staff and students. The community also engages in events beyond campus, including the Appi Relay Marathon in 2025 and various experiential activities such as White Season experiences and campus tours for prospective families, strengthening ties with the Appi Kogen region.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Friends of Harrow (FoH) is Harrow Appi's Parent-Teacher Association, established in 2025. All parents, guardians, and staff automatically become FoH members and are invited to take an active role in school life. FoH operates in two key areas: Education Enhancement, which includes internship opportunities and Education Talks, and Social Events, which coordinates New Parents Induction and regular Coffee Chats. Founding members and sub-committees lead two groups—Education Enhancement and Social Events—and FoH highlights events such as EduTalk sessions and Term 3 Parents Get-Togethers to foster engagement and community.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Harrow Appi Japan's campus blends modern design with its mountain setting. Miyazaki is a dedicated performing arts building housing the Music and Drama departments. A Sports Centre provides a fully equipped gym, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a basketball court, and a martial arts training area. Seven boarding houses offer student accommodation, and the Library provides English, Japanese and Chinese language titles for reading and research.

Sports Facilities
On-site sports facilities include a Sports Centre with a fully equipped gym, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a basketball court and a martial arts training area. The campus supports physical education and sport clubs through dedicated spaces and equipment. The surrounding location offers direct access to Japan's largest ski resort in the Tohoku region, and nearby facilities include a 36-hole golf course and 14 tennis courts within walking distance of campus. The school places emphasis on health, wellbeing and sporting excellence.

Academic Facilities
Academic facilities include modern classrooms and advanced digital systems. The Digital Campus provides a secure ecosystem for timetables, curriculum materials, assignments and progress reports. An Innovation Hub supports STEAM projects for creativity and problem-solving. The Library offers a rich collection of English and Japanese books to support reading and research. These facilities support an inquiry-based learning environment.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Co-curricular opportunities are supported by Miyazaki, the performing arts spaces for Music and Drama, and by the Innovation Hub for STEAM activities. The Sports Centre supports sport and PE clubs with gym and swimming facilities. The co-curricular programme includes dedicated academies in alpine sports, tennis, golf and mountain biking. The campus location and outdoor environment support outdoor education and nature-based activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Harrow Appi Japan runs a substantial 'Super Curriculum' programme that extends learning beyond timetabled lessons. It includes activities such as the Engineering Society, Model United Nations, public speaking, and coding competitions, enabling students to work on challenging problems in teams and competitions.

The STEAM focus integrates art, science, technology, engineering and maths, helping students apply knowledge in new contexts. The programme also provides opportunities to engage with peers across the global Harrow network through competitions, lectures, and partnerships.

Arts & Creative
Harrow Appi Japan offers a Talent programme with a Music School and specialisms in drama and visual arts. The co-curricular offer includes a wide range of arts-related clubs and activities, such as drama productions, film club, photography, choir, rock band, and orchestra. Students have access to a Performing Arts Centre with music rooms and a dance studio, supporting practice and performances.

Cultural & Language
The co-curricular programme includes cultural and language activities such as Anime Club, Ikebana Art Club, Japanese Tea Ceremony, Debate, and Model United Nations. These activities support cultural appreciation and provide language practice within a social context. The school also hosts other culturally focused clubs and events across the year.

Social & Hobbies
A wide range of social and hobby groups are available, spanning arts, games, and sports. Examples include Book Club, Chess, Board Games, Photography, Cooking, Jazz Club, Rock Band, Theatre and Film clubs, Trail Running, Yoga, and various team sports. The programme emphasises peer-led clubs and cross-club collaboration.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership development is embedded in the curriculum through the Leadership & Service framework and the six Harrow leadership attributes, including contributing to the community, applying knowledge with compassion, solving problems collaboratively and creatively, making fair choices, and facing challenges with determination. The House System provides a structured environment for leadership and personal growth, with events such as Sports Days, Charity Events, and Dance and Music Competitions.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The programme combines extensive sports and wellbeing provisions with outdoor education. The Harrow Alpine Academy offers winter ski or snowboard training up to four times per week, including avalanche rescue and mountain survival skills. In summer, academies for Golf, Tennis and Mountain Bikiing, plus a Trail Running Academy, provide high‑level coaching, alongside an Expeditions Programme for outdoor challenges.

Wellbeing is explicitly addressed in the Super Curriculum with activities focused on mental health and resilience.
Languages

Language Provision
All core subjects are taught and assessed in English. The school offers Japanese and Chinese as language study options, with a large portion of curriculum time dedicated to language learning. Japanese nationals can progress in their native language to a level sufficient for entry to a Japanese university, should they desire. English language support is provided for students who are non-native English speakers to develop fluency in academic English.
Admissions

Admissions
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.

Admissions Process.

Step 1 – Submit the Online Application.
Harrow Appi Japan uses OpenApply to accept applications. Create your account and view the required documents you must upload; the portal provides guidance on which documents are needed. Submit the online application with the requested information and documents. This step establishes your child's eligibility to move to the next stage.

Step 2 – Join the Online Test.
After you submit the application, your child will be invited to take an online test that lasts two hours. The test has two parts: a 90-minute online assessment of Mathematics, English, and Non-Verbal Reasoning, and a 20-minute English writing task. No specific preparation is required for the online test, and it is externally moderated.

Step 3 – Have an Online Interview.
If the online assessment is passed, your child will be invited to an interview with the Head Master or another Senior Harrow Educator, conducted online or in person. The interview assesses suitability for Harrow Appi's program and community.

Step 4 – Receiving an Offer.
Following successful assessments and the interview, you will receive an offer from the school. You will have one week to decide whether to accept the offer.

Step 5 – Paying the School Deposit and Enrolment Fee.
After accepting the offer, you must pay a school deposit and an enrolment fee to secure the place.

Step 6 – Beginning the Enrolment Procedures.
Once the deposit and enrolment fee are paid, enrolment procedures begin. This includes purchasing uniforms and equipment, and completing visa procedures if needed, along with other steps to prepare for the first day. If you have questions, admissions can provide guidance at admissions@harrowappi.jp

Scholarships
Harrow Appi offers a Scholarships, Bursaries, and Awards program. Three types of awards are available: Scholarships (financial), Bursaries (financial support to prevent fees from being a barrier), and Awards (non-financial recognition). Regular financial awards generally cover up to 30% of tuition, with exceptional cases for Year 12 potentially increasing this share up to 100%.

Categories for Harrow Appi Scholarships are Academic, Sports, and Performing Arts. The categories are designed to reflect a combination of intellectual merit, talent, leadership, and contribution to the school community.

Application Process (Prospective Students). Prospective applicants complete the standard Harrow Appi application on OpenApply, then complete the separate Harrow Appi Scholarship Application Form. They then undergo the regular admissions test and interview; if eligible, they proceed to further scholarship assessment. Timing includes a scholarship assessment test held in January (results announced in March) if applied before December, or held in May with results in June if applied before April. Fees paid with the deposit and enrolment fee are required before the scholarship assessments.

Application Process (Existing Students). Existing students' families submit the Scholarship application through the Parent Portal by Term 1's end; assessments for scholarships are held in January alongside prospective students, with results announced in March and scholarships starting the next academic year.

Academic Scholarships. Academic Scholars are selected for intellectual curiosity, commitment to learning, leadership, and strong English, with expectations to contribute to the school community and aspire to top universities. Financial awards typically cover up to 30% of tuition; duration is usually two years for some scholarships and may be annual for others.

Sports Scholarships. Sports Scholars demonstrate high-level performance in alpine sports, tennis, or golf, and are expected to lead and contribute to the school's athletic community. Financial awards are up to 30% in typical cases, subject to suitability and ongoing performance.

Performing Arts Scholarships. Performing Arts Scholars show outstanding talent in music or drama and contribute to the school community, with leadership and collaboration expectations. Financial awards are up to 30% in typical cases, subject to ongoing performance.

Bursaries. Bursaries are available to existing students to help continue study when financial circumstances change. The policy outlines a means‑tested approach and requires an updated request to admissions with supporting documentation.

Head Master's Award. The Head Master's Award aims to encourage diversity and inclusion. It can be offered via two routes: (1) based on student background and potential to be a peer leader, or (2) English language proficiency as a non-native speaker. The award is issued with the offer and requires the deposit and enrolment fee to be paid by the deadline.

Waitlist
Applications are accepted year‑round. Places are extremely limited to maintain a suitable student‑to‑teacher ratio, and advisors in admissions can offer guidance if you worry about joining late in the year.
School Events

No upcoming events right now. Past ones are below, so you can see what the school runs and when.

Past Events

Meet Harrow Appi Japan and Our House Mistress in Taiwan
Meet Harrow Appi Japan and Our House Mistress in Taiwan
Admissions information session for prospective families to meet Harrow Appi Japan representatives an...
Saturday, 10 October 2026 at 01:00 GMT+9 Mandarin Oriental, Taipei, Taiwan
British Boarding, Japanese Setting: Meet Harrow Appi Japan's Director of Boarding
British Boarding, Japanese Setting: Meet Harrow Appi Japan's Director of Boarding
Admissions information evening for prospective families to meet Harrow Appi Japan's Director of Boar...
Sunday, 11 October 2026 at 01:00 GMT+9 Conrad Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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