In 2023, a seismic shift occurred in Tokyo's international school landscape.
The opening of a new campus in Azabudai Hills.
The prestigious British School in Tokyo (BST) relocated its Primary School to this premier urban redevelopment area, right in the heart of Japan's capital.
"I want my child to attend a brand-new campus."
"I want them to receive a disciplined, British-style education."
Parents with these aspirations are flocking to apply, but BST is known as one of the most difficult international schools in Tokyo to get into. This is not just due to high competition, but also because of a strict standard that effectively turns away applicants who lack the required English proficiency.
In this article, based on the latest information for 2026, we provide a thorough breakdown of life at BST, from its dual-campus reality and its new hybrid A-Level/IB curriculum to the real admissions challenges that many families face.
1. A Tale of Two Campuses: Azabudai Hills and Showa Women's University
BST currently operates a "dual-campus system," where students attend a specific campus based on their year group.
① Azabudai Hills Campus (Primary: Ages 3 to Year 6)
Children from Nursery (age 3) to Year 6 (age 11) attend the much-talked-about Azabudai Hills campus.
- Environment: Designed by the renowned Thomas Heatherwick, the school building feels incredibly spacious and open, a surprise for a facility located within a central Tokyo high-rise.
- Facilities: In addition to two libraries, an art studio, and a digital discovery centre, there is a rooftop 'Sky Pitch' (schoolyard) with views of Tokyo Tower.
- Features: Despite being in the heart of Minato Ward, it offers a green environment with the latest security and ICT equipment.
② Showa Women's University Campus (Secondary: Year 7 to Year 13)
Students from Year 7 (age 12) and above study on the campus of Showa Women's University in Sangenjaya.
- Environment: As it shares a campus with a Japanese university, the grounds are exceptionally spacious.
- Facilities: It is fully equipped with 'full-scale athletic facilities' not available at Azabudai, including three sports fields of various sizes, two gymnasiums, an auditorium, and an indoor swimming pool.
- Advantages: The sports activities and large-scale events necessary for secondary students are held at this expansive campus.
What if siblings are at different campuses? The school operates a shuttle bus between the campuses. For example, it's possible to drop off an older child (Secondary student) at Shibuya Station or the Showa campus in the morning, and then the younger child (Primary student) can take the bus directly to the Azabudai campus.
2. Why 'British-Style'? The A-Level and IB Hybrid
BST's most defining feature is its adoption of the English National Curriculum, which is rare among international schools in Tokyo.
The Core of the British System: IGCSE and A-Level
- Year 10-11: Students work towards the (I)GCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education). There are exams for each subject, providing objective proof of academic achievement at the end of compulsory education.
- Year 12-13: They progress to A-Levels (Advanced Level qualifications). Unlike the IB Diploma, which requires a broad range of subjects, A-Levels are characterized by deep, specialized study in just 3-4 subjects of the student's choice.
- Track Record: In the 2025 A-Level results, **59% of entries were awarded the top grades of A*/A**, indicating an extremely high academic standard.
Newly Introduced! The IB Diploma Option
This is a key recent development. From August 2025, BST has introduced the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) for its Sixth Form (Years 12-13). This allows students to choose between two pathways:
- A-Level: For students who want to focus deeply on specific subjects (e.g., only study Maths and Physics).
- IBDP: For students who want to gain a broad liberal arts education and inquiry skills (often preferred for US university applications).
An international school offering a choice between the 'depth of the British system' and the 'breadth of the IB' is a rarity in Tokyo, further boosting BST's popularity.
3. The Biggest Admissions Hurdle: The Reality of the English Language Requirement
BST is not a school 'for learning English,' but a school 'for advanced learning *in* English.' Therefore, the required level of English proficiency for admission is exceptionally high, even compared to other international schools.
Admissions for Primary (Nursery and Elementary)
- Official Stance: While it's stated that there is 'no written test,' in reality, during the play-based assessment, children are strictly evaluated on whether they can understand the teacher's instructions in English and communicate in English.
- Entry for Elementary Years and Above: It is common for applicants to be given English (reading and writing) and Maths tests. In particular, the ability to express one's own opinions in a free-writing task is required.
- Limits of EAL Support: While an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program exists, it is intended for children who already have a foundational level of English to follow lessons. Gaining admission with zero English (as a 'Zero Beginner') is extremely difficult, except for the very youngest year groups (Nursery/Reception).
Admissions for Secondary (Middle and High School)
- Is Eiken Grade 1 Not Enough?: For entry into the Secondary school, near-native academic English proficiency is essential. As lessons are centered on discussions and essays, it's not just language skill but also critical thinking ability that is assessed.
- The CAT4 Test: Although not officially stated, many applicants report taking a CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test) style assessment. This measures not only English ability but also innate cognitive skills (reasoning ability).
Parental English Proficiency is Also 'Mandatory'
BST requires that 'at least one parent has sufficient English proficiency to communicate with the school without an interpreter.' During the interview, parents must be able to articulate in English why they have chosen a British education and how they can contribute to the BST community.
4. Student Nationality Mix and Admissions Priority
We often receive the question, "How many Japanese students are there?"
Proportion and Profile of Japanese Students
- Ratio: Depending on the year group, it is said that students with Japanese nationality make up about 20-40% of the student body.
- Breakdown: The majority of these students are 'returnees' who have lived abroad or are of dual nationality. Students who have only ever been educated in the local Japanese school system are a minority.
- Atmosphere: There is a high proportion of British and other Western expatriate families, and English is strictly the official language on campus. The community, including parent association activities, emphasizes British traditions like the Summer Fete and Christmas Fair.
Admissions Priority
As BST is a popular school, there is always a waiting pool. When a place becomes available, offers are made in the following order of priority:
- Siblings of current students
- UK passport holders (where one or both parents are UK citizens)
- Students of other nationalities transferring from a British curriculum school overseas
- General applicants (including Japanese nationals)
Families applying from other international schools within Japan would fall into the fourth priority category, which can mean a long wait even for qualified candidates.
5. Tuition and Fees (Estimates for 2025-2026)
Despite the move to Azabudai Hills, tuition fees are standardized across both campuses. There are no mandatory additional donations for the new campus.
Item | Amount (Approx.) | Notes |
Application Fee | ¥40,000 | Paid upon application (non-refundable) |
Enrolment Fee | ¥500,000 | First year only |
Education Resource Fee | ¥680,000 | First year only / For facilities and materials |
Building Maintenance Levy | ¥100,000 | Payable annually |
Annual Tuition Fee | ¥2.82–2.93 million | Varies by year group (Nursery to Year 13) |
Estimated First-Year Payment: Approx. ¥4.0–4.3 million (Enrolment Fee + Education Resource Fee + Tuition + Building Levy) *Additional costs for uniforms (approx. ¥50,000–60,000) and school lunches apply.
Conclusion: Who is BST For?
The British School in Tokyo is not just a school that provides an 'English-speaking environment.'
It is a true elite educational institution that combines the three pillars of 'British-style discipline (Politeness),' 'high academic standards (Academic Rigour),' and a 'multinational community.'
This school is a good fit for families who:
- Want their child to acquire not just inquiry skills but also a 'solid foundation of knowledge and academic ability' (through A-Levels/IGCSEs).
- Are seriously considering future admission to top universities in the UK (including Oxbridge) or the United States.
- Are motivated to communicate with the school in English and wish to actively participate in an international community.
- Want their child to cultivate their sensibilities in the cutting-edge environment of Azabudai Hills.
On the other hand, for families whose children are 'just starting with English' or who prefer a 'freer, more relaxed' educational style, both the admissions hurdles and the school culture may not be a suitable match.
It can be said that BST is a school for the 'chosen few,' both students and parents alike.
Check Admissions Information on the Official BST Website
For Help with BST's Challenging Admissions, Turn to 'ELT'
"We want to get into BST, but we're worried about our child's English level." "How should we prepare for the CAT4 test and the parent interview?" "Which is a better fit for my child, A-Levels or the IB?"
Gaining admission to The British School in Tokyo is one of the toughest challenges among Tokyo's international schools. To succeed, generic English conversation lessons are not enough; preparation specifically tailored to the British curriculum is essential.
At 'ELT,' a specialized tutoring and consulting service for international schools, our professionals are well-versed in BST's admission trends and are here to support you.
ELT's BST Preparation Programme
- Direct Admissions Prep for English and Maths: We strengthen key areas for the BST entrance assessment, such as 'Writing' and 'Maths' in English, through one-on-one tutoring.
- CAT4 and Interview Prep: We provide targeted practice for the Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) used in Secondary admissions, as well as English interview training for both the child and parents.
- Articulating Your Motivation: We help you prepare your application and interview responses to logically explain 'Why BST?' in a way that aligns with the school's ethos (its British Heritage).
Why not start with a free consultation to analyze your current English proficiency and assess your chances of admission? ELT will partner with you on your journey to securing a place at your dream school, BST.
