A Comprehensive Guide to Epsom College Tokyo

Epsom College Tokyo is a British-style international school scheduled to open in Autumn 2027 in Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. It is a three-way collaboration between the prestigious British private school Epsom College UK (founded in 1855, with a history of nearly 170 years), its sister school Epsom College in Malaysia (opened in 2014, operated by Educ8 Group), and the Kanda Gaigo Group.

The school will cater exclusively to children aged 3 to 11 (EYFS, Years 1-6), with a capacity of approximately 250 students. Located in a prime central city location just a 3-minute walk from Tokyo and Kanda Stations, it will feature a state-of-the-art campus co-designed by PLP Architecture from the UK and JACUETS from Japan. Its educational philosophy is centered on three core values: “Kindness, Integrity, and Ambition.” It is planned as a small, urban primary school that combines the British EYFS curriculum with integrated Japanese language education and the early introduction of AI education.

Its most significant feature is the three-school collaboration known as the "Epsom Network," linking the UK, Malaysia, and Tokyo campuses. For progression after Year 6, it offers a globally unique educational pathway: students can either advance to boarding at Epsom College Malaysia or later join Epsom College UK (the parent school) for Years 12-13. However, details regarding internal progression criteria, automatic admission, priority enrollment, or tuition benefits have not yet been released.

Its sister school, Epsom College Malaysia, has a strong academic track record, with its 2025 A-Level results showing 56% A*-A and 74% A*-B. The Class of 2025 received offers from 100% of the UK's Russell Group universities, with graduates matriculating to top global universities such as Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, Edinburgh, Brown, and USC. This provides a concrete basis for the long-term strategy of "receiving primary education in Tokyo, then preparing for top world universities in Malaysia."

Tuition fees, admission details, faculty information, and the Head Designate (Head of School designate) are currently unannounced, but an official announcement is expected sometime in 2026.

“What should we do to prepare for the 2027 opening?”

“How much will the tuition fees be?”

“What is the reality of progressing to the Malaysia campus from Year 7?”

“How does it differ from other British international schools (BST, Malvern Tokyo, RSJ, Harrow Appi)?”

In this article, ELT, with our experience in supporting admissions to British-style international schools, provides a comprehensive analysis of Epsom College Tokyo's vision and preparation strategies, based on the official announcement from November 2025 and the track record of its sister school, Epsom Malaysia.

1. What is Epsom College Tokyo? — The Basics in 5 Minutes

Epsom College Tokyo is a British-style international school scheduled to open in Autumn 2027 as the new Japanese campus of the prestigious British boarding school, Epsom College UK (founded in 1855, located in Surrey, outside London).

School Profile

Positioning: A Small, Urban British Primary School

Epsom College Tokyo is establishing a unique position among British-style international schools in Tokyo:

• Caters only to ages 3-11 (other British schools go up to Year 13)
• Central urban location (Kanda offers the convenience of a 3-minute walk from Tokyo Station)
• Small class sizes (capacity of 250 students)
• Pathway to the Epsom Network from Year 7 (to Malaysia or the UK parent school)

This is a fundamentally different educational model from other international schools like BST and Malvern College Tokyo, which are designed for students to continue through to Year 13 in Japan.

Relationship with Epsom College UK (The Parent School)

Epsom College UK is one of Britain's most renowned traditional schools, founded in 1855 as "The Royal Medical Benevolent College" for the children of doctors. It is an Independent School with a history of nearly 170 years, with its main campus located in Surrey.

Epsom College Tokyo is planned to open in Autumn 2027 with the goal of carrying on the educational philosophy, curriculum, and traditions of the UK parent school in Tokyo. It is positioned as the third school in the Epsom Network, following Epsom College in Malaysia (opened in 2014).

For more detailed information on Epsom College Malaysia, please refer to this article.

2. [Latest] Details from the November 2025 Announcement — A Full Breakdown of the Official Release

The official plan for Epsom College Tokyo was announced on November 5, 2025.

Overview of the Announcement Event

The launch event featured prominent figures from the worlds of education and politics, highlighting the high level of interest in the project:

Officially Announced Details

1. Opening Date and Location

• Scheduled Opening: Autumn 2027
• Location: Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (3-minute walk from Tokyo Station and Kanda Station)

2. Target Age Group and Scale

• Age Range: 3 to 11 years old (EYFS & Years 1-6)
• Capacity: Approx. 250 students in the first year

3. The Three-Party Structure of the Operating Company, "Epsom College Tokyo Inc."

4. Campus Design

• PLP Architecture (UK): An internationally renowned architectural firm
• JACUETS (Japan): A specialist in designing educational facilities in Japan
• A joint design that combines a British style with Japanese safety regulations

5. Educational Philosophy

• Kindness
• Integrity
• Ambition

6. Curriculum Features

• British EYFS / Key Stage 1 / Key Stage 2
• Integration of Japanese language education
• Early introduction of AI education (age-appropriate use of AI tools, digital literacy, responsible use of technology)

7. The Epsom Network Pathway

• Years 1-6: Epsom College Tokyo (Kanda)
• Years 7-11: Epsom College Malaysia (Boarding)
• Years 12-13: A-Levels/IBCP in Malaysia, or progression to the UK parent school

Strategic Significance Inferred from the Announcement

The details of this announcement reveal the strategic positioning of Epsom College Tokyo:

1. A new international education model: the "Epsom Network" connecting the UK parent school, Malaysia, and Tokyo.
2. A unique position as a small-scale primary school in a central city location.
3. A primary education designed with the premise of global progression from Year 7 onwards.
4. A fusion of Japan's educational environment and British traditions.
5. A forward-thinking approach to education in the age of AI.

3. The Epsom Network's Three-School System — Collaboration Between the UK, Malaysia, and Tokyo

One of Epsom College Tokyo's greatest strategic assets is the "Epsom Network," a collaboration between Epsom College UK, Malaysia, and Tokyo.

Roles and Collaboration of the Three Schools

The Epsom Network Pathway

The officially presented progression path is:

Year 1-6 (Primary): Epsom College Tokyo (Kanda)
       ↓
Year 7-11 (Secondary): Epsom College Malaysia (Boarding)
       ↓
Year 12-13 (Sixth Form): A-Levels / IBCP at the Malaysia campus,
                          or progression to the UK parent school

[Important] Internal Progression Criteria Are Currently Unannounced

While the official announcement presents the pathway above, the following details have not yet been released:

• Conditions for automatic progression
• Guarantees of priority admission
• Availability of tuition benefits
• Internal progression criteria (specific requirements such as academic standards, English proficiency, interviews, etc.)

Therefore, it is crucial to distinguish between the "officially presented pathway" and the "unannounced institutional conditions." Rather than assuming that graduates from the Tokyo campus will automatically progress to Malaysia, it is more realistic to plan on the assumption that they will need to go through the Malaysia campus's separate admissions process.

Strategic Value of the Epsom Network

The unique value created by the three-school collaboration:

Tony Fernandes and the Old Epsomians

A central figure in the Epsom Network is Mr. Tony Fernandes, a leading Malaysian entrepreneur known as the founder of AirAsia. He himself is an alumnus of Epsom College UK (an Old Epsomian) and was a driving force behind the establishment of ECiM, where he now serves as the Chairman of the Board of Governors.

Mr. Tony Fernandes is also playing a central role in the opening of Epsom College Tokyo, and his educational philosophy as an Old Epsomian underpins the three-school collaboration.

For more detailed information on the Malaysia campus, please refer to the following article.

4. Campus & Location — An Urban Model, a 3-Minute Walk from Kanda & Tokyo Stations

The Epsom College Tokyo campus is scheduled to be built in Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.

Location Features

Strategic Significance of the Urban Location

Epsom College Tokyo's Kanda location offers outstanding convenience compared to other international schools in Tokyo:

A 3-minute walk from Tokyo Station is a rare advantage for a British international school in Tokyo. This offers:

• Exceptional convenience for families in Minato, Chiyoda, and Chuo wards.
• Ideal for expatriate families (as many multinational offices are near Tokyo Station).
• Easy access from the Yamanote Line and other major train lines.
• Allows for alignment with parents' commutes.

Campus Design — PLP Architecture + JACUETS

The Epsom College Tokyo campus is a joint design by the following two firms:

About PLP Architecture

PLP Architecture is an internationally acclaimed architectural firm based in London with an extensive portfolio of educational facilities, offices, and residential buildings. They are expected to bring a British-style educational environment to Tokyo through the Epsom campus.

About JACUETS

JACUETS is a Japanese firm specializing in the design of early childhood education facilities, with a leading track record in designing nursery schools, kindergartens, and elementary schools in Japan. They will ensure the design complies with Japanese safety regulations, climate, and culture.

Significance of the Joint Design

This campus design, which fuses two educational cultures (British and Japanese), will achieve:

• Implementation of the traditional British House system within a compact, urban campus.
• Full compliance with Japanese safety and earthquake-resistance standards.
• Layout and flow optimized for early years and primary education.
• Facilities equipped for AI education and digital learning.

5. Curriculum — EYFS to Year 6 + Japanese Language + AI Education

The curriculum at Epsom College Tokyo is centered on the British National Curriculum while also integrating Japanese language and AI education for a unique structure.

Year Structure and Curriculum

EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage, Ages 3-5)

EYFS is the UK's national curriculum for early childhood education for ages 0-5. Centered on "learning through play," it promotes development across the following seven areas of learning:

1. Communication and Language
2. Physical Development
3. Personal, Social and Emotional Development
4. Literacy
5. Mathematics
6. Understanding the World
7. Expressive Arts and Design

Key Stage 1 (Years 1-2, Ages 5-7)

This is the foundational academic stage. Students will study subjects such as English (Reading, Writing), Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Computing, Art & Design, Music, Physical Education, and Religious Education.

Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6, Ages 7-11)

This is the applied learning stage. It builds upon the subjects from Key Stage 1 and prepares students for progression at the end of Year 6. It will provide enhanced English language skills, foundational science, and humanities education in preparation for progression to Epsom Malaysia from Year 7.

Integration of Japanese Language Education

Epsom College Tokyo has officially stated that it will integrate Japanese language education in addition to the British curriculum.

This is designed to allow students receiving a British education in Tokyo to:

• Maintain their connection to Japanese culture and language.
• Potentially prepare for Japanese junior high school entrance exams (as a pathway option after Year 6).
• Develop as bilingual individuals.

Early Introduction of AI Education

A unique feature of Epsom College Tokyo is the early introduction of age-appropriate AI education.

The official announcement indicates the following policies:

• Introduction of age-appropriate AI tools
• Cultivation of digital literacy
• Instruction on the responsible use of technology

This represents a cutting-edge educational design for the "AI-native generation." Specific curriculum details are expected to be revealed during 2026-2027.

Emphasis on Pastoral Care

Epsom College Tokyo has clearly stated its commitment to balancing Pastoral Care with Academic Excellence.

This is a core value of traditional British schools, and especially for the 3-11 age developmental stage, it emphasizes:

• A child's emotional safety
• Building self-esteem
• Healthy relationships with others
• Intrinsic motivation for learning

6. Catering Exclusively to Ages 3-11 — Planning the Pathway from Year 7 Onwards

Epsom College Tokyo's most distinctive feature is that it caters exclusively to children aged 3 to 11 (EYFS & Years 1-6). This is a fundamentally different model from other British international schools that offer education up to Year 13, and it will significantly impact a family's educational strategy.

The Intent Behind the "Primary-Only" Design

This design is not a weakness but a core part of the Epsom Network's strategy:

This design allows for a phased approach that combines establishing a strong cultural identity with a world-class education.

Three Options from Year 7 Onwards

After graduating from Epsom College Tokyo (at the end of Year 6), there are three main pathway options:

Option 1: Epsom College Malaysia (Official Pathway)

• Boarding in Malaysia for Years 7-11
• Continuing in Malaysia or progressing to the UK parent school for Years 12-13
• A pathway to top world universities (e.g., Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, Edinburgh)

Option 2: Epsom College UK (The Parent School)

• Transferring in Year 9, Year 10, or for Sixth Form
• Preparing for UK university admission within a school with nearly 170 years of tradition
• Leveraging a direct relationship with the UK parent school

Option 3: Transferring to Other International Schools or Preparing for Japanese Junior High School Exams

• Transferring to other international schools in Tokyo (e.g., BST, Malvern Tokyo, ASIJ, ISSH)
• Switching to prepare for Japanese junior high school entrance exams (e.g., Waseda/Keio affiliated schools, Azabu, Kaisei, Oin)
• Utilizing returnee student (kikokushijo) admissions to enter schools in Japan

The Family Strategy: "Tokyo until Year 6 → The World from Year 7"

A typical family strategy utilizing Epsom College Tokyo and the Epsom Network:

This long-term strategy represents a 15-year educational plan that integrates "primary education in Japan + secondary education abroad + a top global university."

A Note for Families Who Wish to Remain in Japan until Year 13

Epsom College Tokyo is not suitable for families who want their children to study at the same school until Year 13.

If this is your preference, you should consider the following options:

• BST: Founded 1989, Azabudai/Setagaya, ages 3-18
• Malvern College Tokyo: Opened 2023, Kodaira, ages 4-18
• RSJ (Rugby School Japan): Opened 2023, Kashiwa, Chiba, full boarding for ages 11-18
• ASIJ: Founded 1902, Chofu, American curriculum + AP
• ISSH / Seisen IS: American curriculum + AP

7. The Track Record of Epsom College Malaysia — The Foundation for the Progression Pathway

The most anticipated pathway for students after Year 6 at Epsom College Tokyo is to its sister school, Epsom College Malaysia. The Malaysia campus's track record provides a concrete illustration of the future possibilities for graduates of the Tokyo school.

Overview of Epsom College Malaysia

2025 A-Level & IGCSE Results

This represents world-class academic performance, closely approaching the results of the UK parent school (A-Level A*-A 62%, A*-B 91%).

University Offers for the Class of 2025

Strengths of Epsom Malaysia

As a destination for Epsom Tokyo graduates:

1. COBIS Double Beacon Status accredited, ensuring the highest standard of education
2. Involvement of Tony Fernandes (Founder of AirAsia, an Old Epsomian)
3. Sports Academy (Golf, Tennis, Football)
4. Introduction of the IBCP from August 2026 (Curriculum flexibility)
5. Continuous expansion of boarding facilities like Wells House

For more details, please refer to the following article.

[Important] Internal Progression Conditions Are Currently Undisclosed

To reiterate, the internal progression conditions from Epsom Tokyo to Malaysia, such as automatic advancement, priority admission, or tuition benefits, have not been disclosed at this time. It is realistic to plan for progression to the Malaysia campus on the assumption that a separate entrance examination will be required.

8. Educational Philosophy — Kindness, Integrity, Ambition

The educational philosophy of Epsom College Tokyo is based on the following three values.

The Three Core Philosophies

Integrating the Three Philosophies — Pastoral Care and Academic Excellence

These three philosophies support the balance of "Pastoral Care" and "Academic Excellence," which are core values of traditional British schools:

• Kindness: Ensuring a child's emotional safety within the community
• Integrity: Fostering honesty and self-responsibility in learning
• Ambition: Encouraging students to challenge themselves and achieve high goals

By providing an educational environment that embodies these three values during the ages of 3 to 11, the most crucial period for character formation, we aim to build a lifelong foundation of character for our students.

Inheriting the Old Epsomian Culture

These educational philosophies are the core of the Old Epsomian culture, which has been passed down for approximately 170 years since the founding of Epsom College UK. Students of Epsom College Tokyo will eventually become members of the Old Epsomian community, joining a global network of alumni.

Prominent Old Epsomians include Tony Fernandes (founder of AirAsia) and many other graduates who are active worldwide.

9. Operational Structure — A Three-Way Partnership of Epsom UK, Educ8 Group, and Kanda Gaigo

Epsom College Tokyo is operated by Epsom College Tokyo Ltd., a joint venture of three organizations.

[Insert Image ②: Photo from the November 2025 press conference, logos of the three operating partners, or a rendering of the completed campus]

Roles of the Three Operating Partners

The Role of Epsom College UK

Epsom College UK is a prestigious independent school in the UK, founded in 1855. For Epsom Tokyo, it provides:

• Upholding the educational philosophy and traditions
• Curriculum supervision (UK EYFS, Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2)
• Teacher exchange and secondment
• Securing a pathway to the UK parent school for Years 12-13

Headmaster Mark Lascelles spoke at the November 2025 press conference, expressing his strong commitment to the opening of the Tokyo campus.

The Role of Educ8 Group

Educ8 Group is the educational group that operates Epsom College in Malaysia. Its CEO, Mark Lankester, also spoke at the Epsom Tokyo press conference.

Educ8 Group provides:

• 11 years of proven experience operating Epsom Malaysia
• Expertise in British-style education in Asia
• Support for the progression pathway to Malaysia from Year 7
• Experience in managing education in a multicultural environment

provides.

The Role of Kanda Gaigo Group (Sano Gakuen)

Kanda Gaigo Group is a Japanese educational group that operates Kanda University of International Studies, Kanda Institute of Foreign Languages, and Kanda Gaigo Kids Club, with a history of over 70 years.

Chairman Motoyasu Sano and Executive Director Koji Sano are deeply involved in the management of Epsom Tokyo.

Kanda Gaigo Group provides:

• Proven track record of educational operations in Japan
• Local network in the Kanda area
• Expertise in Japanese language education
• Liaison with parents in Japan and local authorities

provides.

The Significance of the Three-Way Partnership

This three-way partnership creates a fusion of "British tradition × Asian experience × Japanese operational strength." This means:

• Different from the model of a single prestigious overseas school entering Japan alone
• A practical structure for operating a British education in Japan
• Realistic school management based on 11 years of experience in Malaysia
• Expansion into Japan while maintaining the integrity of the Epsom Network

10. [Most Important] Comparison with Other British-Style International Schools

How does Epsom College Tokyo differ from other British-style international schools in Tokyo? Here is a comparison with five other schools.

5-School Comparison Chart

How to Choose Among the 5 Schools

Reasons to Choose Epsom Tokyo

• The unique pathway of the Epsom Network (UK + Malaysia + Tokyo)
• Central Tokyo location, 3-minute walk from Kanda/Tokyo Station
• Small school size (250 students) fostering a close-knit community
• Early adoption of AI in education
• Phased global exposure from Year 7
• Joining the British Old Epsomian community

Reasons to Choose BST

• Established in 1989, a leading British international school in Tokyo
• Through-school education up to Year 13
• IBDP offered (from August 2025)
• Selected for the Spear's Schools Index
• Two campuses: Azabudai Hills + Setagaya

Reasons to Choose Malvern College Tokyo

• Full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP)
• Relationship with Malvern College in the UK
• Quiet location in Kodaira

Reasons to Choose RSJ (Rugby School Japan)

• Full boarding school
• Relationship with Rugby School UK (the birthplace of rugby)
• Fostering independence from Year 7

Reasons to Choose Harrow Appi

• Authentic full boarding school in Appi, Iwate
• Relationship with Harrow School UK
• An environment rich in nature

Common Dilemmas: "Epsom Tokyo vs. BST/Malvern"

Common decision-making scenarios from ELT's counseling sessions:

Case 1: Prefer a consistent K-12 education in Tokyo → Recommend BST or Malvern Tokyo

Case 2: Considering Malaysia or the UK from Year 7 → Recommend Epsom Tokyo + the Epsom Network

Case 3: A central city location is a must → Epsom Tokyo or BST Azabudai

Case 4: Prefer the diversity of a large school → BST (1,100-1,300 students)

Case 5: Prefer a small, close-knit community → Epsom Tokyo (250 students)

11. Tuition & Fees — Current Status and Reference Information

[Important] As of April 2026, the tuition fees for Epsom College Tokyo have not been officially announced. A formal announcement is expected sometime in 2026.

For reference, we present the tuition fees for the sister school, Epsom Malaysia, and other British-style international schools in Tokyo. Please note that this is for reference only and does not guarantee the actual fees for Epsom Tokyo.

Reference 1: Epsom College Malaysia Tuition Fees (Official for 2026-2027)

Latest tuition fees for the sister school, Epsom Malaysia:

*In Malaysia, the total annual cost including boarding is approx. ¥5.45 million (for a Year 7 Boarder)

Reference 2: Tuition Fees at British-Style International Schools in Tokyo (Reference)

Epsom Tokyo Tuition Fee Projection (A Reference Range, Not a Speculation)

As fees are not yet official, this is strictly a reference range:

• Lower Range: Similar to other British-style international schools in Tokyo (¥2.8-3.3 million per year)
• Upper Range: Comparable to Harrow Appi (¥5-9 million per year)

Considering its central location, small size, and status as a prestigious British school, a realistic projection places the annual tuition in the mid-range of ¥3-4 million. However, this is only a speculation, and we must wait for the official announcement.

Other Fees (To be confirmed upon official announcement)

Items to confirm upon official announcement:

• Application Fee
• Registration Fee
• Building/Maintenance Fee
• Capital Assessment
• Lunch / Catering
• Bus
• Uniform
• Books & Materials
• Annual Fund (Voluntary donation)

Predicted Timeline for Tuition Announcement

The official tuition announcement is predicted for sometime in 2026. Specifically:

For a detailed comparison of international school fees, please refer to the following article.

12. Admissions System and Application Process — Official 4 Steps

While the detailed admissions process for Epsom College Tokyo is not yet officially announced, the basic 4-step flow has been confirmed.

Officially Announced Admissions Flow

Source: Epsom College Tokyo Official Website (https://www.epsomcollegetokyo.jp/)

Key Elements Indicated by Official Information

The components of the admissions process confirmed by official information include:

• Admissions assessment for the child (specific content not yet announced)
• Family interview (parent interview)
• Application documents (specific documents not yet announced)

Items Not Yet Announced

The following details have not yet been officially announced:

• Specific content of the admissions assessment (e.g., CAT4, English tests, interview format)
• Admissions criteria
• Competition ratio
• Application timeline
• Information session schedule
• Whether there will be an Open Campus

These are expected to be formally announced sometime in 2026.

ELT's Expert Analysis — Predicted Admissions Content

While nothing is certain until the official announcement, based on the admissions process at the sister school, Epsom Malaysia, and general trends at other British-style international schools, the following content can be predicted:

Admissions for Year 1-2 (Ages 5-7)

• Behavioral observation (assessment in a group setting)
• Parent interview
• Basic English proficiency check

Admissions for Year 3-6 (Ages 7-11)

• English test (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking)
• Mathematics
• Parent interview + Child interview
• Possibility: CAT4 or a computerized baseline test (similar to the Malaysia campus)

English Proficiency Guideline (Estimate)

A practical guideline based on ELT's data from successful applicants to British-style international schools:

Predicted Application Timeline

For detailed interview preparation, please also refer to ELT's interview preparation page.

13. Preparation Roadmap for the Autumn 2027 Opening

Here is a breakdown of preparations families can make, starting from now (April 2026), for the Autumn 2027 opening, categorized by age.

Preparation Roadmap by Current Age

Currently 3 years old / Entering Reception at age 5 in Autumn 2027

Currently 5 years old / Entering Year 2 at age 7 in Autumn 2027

Currently 7 years old / Entering Year 4 at age 9 in Autumn 2027

Currently 9 years old / Entering Year 6 at age 11 in Autumn 2027

Key Point: "Year 6 Admission is the Final Opportunity"

Epsom College Tokyo only goes up to Year 6. If a student enrolls in Year 6, they will graduate in just one year and will immediately need to consider their pathway for Year 7 and beyond (to Malaysia or another school).

Therefore, enrolling in Years 1-3 is most effective for long-term benefit. Transferring in Years 4-5 is also practical, while new enrollment in Year 6 has more limited advantages.

Long-Term Preparation with the Entire Epsom Network in Mind

A family strategy that considers the entire Epsom Tokyo + Epsom Network:

3 Preparations to Start Now

Preparations that families can begin now, in April 2026:

1. Create an English-speaking environment
   • English picture books, nursery rhymes, and movies
   • English preschool or conversation lessons
   • Increase exposure to English within the home
2. Understand the Epsom Network
   • Regularly check the official Epsom Tokyo website
   • Review the track record on the official Epsom Malaysia website
   • Understand the parent school through the official Epsom UK website
3. Develop a long-term family strategy
   • Discuss the feasibility of progressing to Malaysia from Year 7
   • Build a consensus among all family members
   • Create a financial plan

14. ELT's Analysis: Characteristics of Families Suited for Epsom College Tokyo

Based on our experience supporting families considering British-style international schools, here are five common characteristics of families who are a good fit for the Epsom College Tokyo model.

Characteristic 1: Prepared to "send their child out into the world" from Year 7

The most distinctive feature of Epsom Tokyo is that education from Year 7 onwards takes place elsewhere. Successful families are:

• Considering the Year 7 boarding pathway to Malaysia
• Also considering progression to the UK parent school for Years 12-13
• Prepared for their child to become independent and live away from home at age 11
• Ready for the physical distance within the family

They understand from the outset that the school is not suitable for families who wish for their child to continue their education in Japan through to Year 13.

Feature 2: Accessible from Central Tokyo Residences

Epsom College Tokyo is located a 3-minute walk from Kanda and Tokyo Stations, making it ideal for:

• Families residing in central areas like Minato, Chiyoda, Chuo, and Bunkyo wards
• Families who can leverage convenient commuter train lines
• Families seeking a more accessible location than other international schools in central Tokyo

Families living further away should carefully consider the daily commute.

Feature 3: A Philosophy of Nurturing Children in Japan Until Year 6

The school has a clear philosophy of "fostering a strong foundation in Japan until age 11":

• Strengthening ties to Japanese culture, language, and friendships until age 11
• Transitioning to a fully international environment through overseas boarding from Year 7 onwards
• An appreciation for a phased approach to globalization

Feature 4: A Deep Appreciation for British-Style Education

A strong affinity for Epsom College Tokyo's tradition as a prestigious British school:

• Respect for its 170-year history
• A desire to join the Old Epsomian community
• Support for the balance of Pastoral Care + Academic Excellence
• Alignment with the values of Kindness, Integrity, and Ambition

Feature 5: A Preference for a Small, Close-Knit Community

An understanding of the benefits of a small school with a capacity of 250 students:

• A family-like atmosphere
• Personalized, attentive support
• A close-knit community
• Strong parent-school collaboration

For families seeking the diversity of a large school, we recommend The British School in Tokyo (BST), with 1,100-1,300 students.

15. Is Epsom College Tokyo the Right Fit for Your Family?

To be frank, Epsom College Tokyo is not the right fit for every family. It is crucial to carefully assess whether the school's model—including the pathway from Year 7, its central Tokyo location, and its small size—aligns with your family's values and educational goals.

Families Best Suited for Epsom

• Families considering boarding in Malaysia from Year 7 and/or progressing to the UK
• Families who wish to raise their children in Japan through Year 6
• Families residing in central Tokyo (e.g., Chiyoda, Minato, Chuo, Bunkyo wards)
• Families seeking a small, close-knit community
• Families who value joining a prestigious British school network
• Families attracted to AI integration and advanced primary education
• Families who resonate with the entrepreneurial spirit of figures like Tony Fernandes
• Families planning a long-term, phased globalization strategy

Families Who May Find a Better Fit Elsewhere

• Families who want to remain in Japan through Year 13 → We recommend BST or Malvern College Tokyo
• Families for whom relocating to or sending a child to Malaysia from age 12 is not feasible
• Families who prefer a large school environment → We recommend BST (1,100-1,300 students)
• Families for whom the commute is too long (difficult access to Kanda)
• Families who are hesitant about boarding school (from Year 7)
• Families who prefer an American-style curriculum → We recommend ASIJ or ISSH
• Families who want to keep the option of transitioning to the Japanese junior high school entrance exam system

Decision Guide: Epsom College Tokyo vs. Other Schools

If you are undecided, these questions may help clarify your choice:

1. Is sending your child to Malaysia or the UK from Year 7 onwards a viable option for your family?
2. Is the central Tokyo (Kanda) location accessible for you?
3. Are you comfortable with a primary education that concludes at the end of Year 6?
4. Do you prefer a small school environment (250 students)?
5. Are you able to map out a long-term (5-15 year) family strategy?

If your answers lean towards Epsom for three or more of these questions, the school is likely a good fit for your family.

17. ELT's Admissions Support for Epsom College Tokyo

ELT offers a comprehensive support system for families preparing for admission to Epsom College Tokyo, covering all year groups from Year 1 to Year 6. We provide integrated support based on a deep understanding of Epsom Tokyo's English requirements, admissions process, family interviews, and the long-term Epsom Network strategy.

Key Features of ELT's Epsom Tokyo Admissions Prep

• Early Years & Primary English Development: English language enhancement for ages 3-11 with native-speaking, CELTA/DELTA-qualified instructors.
• English Assessment Preparation: Comprehensive practice for Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking components.
• English for Mathematics: Preparation for learning mathematics in English.
• Family Interview Coaching: Preparing you to answer questions like "Why Epsom Tokyo?" and "How will your child thrive?"
• English Coaching for Parents: Building fluency and confidence for the family interview.
• Long-Term Epsom Network Strategy Counseling: Building a family roadmap for the "Tokyo until Year 6 → Malaysia from Year 7 → UK for Years 12-13" pathway.
• Year 7 Malaysia Transition Prep: Post-acceptance support for the transition to Epsom College in Malaysia (CAT4 prep, Essay Writing, Boarding preparation).
• Comparative School Counseling: In-depth analysis and comparison with other schools like BST, Malvern College Tokyo, RSJ, and Harrow Appi.

Why Families Choose ELT

• "We want to start preparing now for the 2027 opening."
• "We need help creating a long-term strategy that includes the Year 7 transition to Malaysia."
• "We're unsure if our child's English level is sufficient."
• "We are worried about communicating effectively in English during the family interview."
• "We need help deciding if Epsom Tokyo, BST, or Malvern is the best fit for us."
• "We want to fully understand the Epsom Network before applying."
• "We want to know the best way to prepare our young child's English skills."
• "We want to understand the reality of the Year 7 transition to Malaysia after enrolling in Year 6."

Request a Free Consultation

"Will my child's current English level meet the admissions standard?" "Is the Year 7 transition to Malaysia a realistic option for our family?" "Which school is the best fit: Epsom Tokyo, BST, or Malvern College Tokyo?" — Our experienced consultants, with a proven track record in British international school admissions, will provide personalized answers to your questions.