Skip to main content
Free Counseling

International school admissions and transfers

International school admissions, from shortlisting to the interview.

International school admissions, from shortlisting to the interview.

40 years from London. Application Packs bring together school selection, application documents and interview preparation, while the English your child needs is built in lessons that include progression guidance (PREMIUM Academic).

  • Lessons with progression guidance
  • 40 years from London
  • From admissions through university

You are welcome to consult us even if your target school is undecided

Who this is forInternational school admissions and transfers, primary through secondary

1984
Founded in London
40 years
Of British-style teaching experience
In Japan and abroad
Supporting international and boarding schools

Selected schools where we have supported admissions and enrolment

American School in Japan · Harrow School · Rugby School Japan · K International School Tokyo · St. Mary's International School · UWC South East Asia

CHALLENGES

Do any of these worry you about the application?

The difficulties of an international school application do not begin at the application window. From the moment you start choosing schools, the decisions keep coming.

No clear criteria for choosing a school

With so many options in Japan and abroad, you're unsure how to narrow down the school that truly fits your child.

Unsure whether English proficiency is sufficient

You can't judge whether your child's current English will be ready in time for applications, or what to improve and to what level.

Entrance formats differ from school to school

With UKiset, CAT4, interviews and more, you can't see the full picture of the different preparation each target school requires.

Preparing application documents is daunting

You don't know where to begin with creating the application form, PS and essays, or with interview preparation.

A heavy decision-making burden on parents

Both research and decisions are left to the family, with no ongoing partner to consult.

The application deadline is near and priorities are unclear

You need to get your application form, essays and interview preparation in order in a short time, but it's hard to judge where to start.

TIMELINE

Working back from the application deadline

Entrance dates vary by school and by country. The guide below is typical; in your free consultation we map it to the actual dates of the schools you are considering.

  1. 12-9 months before

    Shortlisting schools and measuring English

    We map out the entrance format and requirements of each candidate school and measure the gap against your child’s current English. The tests required, such as UKiset or CAT4, are also settled at this point.

  2. 9-4 months before

    Building English and test preparation

    School-specific test preparation runs alongside general English work. What is built in this period determines how wide the choice of schools remains at application time.

  3. 4-2 months before

    Drafting and reviewing the application

    We finish the application form, personal statement and essays. Schools look for different things, so several rounds of review are needed.

  4. 2 months before to submission

    Interview practice and final checks

    We prepare for the likely student and parent interview questions, and check the documents for consistency before submission.

OUR APPROACH

From before application through enrolment. We accompany you when you need it, at the depth you need.

This is not spot support limited to the application period. Lessons combine English tuition with guidance on your child’s path, and for families approaching an application we offer packs that bundle the preparation required.

Progression strategy

From school selection to application policy, we continuously design a path that fits your child.

Learning management

We monitor English proficiency, school grades and lesson progress monthly, and clarify the next step to take.

Continuous support

From after applications, through enrolment, to university entrance preparation, the same advisor stays with you—changing your plan rather than cancelling.

From before enrolment to university entrance, along a single line

School selection
English proficiency assessment
Admissions and applications
Enrolment preparation
Enrolment and grade management
University entrance

LESSONS

Entrance Exam Preparation Lessons

PREMIUM Academic

Exam prep with progression guidance

Beyond school-specific prep (interview, OOPT, CAT4, UKiset, etc.), it includes progression guidance on your study and school choice. We don’t stop at lessons.

$708 – $1,658 / month

(tax incl. / 50 min per lesson / online)

Continue seamlessly after acceptance as enrolment preparation and ongoing support during enrolment

We also offer courses for building foundational English (BASIC) and for working towards Eiken Grade 2 and above (STANDARD). See the lesson fees page for the monthly rate at each level.

See lesson levels and fees

Why not work out which plan suits you, together, in a free consultation?

No pushy sales / Clear terms for plan changes and cancellation / No exaggerated guarantees of results

Book a free consultation

APPLICATION PACKS

Application Packs

One-time purchase packs that bundle the preparation required for applications, tailored to the number of target schools.

As a guide to cost: the one-off Application Pack starts at $4,400, with monthly lessons for English and entrance preparation from $708 for four lessons a month on top. The enrolment fee of $199 is charged separately.

Recommended

Application Pack Complete

Total support for strategic applications to up to 5 schools, lessons included

$7,900(tax incl.)

ValidityValid for 18 months
Number of SchoolsUp to 5 schools

* Please use all services within 18 months from purchase. This is a spot-use plan for short-term needs.

  • PREMIUM Academic lessons ×16 included
  • School selection consulting
  • Application/PS review (5 schools: initial + 4)
  • Student interview prep (initial + 2)
  • Parent interview prep (initial + 1)
  • School assessment (5 schools)
  • School Visit prep (5 schools)
  • Valid for 18 months

You save $5,050 versus buying the items individually (individual total $12,950, tax incl.)

Enquire About This Plan

Each Application Pack includes PREMIUM Academic lessons (Essentials ×6 / Complete ×16). See lesson details

* Does not include application submission on your behalf, negotiation with schools, visa/travel/boarding arrangements, guardianship services, or admission guarantees (editing is up to the stated number of rounds).

* These packs are exclusively for international (day) school applications. For boarding-school applications (including school liaison), see the boarding page and its dedicated packs.

Individual services you can use à la carte, only as much as you need. Monthly members can use them at member pricing.

Consulting

ServicePrice (tax incl.)
School Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation of school policies and admission requirements
$499/session
School Selection Consulting
Selecting optimal schools based on your child's personality and goals
$1,200/session
School Visit Preparation
School visit scheduling and preparation
$399/school
Advice Plan (add-on)
Monthly 20-min progression guidance + chat (optional for STANDARD students)
$199/month

Applications & Submissions

ServicePrice (tax incl.)
Application & PS Review (Initial)
Initial school application and personal statement review
$799/school
Application & PS Review (Additional)
Additional school application and personal statement review
$549/school

Interview Preparation

ServicePrice (tax incl.)
Student Interview Prep (Starter Pack)
Build foundational interview skills and self-presentation
$399/session
Additional Student Interview Prep
School-specific practice and mock interviews
$249/session
Parent Interview Prep (Starter Pack)
Basic parent interview preparation and expected Q&A
$399/session
Additional Parent Interview Prep
School-specific parent interview practice
$249/session

Entrance Exam Preparation Details

※ PREMIUM Academic or Education Office members can use each à-la-carte service at a 20% member discount. Non-members pay the listed standard price.

FLOW

How It Works

1

Free consultation

We listen to your child's current situation, target schools and your family's educational priorities, then propose the best plan. The consultation is free.

2

Trial & assessment ($149)

A trial lesson and English proficiency assessment by a native-speaker teacher (50 minutes). Available exclusively to those who use the free consultation, at a special first-time-only rate.

3

Start lessons / Application Pack / Education Office

Depending on your goal: start lessons with progression guidance (PREMIUM Academic), a lesson-inclusive Application Pack, or full-agency Education Office.

4

Continue through enrolment to university entrance

From enrolment after applications and acceptance through to the university entrance preparation period, we continue to support you using member pricing and individual services—changing your plan rather than cancelling.

TRACK RECORD

Selected schools where we have supported admissions and current students

International and boarding schools across Japan, Asia, the UK and other countries worldwide

  • The British School in Tokyo (BST)
  • American School in Japan (ASIJ)
  • Saint Maur International School
  • Harrow International School Appi
  • Harrow School
  • St. Paul's School
  • Rugby School
  • North London Collegiate School
  • Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School
  • Highgate School
  • Taunton School
  • South Hampstead High School
  • University College School (UCS)
  • North Bridge House School
  • Holland House School
  • Harrow International School Bangkok
  • UWC South East Asia
  • Tanglin Trust School
  • Kellett School
  • Alice Smith School
  • Phillips Academy Andover

* This is a partial list. If your target school isn't here, please feel free to ask.

JP

International Schools in Japan

Example Target Schools: BST, ASIJ, Saint Maur, CGK, YIS, KIST, Aoba, Columbia, etc.

Entrance Format: Interview / Written Exam / CAT4 / MAP

JP

Boarding Schools in Japan

Example Target Schools: Harrow Appi, Malvern College Tokyo, Rugby School Japan, UWC ISAK Japan, etc.

Entrance Format: UKiset / ISEB / CAT4 / Interview / School-Specific Exams

See boarding admissions details
SGHKMYTHIDINAU

International Schools Overseas

Target Countries: Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Australia, etc.

Entrance Format: MAP / CAT4 / Interview / School-Specific Exams

GBUSCAAU

Boarding Schools Overseas

Target Countries: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, etc.

Entrance Format: UKiset / ISEB / 11+ / 13+ / SSAT / TOEFL / Interview

See boarding admissions details

WHY ELT

Why families choose ELT

London-born, with 40 years of experience

Founded in London in 1984, we have accumulated teaching expertise rooted in British educational culture.

Consulting × lessons, working together

British native-speaker teachers and a dedicated consultant work in tandem, advancing strategy and skill development as one.

Bilingual support

English for your child, Japanese for parents. We support your whole family with care.

Integrated from admissions through enrolment to university

We don't stop at applications—we continue managing from enrolment through to university entrance preparation.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The application packs (Essentials / Complete) are one-time purchase packs specialised in application preparation such as school selection, application documents and interview preparation, and they do not include lessons (English and exam-preparation classes). By joining the monthly membership, you can take lessons at member pricing with priority booking. If you want to build English proficiency alongside application preparation, we will recommend using membership in combination. We do not guarantee acceptance to a specific school or exam scores.

We do not guarantee acceptance to a specific school, or exam scores and grades. Final selection and decisions rest with each school and examination body. ELT continuously manages your child's situation and proposes and accompanies you with evidence-based learning and application strategies to maximise the possibility of acceptance and progression. We make no exaggerated promises of results.

The enrollment fee is a flat $199 (tax incl.). There are no conditional waivers.

The consultation is free for everyone. The follow-up trial lesson and English assessment with a native instructor (50 minutes) is offered at a special rate of $149 (tax incl.), available only to those who have taken the free consultation and for the first session only. The assessment fee is not credited towards enrollment or any contract.

Your payment currency depends on the language of your support. If your contract, counseling, and all correspondence are handled entirely in Japanese, you pay in Japanese yen (the lessons themselves are conducted in English). If you would like your contract, counseling, and correspondence in a language other than Japanese, payment is made in US dollars. Prices are shown in Japanese yen when the site language is Japanese, and in US dollars for all other languages.

Yes. English proficiency cannot be crammed at the last minute; building it up over time greatly influences the possibility of progression. The earlier you start, the more advantageous both your preparation and your school selection become. With its monthly membership, ELT accompanies you continuously from before application preparation through enrolment and university entrance preparation. If you come to need intensive support during the application period, you can use an application pack or individual services as needed.

We welcome enquiries at the stage where you "aren't sure which school to aim for" or are "unsure where to begin." Even if you have not decided on a target school, a School Assessment can clarify your direction.

Yes, all of our services are provided online. We have a track record of supporting families across Asia, Europe, North America and elsewhere. We are happy to accommodate different time zones flexibly.

Yes, you can. You can request only the exam preparation you need—such as CAT4, UKiset, ISEB, SSAT, MAP or interview preparation—on a spot basis. Please also refer to our dedicated pages for each exam.

Yes. We take into account your child's aptitude, your family's priorities, and budget to provide guidance from the school selection stage onward. Our consultants are well-versed in international schools and boarding schools both in Japan and abroad.

Required levels vary depending on time until exams and target schools. We'll first conduct a consultation and simple level check, then propose a plan that balances English foundation building and test preparation.

There are stages where parental involvement is required, such as school selection, document preparation, and interview practice. We will clearly outline the necessary actions at each step, so you can proceed with confidence.

As long as you continue lessons with ELT, packages have no expiration. Even if your application is far off, you can start preparing now with confidence. If you pause lessons, please use the package within 6 months of the pause.

See the full picture of our international and boarding school supportInternational & Boarding School Support

Start with a free consultation and let's organise the preparation you need

Tell us about your child's current situation and your family's priorities. Our experienced consultants will work with you to identify the right next step to take now.

No pushy sales / Clear terms for plan changes and cancellation / No exaggerated guarantees of results

After the free consultation, you can take a trial lesson and English assessment with a native-speaker teacher (50 minutes) at a special first-time rate of $149 (tax included).

International School Admissions: Shortlisting to Interview | ELT