International school admissions and transfers
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
LESSONS
Entrance Exam Preparation Lessons
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)
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 feesWhy 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 consultationAPPLICATION 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.
Application Pack Complete
Total support for strategic applications to up to 5 schools, lessons included
$7,900(tax incl.)
* 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 PlanEach 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
| Service | Overview | Price (tax incl.) |
|---|---|---|
School Assessment Comprehensive evaluation of school policies and admission requirements | Comprehensive evaluation of school policies and admission requirements | $499/session |
School Selection Consulting Selecting optimal schools based on your child's personality and goals | Selecting optimal schools based on your child's personality and goals | $1,200/session |
School Visit Preparation School visit scheduling and preparation | School visit scheduling and preparation | $399/school |
Advice Plan (add-on) Monthly 20-min progression guidance + chat (optional for STANDARD students) | Monthly 20-min progression guidance + chat (optional for STANDARD students) | $199/month |
Applications & Submissions
| Service | Overview | Price (tax incl.) |
|---|---|---|
Application & PS Review (Initial) Initial school application and personal statement review | Initial school application and personal statement review | $799/school |
Application & PS Review (Additional) Additional school application and personal statement review | Additional school application and personal statement review | $549/school |
Interview Preparation
| Service | Overview | Price (tax incl.) |
|---|---|---|
Student Interview Prep (Starter Pack) Build foundational interview skills and self-presentation | Build foundational interview skills and self-presentation | $399/session |
Additional Student Interview Prep School-specific practice and mock interviews | School-specific practice and mock interviews | $249/session |
Parent Interview Prep (Starter Pack) Basic parent interview preparation and expected Q&A | Basic parent interview preparation and expected Q&A | $399/session |
Additional Parent Interview Prep School-specific parent interview practice | School-specific parent interview practice | $249/session |
※ 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
International Schools in Japan
Example Target Schools: BST, ASIJ, Saint Maur, CGK, YIS, KIST, Aoba, Columbia, etc.
Entrance Format: Interview / Written Exam / CAT4 / MAP
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 detailsInternational Schools Overseas
Target Countries: Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Australia, etc.
Entrance Format: MAP / CAT4 / Interview / School-Specific Exams
Boarding Schools Overseas
Target Countries: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, etc.
Entrance Format: UKiset / ISEB / 11+ / 13+ / SSAT / TOEFL / Interview
See boarding admissions detailsWHY 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).