Compare International Schools in Kobe, Japan

MBIS is located in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The campus address is 1-2-1 Chimori-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe 654-0072. It sits in a quiet residential area between the mountains and the sea, close to Kobe's coast. The school is within easy reach by foot to Suma Station, with two train lines nearby.

MBIS offers education from Early Years through Grade 12. It is an IB World School offering the full continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP) and is accredited by WASC.

MBIS is a co-educational international day school.

About 35 nationalities are represented. The largest group is Japanese (around 23%), followed by North Americans (about 18%), with roughly 59% of students coming from the rest of the world; overall, international students comprise the majority of the student body.

MBIS provides counseling services to support students' academic, social, emotional, and mental well-being, with a school counselor and collaboration with specialists. It includes targeted support for developmental and other special needs.

MBIS does not have a formal country affiliation; it is located in Japan and serves a diverse international student body.

MBIS is founded by the Marist Brothers, a Catholic religious order, and operates within the Marist educational tradition.

Students typically follow a school day with morning homeroom/assembly, first period starting around 8:50 AM and dismissal around 3:10 PM; after-school activities and clubs can continue beyond that time.

MBIS runs its own bus service with routes such as Shioya and Ashiya. The Shioya route schedules pickups at about 7:55–8:20 AM and afternoon drops around 3:25–3:50 PM. The Ashiya route serves multiple stops with pickups around 7:15–7:55 AM and afternoon drops around 4:20 PM. Timetables are published for each route.

MBIS does not offer boarding. All students are expected to live with a parent or guardian in the Kansai region for the duration of their studies. The school does not sponsor student visa applications; families are responsible for visa arrangements. Upon enrollment, MBIS can provide proof of admission for visa purposes if needed.

MBIS uses distinct summer and winter uniforms plus a dedicated PE kit. The winter uniform includes a blazer (mandatory for students in Grades 10–12), a long-sleeve white shirt, and sweaters or vests, with skirts or pants defined by grade. A gym uniform is required for physical education, and school ties are used for different grade bands (G1–G6 and G7–G12).

MBIS is a member of the Marist Global Network. The school is governed by MBIS leadership and the MBIS Board, which outlines the board's role in policy, oversight, and compliance with relevant education acts.

MBIS in Kobe, Japan offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum for students from Early Years through Grade 12, with English as the language of instruction and alignment with Common Core standards. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) guides learners from Early Years 3 to Grade 5 through inquiry-based, transdisciplinary units that integrate language, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, physical education, and religion. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) runs from Grade 6 to Grade 10 across eight subject groups—English, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, an additional language (Japanese), Physical Education, and Design—and includes a Grade 10 Personal Project. The Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11–12 requires six subjects across Groups 1–6 (Studies in language and literature, Language acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts) and the core Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS. MBIS has been IB-authorized since 2017 and is accredited by WASC, confirming its global standards of curriculum design and assessment.

MBIS integrates Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) throughout its curriculum to support the emotional, social, and ethical development of every student. SEL at MBIS fosters emotional intelligence, resilience, and healthy relationships, and equips students with tools to manage their emotions, set goals, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. The approach emphasizes self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making as core competencies. MBIS maintains a safeguarding focus and has a dedicated team to address student safety and wellbeing. Counseling services are available to support students' mental and emotional well-being, including a Guidance Counselor and a Social/Emotional Counselor who work with students across grades. The MBIS safeguarding team and policies are designed to ensure a safe, supportive environment for all students.

MBIS provides specialized support for students with developmental disorders, learning disabilities, ADHD, and other special needs. The school has a Director of Student Support Services and a Whole School Counselor who coordinate student support across the campus. Admissions state that MBIS welcomes all applicants, but personnel and facilities may not be equipped to accommodate the full range of student needs; admissions and placement decisions are made on an individual basis. MBIS maintains a Student Services framework that includes a Medical Office staffed by a Medical Officer and a Nurse to address health and well-being needs. Counseling services explicitly address developmental and special needs as part of MBIS's support offerings. Given the above, MBIS provides SEN-related support primarily through counseling and student support staff rather than a publicly catalogued, centralized SEN program.

English is the primary language of instruction at MBIS. The school serves a multilingual community with over 20 languages spoken. MBIS accepts students who are still developing their English; the admissions FAQ notes a preference for an age-appropriate level of English but that language-learning students can be considered. There is a Marist English School program described on MBIS's site that teaches English as a second language to younger learners. These elements indicate that MBIS supports EAL learners through both in-school acceptance of learners and an external English language program for younger students.

MBIS prioritizes mental and emotional well-being alongside academics, with Counseling Services available to students. The school provides a Guidance Counselor for academic and university planning, and a Social/Emotional Counselor for developing emotional intelligence, resilience, and coping strategies. Counseling sessions are confidential and offered in person or online, with dedicated ways to arrange appointments (e.g., through the school's wellbeing platform). Counselors help students address issues such as stress, anxiety, interpersonal relationships, and personal growth, supporting them across the school journey. The counseling framework explicitly notes collaboration with specialists when needed to support student well-being.

MBIS is committed to child protection and safeguarding, aligning with the Japanese Act on the Prevention of Child Abuse and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The school's safeguarding policies and practices align with the standards of the Japan Council of International Schools (JCIS) and other accrediting bodies. A dedicated MBIS Child Saf safeguarding Team responds to concerns about student safety and collaborates with parents, school colleagues, and authorities as needed. Staff adhere to a strict Code of Conduct and receive ongoing safeguarding training with clear reporting procedures. Counseling services are part of safeguarding, with pathways to involve specialists when appropriate to protect student well-being.

1. Submit an Online Application: Begin by submitting the online application with the required details about the child and family. An online Applicant Page is created after submission to organize and track the process. An application fee is required and can be paid via bank transfer or credit card, incurring a 5% processing fee. 2. Provide Supporting Documents: Upload all necessary documents, including academic records from the past three years, proof of identity, and a recommendation from a current teacher or principal. A checklist of the required documents is provided in the online Applicant Page to guide families. 3. Interview & Assessment: After the application is reviewed, an admissions team member will schedule an interview with the Divisional Head. An English language proficiency test may be administered if deemed necessary for certain grades. 4. Finalize Enrollment: If accepted, complete the required enrollment forms and submit payment for the enrollment deposit. All applicants must reside in the Kansai region with at least one parent or guardian during study, and the school does not sponsor student visas; families should arrange the visa themselves and can request proof of admission if needed.

Marist Brothers International School offers scholarships and tuition assistance programs to support families. Eligibility criteria and application guidelines are outlined in the Scholarships and Tuition Assistance Policy. For the 2025–2026 academic year, a detailed Fee Schedule is available, and scholarship programs are designed to assist students based on merit and/or need. Parents should review the policy for specifics on how to apply and qualify.

If no space is available in the requested grade level, an applicant may be placed in a wait pool. The wait pool operates as a pool of candidates rather than a strict sequential list. When a space becomes available, the most suitable candidate is selected from the pool, and some grade levels may be nearing capacity, which influences waitpool usage.

Marie International School Shukugawa is located in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The Shukugawa campus sits in a riverside area and is about a five-minute walk from Kurakuenguchi Station. The Primary School address is 302, 6-7 Minamikoshikiiwachou, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo 662-0075, and the Kindergarten is at 2F, 3-8 Hinoikechou, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo 662-0084. The school operates alongside other MIS campuses in the region, including Ashiya and Matsuyama.

Marie International School Shukugawa offers three levels: Kindergarten (ages 3-6), Primary School (ages 6-12), and Secondary School (ages 12-15).

The school is a private, all-in-one international school offering programs from Kindergarten through Secondary. It operates as a day school and does not list boarding facilities.

The school has around 60 students representing about six nationalities. The most common nationality is Japanese, and the local to international student ratio is approximately 9:1.

The school provides small classes with a 1:8 student-to-teacher ratio and offers English language support for students not fluent in English, with additional language classes available at the primary level. After-school and seasonal programs are available for outside students as well.

Japan. The school is located in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, and does not have a formal country affiliation.

No religious affiliation is indicated.

Core instruction typically runs from 9:00 to 15:00, with after-school care extending to 18:00 for MIS students. The overall MIS program emphasizes a day across multiple campuses from morning until late afternoon, with extended care available.

MIS Shukugawa operates a school bus service. A school-provided bus was referenced during a 2023 moving day when the school relocated within Shukugawa; further route details are not published.

Marie International School does not offer boarding. It operates as a day school with an All in One School model running from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm to accommodate working families. After-school and seasonal programs extend care beyond the regular day, and external students may join these after-school offerings.

Uniforms are worn daily for safety. Primary School uniforms include navy or beige blazers with matching navy or beige pants/skirts, polo shirts in black/gray/white, a black zip-up hoodie, a navy pea coat, and backpacks in black or camel. Sweatshirts and uniform tops (black/gray/white) are available for all levels.

Marie International School provides homemade lunch via Itadakimasu, a lunch box service operated by MIS staff. Lunch boxes come in three sizes (S, M, L) with portion guidance tailored to age, using domestically grown vegetables and balanced calories. Sample dishes include grilled chicken with miso sauce, onigiri, penne with mushroom cream sauce, and chicken chaap.

Marie International School Shukugawa offers Kindergarten (ages 3-6), Primary (ages 6-12), and Secondary (ages 12-15) across its campuses, with small class sizes of about 10 students. The Kindergarten uses a Creative Curriculum with daily English instruction and a timetable that includes math, science, and arts alongside language development. Primary School uses a nine-subject framework divided into Core and Expressive Subjects, with differentiated teaching and a milestone-based assessment approach plus performance tasks. English language assessment is embedded in Primary via EIKEN, while Secondary also uses a nine-subject structure and includes EIKEN in its timetable. Secondary's daily program includes wellbeing, global studies, art, languages (Spanish and English) and Japanese, with a focus on experiential learning. MIS provides an all-English environment across its campuses (including Ashiya and Matsuyama openings) and runs seasonal English-language programs based on TOEFL materials, including a 2025 Spring English Language Acceleration Program with TOEFL Primary Step 1/2 and TOEFL Junior groupings.

Marie International School's SEL approach centers on its guiding statement 'Confidence to Be.' It defines this around three traits: Knowing Me (self-awareness), Knowing You (empathy and effective communication), and Expanding Us (courage, resilience, open-mindedness). Teachers act as facilitators who model responses to student experiences and provide a supportive net to help students cope with challenges. The school emphasises social and emotional skills through its values, notably empathy, respect, and strong communication. Small class sizes (a 1:8 teacher–students ratio) support close relationships and timely, individualized social-emotional development. The Extended Learning offering, including Saturday Academy, reinforces SEL by providing language support and structured personal-growth activities such as the Mind Growth Program and beginner-to-advanced English options.

The MIS public materials do not list a dedicated SEN department or specialist SEN provisions. The school notes small class sizes and close teacher–student engagement as a general support mechanism (1:8 ratio), which can aid learners with diverse needs. After-school and Saturday Academy programs offer differentiated English and mathematics instruction (Beginner and Advanced levels) and a Mind Growth Program, illustrating a range of supports beyond standard classroom teaching. There is no explicit mention of the kinds of Special Educational Needs MIS can support or whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution. Therefore, MIS's publicly available information does not specify formal SEN staffing or targeted SEN services.

MIS provides explicit English-language support through its Saturday Academy, which is open to current MIS students and external learners. English and Math classes in Saturday Academy are divided into Beginner and Advanced levels, ensuring instruction matches each learner's proficiency. The program includes an EIKEN®/TOEFL class as part of its English-support offerings, along with a Mind Growth Program. The school emphasises English-language development in its extended programs, including a Summer Program that promotes an All-English environment in practice (no-Japanese policy in that context). For families where home use of English is limited, MIS notes a focus on English language growth within its after-school and Saturday offerings.

MIS articulates a pastoral-oriented philosophy through its guiding statement, which highlights teachers as facilitators who support students in navigating emotional events and developing resilience. The school highlights small class sizes (1:8) to enable close relationships and attentive care from staff. School events are designed to promote a sense of community and mutual respect among students, supporting social belonging and wellbeing. The All in One School model extends supervision from 9:00 to 18:00, helping families with long days and potentially reducing stress related to care arrangements. Extended Learning and after-school options provide structured, supervised environments beyond core hours, contributing to a sense of safety and routine for students.

Admissions Process (Shukugawa Campus)
1. Step 1 – Application for School Tour (Secondary & Primary). Parents should submit the Contact Form on the MIS site to request a tour. After submission, MIS contacts the family by email to confirm the date and time of the school tour. The information session during the tour covers MIS's curriculum, academic programs, and events, giving families a comprehensive overview before proceeding. This step helps families determine fit and plan subsequent steps.

2. Step 2 – School Tour (Secondary & Primary). The school tour includes an information session and an opportunity to view classrooms and facilities. Families meet teachers and staff, and MIS explains its curriculum, assessment approach, and student life in detail. You can ask questions about language support, class size, and the school day structure during this visit.

3. Step 3 – Submission of the Application Form (Secondary & Primary). After the tour, families submit the official Application Form. MIS will notify the applicant of the result within 1 week of receiving the form. This step marks the transition from inquiry to formal consideration for the coming enrollment period.

4. Step 4 – Payment of Application Fee (Secondary & Primary). An invoice for the Application Fee will be issued, and the fee is charged regardless of the outcome of the Interview and Entrance Exam. There are no refunds for this fee. This ensures the school can allocate resources to process applications efficiently.

5. Step 5 – Submission of Recommendation (Secondary & Primary). Families should provide a Letter of Recommendation and Report Card from the current school. If a template is needed for the Letter of Recommendation, MIS can provide one. The sending school should forward these directly to MIS.

6. Step 6 – Interview and Entrance Exam (Secondary & Primary). After the Application Fee is confirmed as paid, MIS will schedule the Student Entrance Exam, Student Interview, and Parent Interview. The assessment considers recommendations, academic records, and English-language proficiency. This step determines readiness for MIS's program and placement.

7. Step 7 – Acceptance Letter (Secondary & Primary). An Acceptance Letter is sent by email, and families are asked to make the payment via bank transfer. This formalizes enrollment and confirms the student's place.

8. Step 8 – Admission Documents Form (Secondary & Primary). Families receive the Admission Documents and are expected to complete and submit them. Completing these documents is required before enrollment can proceed.

9. Step 9 – Parent-Teacher Meeting and Orientation (Secondary & Primary). MIS will arrange a meeting to discuss collaboration for the child's development and success. Families should submit the completed Admission Documents on this day to finalize enrollment plans.

10. Step 10 – Enrollment (Secondary & Primary). Ensure the child has everything needed before the first day. All fees must be paid by the specified deadline prior to Enrollment. This step completes the admissions process for MIS Shukugawa.

11. Kindergarten & Preschool (Students interested). Step 1 – Application for School Tour: Submit the Contact Form to request a tour and receive an email with the time and date. Step 2 – School Tour: Attend an information session and tour, with an explanation of MIS's programs and events. Step 3 – Submission of Application Form: Submit the Application Form and await notification of the result within 1 week.

12. Kindergarten & Preschool (Students who have decided to enroll). Step 1 – Payment for Application: The invoice for the registration fee will be sent by the MIS office, and admission is accepted once payment is confirmed. Step 2 – Admission Documents: The required documents are provided and must be submitted to MIS. Step 3 – Enrollment: Ensure all requirements are satisfied before the first day.

Notes relevant to language and placement: English is the language used for MIS communications and instruction. Parents who do not use English as their home language should support English-language communication with teachers and their child's education. Letters of recommendation in English are preferred but can be submitted in other languages. The admission process includes an English-language assessment as part of the screening.

Waitlist / pool: Marie International School uses a rolling admissions approach. Applications are accepted all year round and are reviewed on a rolling basis provided spaces are available. There is no published, separate waitlist system; admission decisions for April enrollment typically occur between February and early March, while September enrollment decisions occur between July and August. For applicants transferring from MIS, the admission process runs October–January for April enrollment and February–June for October enrollment, with dates announced separately. In short, admissions depend on space availability at the time of review.

Canadian Academy is on Rokko Island, a man-made community in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The island is connected to the mainland by the Rokkoliner rail line, placing the campus in a residential area with easy access to services. It is about 20 minutes from downtown Kobe and about 37 minutes to Osaka by public transport, with restaurants, shops, and a hospital nearby for convenience.

The school is organized into three divisions: Elementary School (Grades 1–5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12). An Early Learning and Activities Center (ELAC) supports early years, with the ELAC library space on campus.

Canadian Academy is co-educational and operates as a day and boarding international school. It maintains a boarding program with on-campus Gloucester House housing to support older students.

The student body includes more than 40 nationalities. The largest group comes from North America, with representation from East Asia and Japan as host country; languages spoken exceed 15. Historically, local Japanese students have comprised about a quarter of the community, with international students making up about three-quarters of the student body.

The Student Services department provides English as an Additional Language (EAL), Learning Support, and Counseling through a multidisciplinary, inclusive approach. Differentiated instruction supports diverse learner needs.

There is no formal country affiliation. The school is a Japan-based international school with historical Canadian roots.

Religious affiliation is not indicated; CA operates as a non-sectarian international school.

The standard school day commonly runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:25 p.m. with a 2:25 p.m. dismissal on Wednesdays. Secondary-level mornings include an advisory period to start the day.

Canadian Academy offers bus routes on Rokko, Ashiya, and Osaka lines, with multiple stops. Registration is required, seating is limited, and options can be for full year or a semester; buses include monitors and CCTV on board. Fees and stops depend on distance.

The boarding facilities consist of four houses: Kiku, Take, Rokko, and Maya. The houses are designed to feel like homes rather than traditional dormitories, with dorm rooms, living rooms, kitchens, a dorm entryway, and a dining hall. The Rokko Liner connects students to central Kobe and the wider Kansai region, enabling after-school and weekend exploration. A dedicated support network cares for boarding students.

A PE uniform exists and is available for purchase through the PTA Falcon Store.

Cezars Kitchen provides on-site dining; CA uses a cashless cafeteria system for meals and offers a dining hall on campus.

The boarding program uses four houses: Kiku, Take, Rokko, and Maya, designed to feel like a home for students.

The school is a not-for-profit institution; it is not owned by a parent company or shareholders and is governed by a board of trustees.

The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum from Pre-K through Grade 12. The Elementary program (Grades 1–5) uses the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) with six transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry, drawing on AERO, Next Generation, and ACARA standards, and incorporating Balanced Literacy and Bridges mathematics. The Middle School program (Grades 6–8) follows the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), comprising eight subject areas—Language Acquisition, Language and Literature, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, Physical and Health Education, and Design—and culminating in a Grade 10 Personal Project. High School (Grades 9–12) offers three graduation pathways: the CA Diploma paired with the IB Diploma Programme; the CA Diploma paired with the IB Bilingual Diploma; or CA Diploma with IB Course Certificates, with the IB Diploma core of Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS. The Japan Experience is a one-year program for Grade 9 (and sometimes Grade 10) that uses the IB MYP framework with a Japanese-focused curriculum and boarding options. English language support and Learning Support are available across the school as part of Student Services, including EAL and Learning Support for both elementary and secondary levels.

CA supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through the Student Services department, which uses a multidisciplinary, team-based approach to address each student's social-emotional needs and to develop adaptive learning skills, with counseling helping students understand perseverance, their emotions, goals, and conflict resolution.

Learning Support and English as an Additional Language are provided as part of CA's inclusive Student Support Services, focusing on differentiated and inclusive strategies to support all learners; CA describes itself as an inclusive learning community and does not identify itself as a specialist SEN institution.

EAL support is provided in-class as part of CA's EAL Program, led by an EAL coordinator, with daily in-class support integrated into core activities such as Unit of Inquiry, Writer's Workshop, and Reader's Workshop; elementary EAL efforts are described as in-class rather than pull-out.

Mental wellbeing is supported through Counseling as part of Student Services, with a counseling team addressing perseverance, emotions, and conflict resolution; in boarding, Head of Residential Life, dorm parents, and a dorm nurse monitor well-being and coordinate care.

Canadian Academy has a Child Safeguarding Policy that is reviewed annually; all staff and outside contractors in teaching or supervisory roles receive safeguarding training, and a designated Child Safeguarding Team oversees implementation.

1. Online Application: Families may submit an application up to one year in advance of enrollment. The family creates an online account and can return to the application at any time; one application is required per child. Required supporting documents become available during the online process, and the act of submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. After submission, the Admissions Committee reviews the application to assess fit relative to grade-level availability.

2. Supporting Documents: During the online process, submit the child's school records/transcripts for the past three years (where possible), standardised test results if available (e.g., ITBS, MAPs, PSAT, TOEFL), and any relevant testing/assessments or evaluations (IQ tests, psycho-educational, occupational, or speech therapy, socio-emotional evaluations). Include a copy of the child's passport and a clear digital photo (color, at least 400x600 pixels). These documents help the school understand the student's learning needs and profile.

3. School Reference: The Admissions process requires confidential recommendations: one for elementary applicants (PreK-3 through Grade 5) and two for secondary applicants (Grade 6-12). Provide the email addresses of the child's current teachers/principal/counselor so the school can request these recommendations. A confidential recommendations form becomes available during the online application process.

4. Application Fee: The application fee is ¥90,000 per application and is paid online to cover administrative costs. After payment, the child's application and supporting documents are reviewed by the Admissions Committee. The fee is non-refundable. If the applicant is placed in the waiting pool, the application remains active for two academic years (the year of application and the start of the following academic year), with potential requests for updated documentation.

5. Admissions Interview: Following the receipt of the application, documents, and fee, and subject to seat availability, the Admissions Committee reviews the submission to determine fit. An interview is scheduled that includes a spoken component with the child and an opportunity for questions. Depending on age and criteria, there may be mathematics, reading, and writing assessments, and non-native English speakers are evaluated for English as an Additional Language (EAL) support. Face-to-face interviews are preferred, but online interviews can be arranged for applicants outside the Kansai area; a second interview may occur for additional information.

6. Acceptance of Offer: After the interview, the Admissions Committee makes a recommendation to the Head of School, who makes all admissions decisions. Families applying for the current school year are typically notified of the decision by email and in writing within about one week of the interview. If accepted, families have one week to sign and return the Acceptance of Offer, and the Registration Fee is due one month after notification. If the required documents or fees are not submitted, the seat may be offered to other applicants.

Fees overview (context for admissions): The 2025-26 fee schedule includes an Application Fee of ¥90,000, a one-time Registration Fee of ¥400,000, a one-time Capital Contribution Fee of ¥600,000, and a Building & Development Fee of ¥300,000. Tuition by level ranges from ¥2,000,000 (Pre-K / Kindergarten A) to ¥3,210,000 (Grade 12), with a Boarding Fee of ¥3,200,000. These fees are reviewed annually and are subject to modest annual increases.

Canadian Academy does not publish any scholarship offerings on its official admissions/tuition pages, and there is no CA-listed scholarship program described in the admissions FAQs. Families interested in financial support should consider external avenues, such as government programs or other external scholarships, rather than CA-provided awards. The school does offer corporate partnership arrangements (Corporate Contribution Plan) that can affect financing for eligible families, but these are not scholarships awarded to students.

Yes. Canadian Academy maintains a waiting pool when spaces are not available in a given grade. To enter the waiting pool, applicants must complete the entire application process. For the current 2025-26 timeline, spaces are limited; applications for grades without availability will be considered for the start of the 2026-27 school year. When a seat becomes available, all applicants in the waiting pool are reviewed, and selections are made from the pool. Updated documentation may be requested over time. Applicants are typically notified of admissions decisions within a short window after the interview, and the pool remains active through the relevant academic years.

KOBILS operates across two campuses in Kobe's Tarumi Ward. The Elementary and Kindergarten programs are housed at Momoyamadai 7-1-25, Tarumi, Kobe, with a separate Momoyamadai Nursery School at 4-4-13 Momoyamadai in Tarumi. The Tarumi area is on the west side of Kobe, and maps are provided for both campuses to help with arrival and access.

KOBILS offers a full-time bilingual program for children aged 3–12, split into Kindergarten (ages 3–6) and Elementary (ages 6–12). The Kindergarten site runs on weekdays (Monday–Friday) with age-appropriate English immersion and some Japanese instruction, while the Elementary program follows a CfE/Japanese curriculum mix for students aged 6–12.

KOBILS is a co-educational day school. It provides afterschool/daycare options and related programs, with no boarding facilities mentioned.

The majority of students are local residents, including Japanese nationals, mixed-race families, and long-term foreign residents. The school states its curriculum is developed with local residents in mind and aims for a bilingual environment, reflecting a diverse community. Exact numbers or nationalities are not published.

The school uses mixed-grade classes and level-specific learning in English and Japanese, supporting diverse learning needs within the bilingual framework. There is no explicit, publicly listed SEN program, but in-house differentiation and level-based groups are described as part of the curriculum features.

There is no formal country affiliation. The curriculum blends elements from Scotland's Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) with Japan's Kokugo and other components.

No religious affiliation is indicated in the school's program and materials.

The school day runs 9:00–15:30, Monday to Friday. Kindergarten and Elementary have similar daily schedules with incorporated language and subject blocks and a lunch period.

A school bus service is available. For kindergarten routes, a monthly bus fee is listed at ¥6,000; Akashi routes are ¥9,000 per month. Families may also arrange other transit options (walking or car) as part of daily arrival.

Kyushoku (Japanese school lunch) is provided; a Japanese-style freshly prepared meal with lots of vegetables; children assist with serving lunch in a Japanese style.

KOBILS is teacher-owned. Janina Tubby is the owner, principal and director.

Kobe Bilingual School (KOBILS) provides a full-time bilingual program for children aged 3–12, with Kindergarten (ages 3–6) and Elementary (ages 6–12) located in Kobe; English immersion is the primary language of instruction, with Japanese Kokugo taught at the same grade level and cross-curricular discussion in Japanese. The Elementary program blends Scotland's Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) with Japan's Kokugo and Social Studies/Ethics, using mixed-grade classes and level-specific learning in English, Japanese, and mathematics to support progression at different paces. The CfE/KOBILS curriculum covers eight subject areas—English (Languages A), Japanese (Languages B), Mathematics, Health and Wellbeing, Expressive Arts, Sciences, Social Studies, and Technologies—with Ethics embedded as a cross-cutting religious/moral education component. KOBILS places emphasis on language balance, with English immersion prioritized in early years and language balance decisions made from Grade 4, supported by level-specific English and Japanese instruction and cross-curricular projects. The school operates as a free school and seeks accreditation with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) within a multi-year plan; it is currently listed as unapproved in comparative materials. The curriculum is designed for progression to international schools by Grade 7/Year 8/S2 after Grade 6, aligning CfE outcomes with Japanese pathways and project-based learning.

KOBILS supports social and emotional learning through a weekly curriculum review where children discuss and reflect on their week in their native language, with opportunities for feedback and expressing concerns to support pastoral care.

KOBILS provides inclusive practices evidenced by mobility-accessible facilities (elevator, widened doors, accessible toilet) to support students with mobility challenges; information on a dedicated SEN program or specialist SEN staff is not publicly disclosed.

EAL support is integrated via English immersion with Japanese instruction, with the minority language prioritized in Kindergarten and early grades; there is no separate EAL program publicly disclosed.

Mental wellbeing is considered in health and safety planning, with the policy noting balance of hygiene and safety measures with mental health concerns.

Safeguarding and safety are prioritized: KOBILS is fully registered with Kobe City, maintains a high staff‑to‑student ratio with qualified hoikushi and nursery staff, and uses SECOM security.

1. Program options. Kobe Bilingual School offers a Kindergarten program for children aged 3 to 6, and an Elementary program for children aged 6 to 12. A Saturday School program is also available as part of its offerings. The school is located at 7-1-25 Momoyamadai, Tarumi, Kobe.

2. Application periods. For Kindergarten, there are two application periods: Period 1 (Open Application) from September 8 to September 30, 2025, and Period 2 (Rolling Application with restricted entry) from October 1, 2025. For Elementary, the periods mirror Kindergarten: Period 1 (Open Application) from September 8 to September 30, 2025, and Period 2 (Rolling Application with restricted entry) from October 1, 2025. The application windows are listed on the New Student Application Process page.

3. Application forms and guidelines. Kindergarten applicants can download the Kindergarten application form and guidelines; Elementary applicants can download the Elementary application form and guidelines. There is also an Enquiry Form available for general inquiries.

4. Application fields and submission. The application form collects basic contact information, including Name, Email, and Phone. A CAPTCHA is present on the form to verify entrants.

5. Fees at application. The application requires an Application and Interview Fee of ¥20,000. Kindergarten Entrance Fee is ¥100,000.

6. Interview and admissions steps. An interview is part of the admissions process as indicated by the Application and Interview Fee.

7. Enrollment and initial payment. If admitted, the Entrance Fee and other one-time charges are due at enrollment (Kindergarten Entrance Fee: ¥100,000; Elementary Entrance Fee: ¥200,000, less any Kindergarten entrance fee paid).

8. Ongoing costs and payment options. Kindergarten tuition is ¥63,000 per month for 12 months, with Kyushoku (lunch) at ¥6,500 per month and a School Bus option at ¥6,000 per month (Akashi routes may be ¥9,000). Annual Fees include Materials ¥24,000 and Facility ¥60,000. One-time fees include Entrance ¥100,000 and an Application/Interview Fee ¥20,000. Tuition payment plans are available.

No scholarships are listed on the Kobe Bilingual School site. The 2025 Admission Materials include an application and brochure with no scholarship information, and the Fees page lists standard charges (tuition, lunch, bus, materials, facility, entrance, and application/interview fees) without mentioning scholarship programs.

The site does not publish a formal waitlist or pool policy. Application periods include a Period 2 Rolling Entry with restricted entry, indicating capacity controls. There is no publicly described waitlist process beyond the rolling-entry approach.

NLCS Kobe is located on Rokko Island in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The Junior School campus is housed in the AsiaOne Building on Rokko Island. The purpose-built Senior School campus on Rokko Mountain will open in 2028.

NLCS Kobe currently operates a Junior School for Grades 1–7 (ages 6–13). The Senior School will open in 2028 for Grades 6 - 9 (ages 11-15)

The school is a selective, co-educational day school for Grades 1–7. The Senior School will offer boarding in addition to day schooling from 2028.

The school community represents a diverse mix of nationalities, with Japanese students forming the majority of the student body. This creates an internationally minded yet distinctly Japanese environment, reflecting the school’s philosophy of being an “International School with a Japanese Heart” and appealing to both local and international families across the Kansai region and beyond.

NLCS Kobe provides learning support through small class sizes, personalised pastoral care, and close collaboration between teachers and families. At present, the school does not offer a dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) programme or specialist provision.

NLCS Kobe is affiliated with NLCS UK and joins the other NLCS network of international schools in Singapore, Dubai, Jeju and Hong Kong (opening soon).

There is no religious affiliation listed for NLCS Kobe; the school emphasises an international IB curriculum with Japanese language and culture.

Public pages do not publish daily start and end times. For exact timings, the Admissions team can provide details.

NLCS Kobe offers daily shuttle services from within Kobe and Osaka.

The Senior School on Rokko Mountain will cater to both boarding and day students. Boarders will benefit from modern, comfortable accommodation, promoting independence while staying closely connected to school life. The Rokko Mountain campus will open in 2028.

NLCS Kobe is part of the North London Collegiate School family of schools. It maintains a close connection to NLCS UK and is part of a network of NLCS international campuses, including NLCS Jeju, NLCS Dubai and NLCS Singapore.

NLCS Kobe offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum with instruction in English and a strong emphasis on Japanese language and culture. The Junior School delivers an enquiry-based, English-language curriculum designed to develop foundational academic and linguistic skills. The Junior School serves Grades 1–6, with admissions announced for August 2025. The Senior School will welcome Grade 7 in 2026, expanding to additional grades as the Rokko Mountain campus opens; the curriculum blends NLCS UK traditions with a focus on Japanese heritage, with all lessons taught in English and Japanese language and literature integrated. A permanent Rokko Mountain campus is planned to open in 2028, offering boarding and day options and supporting a pathway to leading universities worldwide.

NLCS Kobe places social and emotional development at the heart of its pastoral approach. The Junior School page states that outstanding individual care and support, strong values and exceptional extra-curricular opportunities help pupils stay resilient, positive and happy; a happy child will always be a more effective learner. The school emphasises that the well-being of students is at the heart of everything we do, and life in the junior school is described as vibrant and nurturing, with older pupils mentoring younger pupils to foster belonging and collaboration. Through clubs, societies and service projects, students learn to collaborate, communicate and develop leadership skills, supporting their social and emotional growth alongside academic development. The Our School section notes that NLCS Kobe seeks to remove barriers to learning by supporting students in all aspects of their lives.

Publicly disclosed information on SEN provision at NLCS Kobe is limited. The Junior School page describes 'Outstanding individual care and support' and notes that pupils are 'resilient, positive and happy,' indicating general pastoral support rather than a defined SEN program. Policy pages focus on safeguarding, e-safety and behaviour management rather than explicit SEN services. The publicly available information does not specify which kinds of Special Educational Needs the school can support or whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution. Consequently, there is no publicly disclosed detail on dedicated SEN staff or a SEN coordinator.

NLCS Kobe teaches all junior school lessons in English, and the immersive environment supports linguistic development. The curriculum overview states that all learners develop a sophisticated command of English with a focus on internationalism. There is no explicit published information about a dedicated EAL program or EAL staff. The emphasis in available materials is on general English-language development rather than a formal EAL service. Therefore, NLCS Kobe does not publicly disclose specific EAL provision.

Wellbeing is a central element of NLCS Kobe's approach; the Junior School states that the well-being of students is at the heart of everything we do. The school highlights outstanding individual care and support as part of creating a balanced, happy student experience. Life in the school is described as vibrant and nurturing, with a strong emphasis on social-emotional growth alongside academics. The programme promotes resilience and positive development through a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities and community activities. There is no publicly disclosed detail about dedicated mental health staff; wellbeing is described as integrated within pastoral care and personal support.

NLCS Kobe publishes a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy (August 2025) that sets out staff training, roles and procedures for safeguarding. The policy designates a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) as Elisabet Gunzi (Vice Principal) and a Deputy DSL as Jerome Singh (Assistant Principal), with Principal and NLCS International contact details listed for safeguarding matters. The DSL and deputy are described as trained staff responsible for safeguarding and online safety, with a formal training plan and ongoing duties outlined. The policy references emergency contacts (189) and UK guidance such as Keeping Children Safe in Education, and provides contact details for safeguarding matters at NLCS Kobe and NLCS International. Parents are welcome to approach the DSL with safeguarding concerns.

NLCS Kobe opened in August 2025 as the newest overseas branch of North London Collegiate School, becoming NLCS's fifth international campus. The campus is located in the AsiaOne Center on Rokko Island, Kobe, and begins with Grades 1–6, with plans to add Grades 7–8 in 2026–2027 and a Rokko Mountain Senior School campus in 2028, at which point boarding will be available for Grades 6–12. Founding Principal Matthew Williams leads the school, bringing NLCS's heritage together with a Japanese cultural dimension. NLCS Kobe is part of the NLCS family alongside NLCS London, NLCS Jeju, NLCS Dubai, and NLCS Singapore. A local partnership with Hakko Car Group supports NLCS Kobe's development in the Kansai region.

NLCS Kobe aims to combine an international English-language education with a strong commitment to Japanese language and culture. NLCS Kobe is part of the NLCS family, linking to sister campuses in Jeju, Dubai, Singapore and London, creating a global community with shared values. Cross-campus events such as Celebrating Global Sisterhood connect Kobe with Jeju, Dubai, Singapore and London, highlighting collaboration and shared purpose across NLCS campuses. Open Days, school tours, and admissions events provide opportunities for families to engage with staff and students and learn about campus life.

NLCS Kobe does not list a dedicated PTA page on its site at present; parent involvement is coordinated through general school channels and events. The site includes a Parents menu with Junior and Senior School sections and an Events area, indicating formal parent engagement channels exist within the school's site structure. NLCS London's Parents' Guild provides a model of active parent involvement, with social events, uniform sales, instrument exchanges, babysitter lists, and community activities such as the Fireworks Display and the Parents' Quiz. NLCS Kobe participates in NLCS-wide community initiatives, including cross-campus events such as Celebrating Global Sisterhood that involve Kobe alongside Jeju, Dubai and Singapore. Open Days and school tours are among the pathways for parents to engage with education and staff across the NLCS network.

NLCS Kobe operates two campuses in Kobe. The Junior School Campus is located at the Asia One Center on Rokko Island and began operating for Grades 1–7 in September 2025. The Senior School Campus will open in 2028 on Rokko Mountain and will provide boarding for Grades 6–12. Junior School facilities include a dedicated sports hall, a drama studio, two science laboratories, bright classrooms, and spaces for ICT, art and music. The Senior School Campus will include a theatre, a sports hall, an amphitheatre, and classrooms with views over Kobe; the Rokko Mountain site will also offer outdoor learning and a natural setting.

Junior School facilities include a sports hall for physical education. The Senior School will also feature a sports hall on the Rokko Mountain site, along with other spaces for performance and learning. The Rokko Mountain campus will be situated in a natural setting and will provide spaces for outdoor learning and sports activities.

The Junior School has two science laboratories and dedicated spaces for ICT, art, music and drama, in addition to bright classrooms that foster collaboration. Both campuses are designed to support a range of subjects through specialist rooms, with the Senior School adding further dedicated spaces on Rokko Mountain. The Senior School design includes a theatre and other facilities intended to support an academically ambitious curriculum.

NLCS Kobe offers a wide extra-curricular programme including sports, music, drama, art and technology for the junior school. The senior school programme expands opportunities with student-led societies across a broad range of disciplines and activities, and includes lectures that extend learning beyond the syllabus.

NLCS Kobe offers an academically oriented extracurricular programme that extends learning beyond the classroom. The senior school features student-created societies spanning a wide range of subjects, including English literature, Latin, linguistics, law, history, international relations, biology, chemistry, arts, dance, drama, architecture, maths, computer science, and more. These societies host debates, seminars, and presentations, with sessions run by students and frequent invitations of external speakers. A weekly Nicholson Lectures programme gives teachers and students the opportunity to present academic talks on topics beyond the syllabus, fostering scholarly curiosity.

Arts and creative pursuits are integrated into NLCS Kobe's extracurricular life. In the junior school, options include sports, music, drama, art, and technology, with opportunities to join a sports team, learn a musical instrument, participate in drama productions, and engage in visual arts and design activities. In the senior school, a broad slate of arts activities is supported through societies that cover arts, dance, and drama among other areas, and the programme includes performances and exhibitions connected to the wider arts calendar.

NLCS Kobe emphasizes culture and language through a robust, student-led extracurricular ecosystem. Societies cover languages and humanities topics, including English literature, Latin, linguistics, law, history, and international relations, and they often include cultural exchanges and events. The programme also includes cultural exchanges and service projects that connect pupils with broader communities. Japanese language and literature are an integral part of the curriculum, ensuring students engage with Japan's heritage while instruction remains in English.

Social and hobby groups form a key part of school life, with societies created and run by students and offering regular lunchtime sessions and activities. The extracurricular programme spans sports, arts, music, drama, and technology, providing opportunities for collaboration and leadership across age groups. Participation in clubs and societies helps pupils develop communication, teamwork, and time-management skills in a supportive environment.

Community and service activities are an integral part of NLCS Kobe's extracurricular offering. Pupils participate in service projects and cultural exchanges that connect them with the wider community and foster social responsibility. The senior programme explicitly includes community service as a core element, alongside other co-curricular opportunities for wider engagement. These activities are designed to build empathy, leadership, and a sense of global citizenship.

The school foregrounds leadership development through student-led activities. Societies are created and run by students, providing opportunities to organise sessions, invite speakers, and lead discussions. The senior programme also offers structured student leadership opportunities within tutor groups, the house system, and the PSHE framework, which together cultivate organisational and interpersonal skills.

Wellbeing is a central consideration at NLCS Kobe. The school emphasises happiness and health as core outcomes, supported by a caring and personalised approach to student welfare. A broad sports offering forms part of a balanced lifestyle, promoting physical fitness and healthy routines. The Rokko Mountain campus, opening in 2028, will include outdoor learning experiences and additional spaces for sport and wellbeing activities, enriching daily life for students.

English is the language of instruction for all lessons at NLCS Kobe. Japanese language and literature are an integral part of the curriculum, supporting language development and cultural heritage.

NLCS Kobe uses English as the language of instruction across the curriculum. All core lessons are taught in English within an immersive environment designed to support students’ English language development, confidence, and communication skills. Japanese lessons are taught in Japanese, reflecting the school’s strong emphasis on bilingual development.

PYP IB (in progress)

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.

1. Initial enquiry: Begin by contacting the NLCS Kobe Admissions team for an initial consultation. The team provides detailed information about the school, its curriculum, and the online application process. They can also advise on grade placement and the overall admissions timeline.

2. Application submission: Applications are submitted online via the OpenApply portal. It is recommended to use a device with a larger screen. The portal provides access to the Application Process, guidance on which grade is the right level for your child, the Application Checklist (so you know what documents you will need to submit), and the Admissions Assessment process.

3. Assessment: The Principal and Vice Principal are fully involved in the process and make the final decision. Assessments differ by age: for Grades 1–2, there is a review of documentation, a school readiness test, and an observation test in class (if possible). For Grades 3–6, the process includes a review of documentation, an English and mathematics test, a cognitive ability test (externally prepared and assessed), a subject test where possible, and a face-to-face interview.

4. Offers: After the admissions assessments are complete, you will be advised of the decision.

5. Enrolment: Upon acceptance of an offer, the Admissions team will contact you so that your child can be fully prepared for and enjoy a smooth transition into the NLCS Kobe school community.

6. Grade openings and timescale: NLCS Kobe opens in August 2025. Entry is available for Grades 1–6 for the 2025–2026 academic year (starting August 2025). The campus plans August 2026 for Grade 7, August 2027 for Grade 8, and August 2028 for later grades. Occasional places may be available in other year groups.

7. Fees overview (2025–26): For the 2025–26 academic year, first-year costs can include an application fee (approximately ¥35,000), an enrolment fee of ¥400,000, a tuition charge of ¥2,800,000, and a facility maintenance charge of ¥400,000; the total for the first year is about ¥3,635,000. Annual tuition for Grades 1–3 is about ¥3,200,000, and for Grades 4–6 about ¥3,300,000.

NLCS Kobe does not publish scholarships or bursaries on its admissions materials. The page describes the admissions process and does not include any scholarship section. The NLCS network, however, does offer bursaries and scholarships at other campuses (e.g., NLCS London), but there is no public information indicating NLCS Kobe has its own scholarship program.

NLCS Kobe does not publish a formal waitlist. The admissions page notes that Grades 1–6 entries are available for the 2025–2026 academic year and that occasional places may be available in other year groups; current availability is subject to openings and decisions.

Rokko Island 3-2-8 Koyochonaka, Higashinada-ku, Kobe City, Japan

Playgroup 1–2 years; Early Years 2–5 years; Primary Years 5–12 years; Secondary 12–18 years

International school; IB World School with multilingual instruction in English, German and Japanese; Cambridge International Programmes for Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary starting 2026/27; German Thüringer Curriculum for German-native students.

Small class sizes and personalized support, with optional one‑to‑one or small‑group support.

Germany

Playgroup runs Thursday mornings (1–2 years). Early Years and Primary Years run Monday–Friday, 8:30–15:30. A typical Primary day includes a 7:50 arrival, classes from 8:35, and activities up to 5:00 pm (late room, optional).

DSKI is a private, non-profit international school.

DSKI is an IB World School offering a curriculum that blends IB with Cambridge programmes. In the Early Years and Primary Years, students follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) with the Cambridge Primary Programme for mathematics and language. English is the main language of instruction, and all students learn German and Japanese, with Kokugo for native Japanese speakers and Japanese as a Foreign Language. From 2026/27, Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary Cambridge International Programmes lead to the IGCSE, taught in English with German and Japanese language study. In 2030/31, the Diploma Programme (IB DP) will be offered; English remains the language of instruction, German is taught as a higher-level foreign language, and Japanese may be offered at native speaker level; the IB Diploma Programme is recognised for university admissions, and Deutsches Sprachdiplom II supports German university pathways.

Small class sizes and personalized support are provided to help each child thrive.

The Diploma Programme (IB DP) will be offered from 2030/31 and the IB is recognised in most countries as a basis for university applications. The Deutsches Sprachdiplom II is available to support German university pathways, and the school plans to introduce Cambridge IGCSE programmes for broader higher education options.

Social-emotional learning is embedded across the school. In Early Years, play-based learning supports social-emotional growth, language development, and problem-solving skills. Playgroup activities develop social skills and confidence in English. The IB Primary Years Programme includes Personal, Social & Emotional Education as part of its Units of Inquiry.

Small class sizes and optional one-on-one or small-group support provide personalized learning. Saturday School offers inclusive learning opportunities for SEN students. Move to Learn is an inclusive program that welcomes children with special needs.

Three languages are used at DSKI: English, German and Japanese. In Primary Years, English, German and Japanese are used in the programme. In Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary, the language of instruction is English, and German and Japanese are learned as languages. All students learn German and Japanese either at native speaker level or as a foreign language.

Move to Learn is an inclusive program designed to promote physical and mental development. Early Years learning supports emotional growth, social skills, and language confidence. The environment nurtures the academic, emotional, social, physical and creative growth of children.

1. The inquiry introduces your interest and allows the school to share guidance on the admissions process. An initial inquiry helps staff understand your needs and plan a suitable visit. This first step starts the enrollment process. 2. Tell us about yourself: Submit the Pre-Admission Questionnaire to the school office. The form helps gather basic information ahead of your visit so staff can prepare a focused discussion about your child's needs and development. It marks the formal move toward the application process. 3. Visit us: For Families in Japan, a guided school tour is available by appointment; for FamiliesOutside Japan, the school can arrange a video or phone meeting. Tours provide a real sense of the school community and programs. 4. Submit an Application Form: After the initial visit or call, provide a completed Application Form and the three most recent report cards from your current school or kindergarten; translations are required if the reports are not in English, German, French, or Japanese; if recent report cards are not available, submit Confidential School Report Form (Primary School) or Recommendation Form (Early Years). 5. Attend a Trial Day: Entrance exams are not required. The school aims to meet each student, observe language skills and readiness, and confirm fit. For Families in Japan, children aged 2–5 join a trial from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and children aged 6 and above from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM; after the trial, a follow-up interview is arranged or the school contacts you with the result. For Families Outside Japan, admissions decisions may be based on report cards and confidential references. 6. Accept an Offer & Complete Registration: Accept the offer and complete registration; vaccination records (if not submitted at a trial) and a copy of the student's passport (photo page) should be provided. Download and complete the Registration Form, Declaration Form, Emergency contact / Pick up, Student Information Form, Student Health Form, and Physical Examination Form, then email or send them back to the school.

St. Michael's International School is located at 3 Chome-17-2 Nakayamatedori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0004, Japan. It sits on the edge of the Kitano residential area in central Kobe, described as a safe, family-friendly neighborhood with easy access to Sannomiya and Osaka. The surrounding area is multicultural, with places of worship and a range of shops and services within walking distance.

The school offers Early Years (Ages 3-5) and Primary, covering nursery and Year 1 through Year 6. The Early Years provision serves ages 3-5, and Primary covers the core year groups up to Year 6 (approximately age 11).

St. Michael's is a British international school operating on a co-educational, day-only model in the Anglican tradition. It is described as co-educational and Day, and its Anglican character is noted in official descriptions.

Preliminary data indicate around 19 nationalities are represented, with Japanese being the most common at about 50%, followed by dual nationals (around 21%), and other groups such as Indian and Chinese (around 18%) and rest of world (around 11%). Approximately 76% of students are local, with about 26% international students.

The school runs a Learning Enrichment Service (LES) implemented since 2010, using a three-wave model to monitor and support students' abilities. English Language Learners (ELL) provision is available as part of the enrichment framework.

The school identifies as a British international school, affiliated with the United Kingdom.

Anglican tradition.

The school day runs from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the office and school communications reflecting these hours. Lunch is offered on-site in three sittings; students may bring lunch or go home for lunch.

The school provides a bus service. Sign-up is first-come, first-served, with priority given to students who use the bus daily; there is no bus service for after-school activities. Bus safety rules include seat belts, orderly boarding and exiting, and staff monitoring. For those using public transport, discounted passes and timetable assistance are available.

The uniform is worn daily by all students. There are winter and summer uniforms to suit the Japanese climate.

Lunch can be brought from home (bento) or students may go home for lunch. Students who go home for lunch must be collected by a parent or authorized adult.

The school is governed by a Board of Trustees and a Council; all trustees and council members serve as volunteers and receive no compensation. The Anglican Diocese of Kobe loaned the land on which the school sits.

Early Years (ages 3-5) blend the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), with IEYC units starting with an Entry Point and ending with an Exit Point. From Year 1 to Year 6, Primary uses the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) with thematically linked units in Geography, Art, Science, History, Music and Technology, integrated with English and Mathematics. English instruction is based on the National Curriculum for England and Wales, with systematic phonics in the Early Years and a focus on reading and writing across genres. Mathematics follows the UK Primary Framework for Mathematics, with Milepost progressions mapping Years 1-2 to Milepost One, Years 3-4 to Milepost Two, and Years 5-6 to Milepost Three. The Japanese programme runs from Year 1 in two groups and continues through Year 6 with Kokugo where appropriate; a 1:1 Chromebook program supports learning from Year 1 to Year 6, AI is used to enhance teaching and administration, and assessment includes UK Early Years Learning Goals for Nursery/Reception and ISA external assessments for Years 4-6.

St. Michael's International School supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a structured student leadership framework and a values-based culture. The Student Leadership Council (SLC) comprises Year Four to Year Six pupils who are elected to represent peers, provide a forum for student voice, communicate student opinion to the school administration, and help develop the school's partnerships with other schools and UNICEF-inspired rights assemblies. SLC activities include advocating for rights in assemblies and fundraising, and modeling school values such as Respect, Compassion, Integrity, Tolerance, Honesty, Endeavour, and Responsibility. The school teaches these values to the whole community via Religious Education and assemblies to foster a cooperative, multicultural environment. Wellness and service initiatives, including Wellness Week and Compassion in Action, reinforce SEL by promoting movement, mindfulness, kindness, and empathy in daily life and school routines.

St. Michael's uses a Learning Enrichment Service (LES) since 2010 to monitor and track the abilities of all students and to provide three Waves of support. The LES is described as a school-wide framework for identifying needs and delivering extended or targeted assistance, though the site does not enumerate specific Special Educational Needs categories. The LES is presented as part of Learning Enrichment within a mainstream setting, not as a separate specialist SEN institution. The three waves provide graduated support, with universal strategies and targeted interventions as appropriate. The site does not publicly list the exact SEN types the school can address.

St. Michael's welcomes students who use languages other than English, and English is the medium of instruction. The English Language Learners (ELL) programme aims to develop students' Knowledge, Skills and Understanding of English and is integrated into the mainstream curriculum as far as possible. ELL support is a whole-school responsibility, with strategies to meet individual language needs developed across staff and the learning environment. The ELL programme is provided without charging a fee.

Wellbeing is embedded in school life, with Wellness Week dedicated to promoting physical, mental, and emotional health through movement, mindfulness, hydration, rest, and acts of kindness. The initiative is linked to Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, and includes a Step Up Challenge to raise mental health awareness and funds for TELL Japan. Wellbeing is described as woven into daily routines, curriculum, and relationships year-round, not confined to a single event. This approach supports calmer classrooms, confident learners, and compassionate global citizens.

The school maintains a Child Protection & Safeguarding policy based on the International Task Force on Child Protection (ITFCP) and the Japan Council for International Schools (JCIS). The policy identifies four abuse types—Physical, Emotional, Sexual, and Neglect—and requires staff to report incidences or suspicions to the Designated Safety Officer Lead (DSOL) or Head within 24 hours. A designated Child Protection Team coordinates safeguarding, with possible involvement of an external multidisciplinary team when necessary, and staff follow a professional code of conduct with annual safeguarding training. Safer recruitment practices include references, identity verification, qualification checks, and police background checks. The policy is distributed to parents annually and reviewed yearly.

St. Michael's International School is located in Kobe, Japan, and is a British international school teaching in English (with a structured British-style curriculum delivered by native English-speaking teachers). The school publishes a clear set of fees and payment policies and notes that fees may be revised by the school. The site also indicates annual tuition/fee-related information is structured around a not-for-profit model with a range of charges beyond tuition (see details below). Fees are stated in Japanese yen and the school can be contacted for current amounts and invoicing. The school's admissions process is described separately for families residing in Japan and for families residing overseas, with a single admissions contact point and a multi-step submission/assessment pathway. The admissions page confirms that the academic year runs from August to June and operates three terms, with a focus on international-mindedness and a British-style curriculum. The page also notes that the school accepts online applications and provides details for online information sessions and tours.

Fees (summary of fees as published):
- Tuition: Tuition Fees are paid per student and are charged in two installments each year, in July and January. If a child joins mid-year (e.g., January or April), tuition is charged from the month of entry; other fees remain payable in full. A 15% sibling discount on tuition is offered to families with multiple children. The exact tuition amount is not shown on the page, and current figures are provided on invoice from the admissions office.
- Maintenance Fee: Paid annually for all students, non-refundable, not pro-rated, and due in August.
- Insurance: Annual per-child insurance covering death, hospitalization, and outpatient costs; non-refundable.
- PTA Fee: Annual per-family fee, non-refundable.
- Technology Fee: One-time fee for Year One and new students in Years Two to Six; non-refundable.
- English Language Support (Immersion English Programme): Available for Year 5 & 6 students joining from overseas with limited English; details and fees are provided on inquiry.
- Other costs and optional items: Library bag and school cap are charged with other school fees; after-school activities are optional; school lunch, bus, and in-house photos are optional. Replacement bags and caps carry extra costs.
- Payment terms and penalties: A late payment penalty of ¥30,000 applies if payments are received 15 days after the due date; accounts unpaid after 60 days may be suspended; reinstatement requires an extra payment of ¥50,000 plus full remaining year's fees. The annual tuition/fee policy also states all fees must be paid in full and that late withdrawal and non-payment can affect enrollment/records.
- Where fees are paid from Japan or overseas: Bank transfer details are provided for both domestic and overseas payments, and the school notes that the payer is responsible for any bank charges.

Admissions Process (Step-by-step, two pathways):
A) For families residing in Japan
1. Step 1 – Online application and fee payment: Submit the online application form and upload required documents (child photo, birth ID, and school reports if applicable). The Application Fee must be paid at the time of application by bank transfer; the application is non-refundable and is not reviewed until the school confirms receipt. The school asks for disclosure of any learning, medical, or behavioral issues at this time and to email related documents if applicable.
2. Step 2 – Confidential Recommendation from current school: The school will contact the child's current/previous school to obtain a Confidential Recommendation Form and conduct a background check. When all documents are received and the report is satisfactory, you will be invited to the next stage; places are subject to availability. If places are unavailable, your family will be placed in a waiting pool and informed of this status.
3. Step 3 – Interview and assessment: You and your child are invited to visit for an interview and initial assessment; a trial day may be arranged to clarify suitability. Additional testing/interview with a Learning Enrichment Programme Coordinator may be scheduled if required.
4. Step 4 – Notification and securing a place: Expect a decision within about two weeks via the email address provided in the application. If accepted, you will receive an Acceptance of Place Form and a school-fees invoice; to secure the place, you must submit the form and pay the fee invoice as specified. If oversubscribed, you may be placed in the waiting pool, and you will be contacted when a space opens.

B) For families residing overseas
1. Step 1 – Online application and overseas documentation: Complete the online application and upload required documents (child photo, birth ID, school reports). The Application Fee must be paid at application time by bank transfer; overseas transfer fees may apply (about ¥4,000). The school asks for open disclosure of learning/medical/behavioral issues and to email any relevant documents.
2. Step 2 – Confidential Recommendation from current school: The school will contact the child's previous/current school for a Confidential Recommendation Form and a background check. If reports are satisfactory and spaces are available, you will be invited to the next step; if not, you'll be placed in the Waiting Pool and informed of the status.
3. Step 3 – Overseas provisional acceptance: The school issues an Overseas Provisional Acceptance, plus an invoice for the Registration Fee and an Acceptance of Provisional Place Form. To secure a place, you must complete the form and pay the Registration Fee prior to the interview and assessment; the Registration Fee is normally non-refundable. If the year group is oversubscribed, applicants will be placed in the waiting pool.
4. Step 4 – Assessment & interview in Kobe: The interview and assessment occur on arrival in Kobe to formalise acceptance. You may join the class on an agreed date with the Head of School; you'll be invoiced for all outstanding school fees after a successful assessment. If the child is not accepted, the Registration Fee is refunded; however, if information was knowingly withheld at Step 1, the refund may not take place.

Waitlist/Pool (oversubscription and placement):
- The school uses a waiting pool when a year group is oversubscribed. Placement in the pool occurs after the interview/assessment process if there are no available places at that time. The pool's capacity to admit wait-pooled students varies from year to year, and families will be contacted when openings occur. This wait pool mechanism is described in both the in-Japan and overseas application procedures.

Scholarships and financial assistance overview:
- The published live site does not list a formal scholarship program with eligibility criteria or application steps beyond the standard tuition and fee structure. The school does publish a 15% tuition sibling discount, which applies to tuition fees (not to all other fees). For families seeking financial assistance beyond the sibling discount, inquiries are usually directed to the Admissions Office for guidance on potential options or humanitarian/Donor-funded funds, as referenced in related school materials (not published as a standard, clearly defined scholarship program on the live site). The presence of a scholarship-focused fund or donor-supported scholarship program is mentioned in development and alumni materials outside the live admissions pages, but it is not published as a formal, on-page scholarship offering with clear criteria on the live site. Families seeking financial aid should contact the Admissions Office to discuss current options and eligibility.

The live site does not publish a formal scholarship program with explicit criteria or application steps. A 15% tuition discount is available for siblings. References to a Miss Lea Scholarship Fund or donor-supported scholarships appear in development or alumni materials outside the live admissions pages, but there is no published, page-level detail on a current scholarship program with criteria on the live site. For families seeking financial assistance beyond the sibling discount, contact Admissions for guidance on current options.

Yes. The school uses a wait pool for oversubscribed year groups. Wait-pooled applicants are admitted only as spaces become available, and capacity to admit wait-pooled students varies from year to year. This wait-pool process is noted in both the in-country and overseas admissions procedures. If you are placed in the wait pool, you will be informed when an opening becomes available.

Ascot International School Japan is in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, with the campus at 1-11-2 Kanokodai Minamimachi, Kita-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo 651-1514, Japan. The nearest rail access is Dojo-Minamiguchi Station, about a 15-minute walk from the campus. The site sits on Kanokodai in a green, semi-rural area and includes woodland on campus, offering a natural learning environment. Bus services connect key areas such as Sannomiya, Rokko Island, Sumiyoshi, Hankyu Mikage, Takurazuka, and Sanda.

Ascot International School Japan offers Early Years, Primary (Key Stage 1 & 2), Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3) and Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5) within a Cambridge International framework. The curriculum provides a clear pathway through IGCSE and A-levels, with transition planning from Early Years through to Upper Secondary. The Cambridge alignment has been in place since May 2022.

AISJ operates as a private international school on a day-cum-boarding model, with on-site boarding options available for secondary students in separate Boys' and Girls' dormitories located within walking distance of the school. The day school follows a Cambridge/English-national framework for its curriculum and assessment. Boarding facilities are offered specifically for certain year groups in the secondary program.

The student body represents more than 15 cultures; the school notes a diverse, intercultural community supported by staff from six continents. Specific counts of nationalities or the local-to-international student ratio are not published.

No formal SEN policy is published on the AISJ site. The school integrates Japanese language learning alongside its Cambridge English-language curriculum, and staff are described as bilingual, which supports language learners and bilingual students. Specific SEN provisions or facilities are not publicly detailed.

No formal country affiliation is published; AISJ presents itself as an international Cambridge International School serving families in Kobe.

No religious affiliation is published or stated by the school.

The school opens at 8:30 a.m. Monday–Friday. Teaching runs from 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with extended care available from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. School lunch options are available, with students bringing lunch or choosing a school-provided option.

AISJ operates bus services serving areas including Sannomiya, Rokko Island, Sumiyoshi, Hankyu Mikage, Takurazuka, and Sanda, providing transport for students as part of its campus services. The bus network is a stated part of the school's offering to support families.

Boarding is provided for secondary students through separate boys' and girls' dormitories, located within walking distance of the school. The dormitories indicate on-site housing for boarders. The exact boarding model (full, weekly, or flexi) and specifics on meals or dormitory supervision are not published. This arrangement supports students who live on campus during term time.

Nursery students do not wear a school uniform. From Kindergarten onwards, students wear the school uniform daily. The uniform is described as comfortable, attractive, and easy to maintain.

School lunch is available from the school kitchen, and students may either bring lunch or order the daily lunch. Lunch is supervised by staff while on campus. Dietary options are not specified on the page.

The Kobe campus operates within the Ascot International School network, with a sister campus in Bangkok. The school is Cambridge International School and WASC accredited. Ownership or formal governance details are not published.

Ascot International School Japan follows the Cambridge International Curriculum, aligned with the English National Curriculum, and is a Cambridge International School and testing center. Early Years (nursery through Year 1) use the Cambridge Early Years Foundation Stage, with child-centered, play-based learning that develops social-emotional skills and early literacy through unit-based activities. Primary (Key Stage 1 and 2) provides a broad subject-based curriculum including English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Design and Technology, Art, Music, Physical Education, ICT, and a second language, building on Early Years and linked to the English National Curriculum. Upper Secondary, or Key Stage 4, offers IGCSE with core subjects of English, Mathematics, and Science and elective options such as Psychology, Business Studies and Art and Design, with examinations typically at the end of Year 11. Key Stage 5 offers A level courses and the Cambridge AICE Diploma to support progression to higher education. In addition to Cambridge study, Ascot runs a Nature and SDG focused supplemental curriculum on a campus of about 5 acres with 4 acres of woodland and is accredited by WASC, with small class sizes.

AISJ emphasizes student wellbeing as a core consideration, though a formal SEL program is not named in public materials. The staff page states that administration and support staff place the wellbeing and education of students at the center of their efforts. There are social development opportunities through after-school clubs such as AFA Soccer, Badminton, Basketball, Gaming Club, and Homework Club. AISJ maintains small class sizes (no more than 15 students per classroom), which supports individual attention and peer interaction.

A named SEN provision exists, with Claire Pontvienne listed as Special Needs on AISJ's Our Staff page. An EAL provision exists, with Wakako Tameoka listed as Secondary Japanese EAL. The curriculum includes a bilingual approach, with Japanese language integrated alongside English to foster dual language learners. The site does not publicly disclose the kinds of SEN it can support or whether AISJ is a specialist SEN institution.

There is EAL provision with Wakako Tameoka (Secondary Japanese EAL) listed on the Our Staff page. All staff are native English speakers and many are bilingual, according to AISJ's staff description. The Japanese language program is integrated with the international English curriculum to foster dual language learners. The school offers Japanese Early Years, Primary and Secondary curriculum in tandem with English, supporting dual language learning.

AISJ states that the wellbeing of students is central to the efforts of staff. There is an on-site Nurse Station in the Early Years building, reflecting health support on campus. Social and extracurricular activities, including after-school clubs, provide social engagement that can support emotional wellbeing. Public materials do not describe a separate mental health programme or counsellor role.

The Safety and Security page documents campus safety measures including controlled access, fencing, CCTV with facial recognition, and 24/7 Secom security. Visitors sign in and wear badges; end-of-day dismissal is by Class Teachers to parents or designated caretakers. The campus is described as earthquake-safe and well-ventilated. Public information on safeguarding and child protection policies is not publicly disclosed on AISJ's site.

1. Inquiry. An admission inquiry can be made at any time. You can reach out by email or phone to request admission information, and the school will provide the relevant details for your family. You may be asked for basic information about your child to help tailor the information you'll receive.

2. Admission Period. Admissions are possible throughout the year, space permitting. The most popular entry times are late August (predominantly international students) and early April (predominantly Japanese students). Space availability can vary by grade and year, so early contact is advised.

3. Book a tour or Open House. You may attend an Open House or arrange a school visit by email or phone. The visit typically includes a Head of School meeting, a guided tour, and opportunities to interact with teaching staff. During this visit, you can ask questions about curriculum, facilities, and student life, and you may also arrange a Trial Day for your child.

4. Application. Applications are submitted in person after completing the necessary forms and paying the application fee. The school will then arrange an interview with the Headmaster, which can be conducted in person or online. The one-time application fee is ¥22,000 and the one-time enrollment fee is ¥165,000. There are annual charges including Building and Development ¥110,000 and Technology ¥11,000, and the annual tuition starts at ¥1,030,000, with the first-year total at ¥1,338,000.

5. Interview with the Headmaster. The interview helps clarify how well the child's needs align with the school's offerings, and it can involve both the family and the child. Interviews can be conducted on site or online if needed. Staff may participate to discuss English proficiency, learning support needs, and overall fit with Ascot's program.

6. Acceptance. Admission decisions are communicated in a timely manner, along with additional forms for acceptance. Once the offer is accepted, families receive further instructions about enrollment steps and timelines.

7. First Day of School. The school will welcome the child on the agreed start date and place them in the appropriate class. Families will receive information about uniforms and other materials, which can be purchased at the school if desired. A smooth transition plan is provided to help new students settle in.

The school does not publish a formal waitlist or pool system. Admissions are offered on a rolling basis, space permitting. If a grade is temporarily full, spaces may open later depending on availability, but there is no published waitlist policy or capacity for a formal waitlist pool on Ascot's pages.