#Japan #Tokyo #Aoba International #Emmanuel Barthalomew #Michael Dunleavy

Aoba Japan International School Group: Strengthening Leadership for Educational Excellence

The Aoba Japan International School Group, based in Nerima, Tokyo, has announced the enhancement of its leadership structure starting from the new academic year in August 2026. This initiative aims to elevate educational quality, particularly focusing on the evolution of the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge International Curriculum. To achieve this, the group has welcomed two experienced professionals to its leadership team.

New Appointments to Leadership Team

Michael Dunleavy has been appointed as the new Head of School at Musashi International School Tokyo (MIST), while Emmanuel Barthalomew will assume the newly created role of Director of School Improvement. Together, they bring extensive knowledge and proven track records in international education, promising to enhance the consistency of educational quality from elementary through high school and establish strong pathways to university.

Objectives of the New Structure: Deepening Two Global Standard Curricula

This restructuring focuses on instilling best practices of the two globally recognized curricula—the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge International—at each educational stage. Emphasis will be placed on ensuring academic rigor in middle and high school, and improving connections to top universities both domestically and abroad. The group aims to leverage the unique governance and agility that a corporate-operated school can offer while innovatively enhancing educational quality.

Profiles and Roles of the New Leaders

Emmanuel Barthalomew - Director of School Improvement

Emmanuel Barthalomew brings over 17 years of experience in international education, demonstrating leadership in teaching and learning, curriculum development, assessment, and school improvement. Previously, he served as School Improvement Director at Hangzhou Dipont School of Arts and Science / King’s College International School. His track record includes guiding over 200 students to prestigious universities such as Oxford and Cambridge and improving IB Diploma Program scores significantly. Currently, he is in the final stages of obtaining his PhD in education from University College London, focusing on professional learning, teacher well-being, and sustainable school improvement.

Barthalomew expresses his enthusiasm, stating, "I'm thrilled to collaborate with all the teaching staff at Aoba. As a parent, I understand that parents seek not only academic excellence but also a supportive environment where each child is understood and nurtured to grow steadily toward their future."

Michael Dunleavy - Head of School at Musashi International School Tokyo (MIST)

With over 25 years of experience in international education, Michael Dunleavy has held leadership positions in eight schools across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. He has a remarkable ability to improve school culture and academic success, evidenced by a substantial increase in enrollment during his tenure in a previous school. Dunleavy is a Cambridge program expert with a wealth of experience from primary to A-level and is committed to creating a strong culture of trust, high expectations, and continuous improvement.

He states, "My aim is to establish a school culture where every student is understood and appropriately challenged, inspiring them to reach heights they didn't believe possible. At Aoba, I want to contribute to developing innovative learning experiences that cultivate compassionate, adaptable, and globally minded citizens."

Future Plans: Accelerating Student Growth and Supporting Future Aspirations

The Aoba Japan International School Group is poised to expand its educational offerings, as evidenced by its plans for the 2027 opening of A-JIS Kanazawa and the registration of MIST’s Cambridge Early Years Centre. Through this new leadership structure, the group intends to continuously enhance the quality of education and learning, accelerating each student's growth and ensuring they are well-supported in pursuing their chosen paths in life.

About Aoba Japan International School (A-JIS)

Aoba Japan International School, operated by Aoba International Educational Systems, a subsidiary of Aoba-BBT, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1976. Catering to students from early childhood to 12th grade, the school provides a co-educational environment without any specific religious affiliation. All classes, except for Japanese language classes, are conducted in English. The school actively participates in the IB curriculum, complemented by a robust English support program. Aoba prepares students for university admissions worldwide, following North American and international standards across its educational offerings.

Aoba is accredited by organizations such as the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), and is recognized as an IB World School, offering IB education at all levels. For more information, visit Aoba Japan.

Conclusion

The Aoba Japan International School Group's commitment to enhancing educational quality through strategic leadership appointments marks a significant step in providing a nurturing and academically robust environment. The group's forward-thinking initiatives seek to build a brighter future for every student within their community.