#Japan #Rugby School Japan #Clarence Education Asia #British Boarding School #Kashiwanoha

Rugby School Japan Achieves Major Milestone

Rugby School Japan (RSJ), part of the historic Rugby School Group, proudly announces that it has welcomed 300 pupils in its third academic year. Established in 2023, RSJ stands as Greater Tokyo's inaugural British boarding school, located in Kashiwanoha Campus City, not far from the heart of Tokyo. This milestone reflects the school's commitment to excellence in education, attracting students from over 30 nationalities, with approximately 55% residing on campus.

The school operates with a team of 97 educators and staff hailing from the UK, Japan, and various parts of the international education sector. Notably, the first cohort of RSJ graduates has already secured spots at leading universities around the globe, including University College London, King’s College London, and Waseda University. Looking to the future, RSJ has ambitious plans to grow its student body to 500 by 2027 and to reach full capacity of 780 students within five years. Additionally, the school is in the process of establishing a new Enrichment Campus in Kyowa, nestled in the beautiful Niseko Mountains of Hokkaido, designed to enhance the learning experience in an idyllic natural setting.

As Rugby School’s second international school in its 450-year history, RSJ embodies a unique partnership that bridges British educational traditions with innovative practices tailored to the Japanese setting. The school’s curriculum aligns with the IGCSE and A Levels, complemented by more than 100 extracurricular activities that emphasize the holistic development of students in academics, the arts, sports, and community service.

A Comprehensive Educational Model

RSJ is part of a continuous educational pathway established by Clarence Education Asia (CEA), which also includes the Clarence International School for younger children and Phoenix House International School. This model provides a seamless educational experience from 18 months to 18 years, ensuring a smooth transition through developmental stages.

A distinctive “RSJ culture” has started to flourish among the diverse student body, merging British traditions with local customs and fostering an inclusive atmosphere. The school features a house system comprising six houses—School House, Rupert Brooke, Tudor, Sheriff, Southfield, and Town—rooted in Rugby's UK traditions, promoting camaraderie, independence, and a sense of belonging among students.

Advanced Educational Opportunities

Situated within a vibrant academic district that is home to Chiba University and in proximity to the University of Tokyo, RSJ engages in collaborations that blend academic excellence, sustainability, and innovative learning approaches. A particularly exciting development is the upcoming special program allowing RSJ students to engage in research and practical experiments at university-affiliated laboratories—an opportunity set to spark curiosity and deepen their commitment to their studies.

Future plans for an Enrichment Campus in Hokkaido will focus on experiential learning through themes of nature, adventure, and character building, reflecting the school's dedication to lifelong personal development. This campus will embody the ethos of rugby education, promoting authentic growth in students' lives.

Perspectives from Leadership

Neil Hampton, CEO of the Rugby School Group, expressed pride in the school's achievements, highlighting RSJ’s embodiment of core values that merge academic excellence with character development and community engagement. According to Fei-Fei Hu, President of RSJ, the rapid rise to 300 students within just three years illustrates a growing demand from families for educational experiences that harmonize tradition and progress, emphasizing a community-centric approach to learning. Kan Suzuki, former State Minister of Education, also acknowledged RSJ’s role in diversifying international education in Japan, emphasizing the potential for mutual enrichment between British and Japanese educational practices.

As Rugby School Japan continues to grow and evolve, it remains rooted in its founding mission—bridging cultures and generations through a commitment to exceptional, comprehensive education.

For more information, visit Rugby School Japan.