Company Showcase: Rugby School Japan

Opened in September 2023, Rugby School Japan (RSJ), is located in Kashiwanoha, a hub of education, innovation, and entrepreneurship just 30 minutes from central Tokyo. As the second international school established by the prestigious Rugby School group, RSJ offers a co-educational, day and boarding experience for pupils aged 11-18 years, combining the excellence of a British education with the unique benefits of being in Japan. 

Leadership and Ethos 

The Founding Principal, Tony Darby, brings 14 years of experience from Rugby School in the UK, having served as a Housemaster and Head of Economics. Central to the school’s ethos is the Rugby Learner Profile, promoting enquiry, communication, global-mindedness, versatility, reflection, and resilience. With the motto 'The Whole Person, The Whole Point', RSJ nurtures students to be kind, inclusive, courageous, and curious. 

Academic Excellence 

RSJ is academically selective, welcoming students from all over the world. The curriculum follows the British education system, preparing pupils for IGCSE and A-levels, with English as the medium of instruction. As an Apple School, students use iPads until Year 10 and laptops from Years 11-13. The first IGCSE results will be published in August 2024, and the first A-level results in August 2025. The University Counselling team supports students through their University application process. 

Accreditation and Faculty 

RSJ is completing accreditation with COBIS and FOBISIA and is a member of BSA and ABSA. It is accredited by Cambridge, AQA, AQA Oxford, and Pearson Edexcel Examination Boards. The faculty includes nearly 40 highly qualified teachers, mainly from the UK, alongside native speakers from Japan and France. 

School Structure 

The school is divided into three sections: Lower Years (Years 7-9), Middle Years - IGCSE (Years 10-11), and Sixth Form - A-levels (Years 12-13), following the British curriculum. 

Campus and Boarding Facilities 

The 10-acre campus features 12 science labs, a music faculty, dance studio, black box theatre, design studios, library, indoor swimming pool, sports hall, tennis courts, and football/rugby pitches. RSJ opened with two boarding houses, with four more to open by September 2025. About 55% of students are boarders, cared for by residential staff who also teach. 

Pastoral Care and Co-Curricular Programme 

Every pupil and teacher belongs to a House, fostering school spirit and leadership. RSJ offers over 55 co-curricular activities, organised into themes: personal and academic enrichment, sport, arts, leadership, and competition. The school collaborates with local entrepreneurs and universities, enhancing the student experience. 

Discover more at rugby school japan.ed.jp, email admissions@rugbyschooljapan.ed.jp, or call +81 (0) 471 68 0536.