Prior to this, BST operated two campuses: one in Shibuya and the other—known as the Showa Campus—within the grounds of Showa Women’s University in Setagaya. The school offers a full British-style education through its Primary School (Year 1-6 / 3-11 Years Old) and Secondary School (Year 7-13 / 11-18 Years Old).

Established in 1989, BST currently educates over 1,300 students from more than 60 nationalities, supported by a team of over 200 staff members. The school has consistently been rated “Excellent” across all categories by the UK’s Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), a reflection of its commitment to delivering a high-quality, well-rounded education.

As a British international school officially recognized in the United Kingdom, BST is highly regarded for providing a stable and rigorous academic foundation. Its curriculum is designed to support diverse student pathways—whether continuing studies in the UK, transferring to other international schools, or progressing to top-tier universities worldwide.

The British School in Tokyo (BST) is entering an exciting new chapter, advancing toward a future that redefines the student learning experience.

At the heart of BST’s mission is a commitment to nurturing each student’s individual potential. The school fosters curiosity, ambition, and personal growth—not only in academic pursuits but also in developing socially responsible and globally minded citizens. Students are guided to understand that with rights come responsibilities, both as individuals and as members of society.

The British School in Tokyo places strong emphasis on active citizenship, encouraging students to engage with the world around them and to take initiative in their communities. With over 34 years of history and tradition, the school is uniquely positioned to blend the richness of its heritage with forward-thinking education. This allows BST to offer a truly innovative and creative learning environment at the heart of Tokyo—one that bridges the legacy of the past with the promise of the future.

BST’s guiding values include:

◉ We (BST) strive to achieve our personal best.
◉ We (BST) are honest and show kindness, compassion and respect for others.
◉ We (BST) are curious, creative and innovative in our thinking.
◉ We (BST) embrace diversity and celebrate individuality.
◉ We (BST) are internationally minded and culturally aware.
◉ We (BST) have a sense of social and environmental responsibility.

The British School in Tokyo (BST) is the only international school selected to be part of the prestigious Azabudai Hills redevelopment project, led by the Azabudai District Urban Redevelopment Association. Located in the heart of Tokyo, the new campus is surrounded by approximately 24,000m² of greenery, offering a rare oasis of nature in the city center. Direct underground pedestrian access from Roppongi-itchome and Kamiyacho stations provides excellent connectivity. As part of this large-scale, multi-generational development—the largest of its kind in Tokyo—the school is integrated into a compact city model that includes offices, residences, hotels, commercial facilities, and cultural institutions.

The BST Secondary School continues to operate on the campus of Showa Women’s University in Sangenjaya, a fast-growing academic hub. The new Primary School campus at Azabudai Hills is located within easy reach of this existing site.

In the words of BST Principal, Mr. Paul Tough:

"The opening of BST's new Primary School campus in central Tokyo with such incredible facilities is a momentous occasion. It confirms BST's place as a leading British international school not only in Japan but also in Asia. The new campus will enable BST to support every student to face the world confidently and successfully by providing enviable learning opportunities and state-of-the-art communal facilities. Truly supporting the school's vision to "nurture each student's unique potential and strive to help them create a strong sense of self, built around purpose and passion."

Designed by world-renowned British architect Thomas Heatherwick, the campus spans seven above-ground floors and one basement level, including a rooftop garden. The facility features:

☑ Sports Pitch
☑ Gymnasium
☑ Upper School Library
☑ Language Classroom
☑ Junior Library
☑ Roof Garden
☑ Music Rooms
☑ Digital Technology Studio
☑ Art and Design Studio
☑ Auditorium
☑ Reception
☑ Swimming Pool
☑ Central Park

These world-class facilities support BST’s holistic educational approach, fostering well-rounded development across academics, creativity, and physical education. It is exceptionally rare—even on a global scale—for a school in a major city like Tokyo to offer such comprehensive amenities.

As of September 2023, the opening of the BST Azabudai Hills Campus has marked a significant milestone for the British School in Tokyo. For the first time, the entire Primary School—previously divided between the Shibuya and Showa campuses—is now unified, providing a cohesive learning environment for students from Nursery to Year 6 (3-11 Years Old).

※ Please note: The campuses are organized by age. Children aged 3-11 attend the BST Azabudai Hills Campus, while students aged 12 and above continue their studies at the BST Showa Campus in Setagaya Ward.

The BST Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) incorporates both Nursery and Reception classes. This stage of schooling promotes young children's social, emotional, academic and physical development.

・Personal, Social and Emotional Development
・Communication and Language
・English
・Mathematics
・Physical Development
・Understanding the World
・Expressive arts and design

① Key Stage 1 (Year 1-2 / 5-6 Years Old)
② Key Stage 2 (Year 3-6 / 7-10 Years Old)

BST provides a broad and balanced skill based curriculum, which has its foundations in the English National Curriculum but extends well beyond its boundaries.

・English
・Maths
・Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)
・Science
・Computing
・History
・Geography
・Art
・Design Technology (DT)
・Religious Education (RE)
・Music
・Physical Education
・Modern Foreign Languages – Japanese from Nursery and French from Year 4

① Key Stage 3 (Year 7-9 / 5-6 Years Old)
② Key Stage 4 (Year 10-11 / 7-10 Years Old)

Key Stage 3 is designed to give students depth and breadth in their studies. It is also carefully crafted to allow students to explore ideas across subject areas, develop interests and pursue passions.

Key Stage 4 begins the students' GCSE journey. The (I)GCSE qualifications include external exams set and marked by independent, internationally-recognised bodies and are taken at the end of Year 11.

Core subjects include:

・English Language and Literature
・Mathematics
・Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
・A Modern Foreign Language (French, Japanese, Mandarin, or Spanish)
・Core PE
・Learning for Life and Work
・Students also select three additional subjects from:
・Art
・Business
・Computer Science
・Drama
・Economics
・French
・Geography
・History
・Music
・Physical Education
・Spanish

From August 2025, BST started delivering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) to students in Years 12 and 13. A full enrichment programme is offered and this provides an opportunity to develop personalities, leadership skills, community spirit and self-confidence. There are abundant opportunities to participate and compete in Music, Drama, Sport, Service and other activities.

To be awarded the full IB Diploma, in addition to completion of the IB Core, students must take at least one subject from the following:

・Language and Literature
・Language acquisition
・Individuals and Societies
・Sciences
・Mathematics
・The Arts

Starting from August 2024, BST also introduced BTEC Level 3 in Enterprise and Sport. These courses have been selected to complement BST existing A-Level offerings, providing a robust and varied curriculum that caters to the diverse interests and career aspirations of BST students.