The British School in Tokyo (BST) - Showa Campus

Opened in 2006, the British School in Tokyo (BST) – Showa Campus is located within the spacious and well-equipped grounds of Showa Women’s University in Setagaya—only 2 train stops from Shibuya. It serves as the home of BST’s Secondary School, accommodating students from Year 7-13 (12-18 Years Old).

History

17 years after the first campus of The British School in Tokyo (BTS) was founded in 1989 in Shibuya, BST partnered with Showa Women’s University to open a second campus in 2006 within the university's spacious and well-equipped grounds in Setagaya Ward—only 2 train stops from world famous Shibuya. This location became known as the BST Showa Campus and currently serves more than 500 students from Year 7-13 (12-18 Years Old).

As a UK-recognized British international school, 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.

Before September 2023, The British School in Tokyo (BTS) operated two main campuses in central Tokyo: the Shibuya Campus and the Showa Campus. With the opening of the new BST Azabudai Hills Campus, the original Shibuya Campus—long a symbol of the school’s early milestones and dedication to international education—was transitioned into the new Azabudai location, while the Showa Campus continues to thrive as the home of BST’s Secondary School.

Cluture

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.

Facilities

The British School in Tokyo (BTS) - Showa Campus is located within the grounds of Showa Women’s University in Sangenjaya, Setagaya Ward. Being part of a well-established university environment, the campus offers excellent academic facilities and a peaceful, green setting. Students benefit from access to shared university resources and a thoughtfully designed school campus that supports BST’s distinctive curriculum.

In August 2022, the school opened a new Senior School Study Centre for students of Year 12-13 (17-18 Years Old). This facility includes quiet study areas, group workspaces, a conference room for student leadership meetings, a Higher Education counselling room, and additional support spaces staffed by the Senior School team.

Additional facilities include:

☑ South Ground
☑ Leo Ground
☑ Koi Pond
☑ Green Hall
☑ Hitomi Hall
☑ Canteen
☑ The Boulevard
☑ Global Lounge
☑ Old Gym
☑ Reception
☑ School Building
☑ Senior School Study Centre
☑ Astro Athletic Field
☑ Main Gate
☑ Exam Rooms
☑ Swimming Pool
☑ New Gym

Together, these spaces support a well-rounded educational experience, combining strong academics, physical education, and student well-being within a calm and supportive environment.

Education

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.

1. Early Years Foundation Stage (3-4 Years Old) - Azabudai Hills Campus

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

2. Primary School (5-11 Years Old) - Azabudai Hills Campus

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

3. Secondary School (Year 7-11 / 11-16 Years Old) - Showa Campus

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

4. Secondary School (Year 12-13 / 16-18 Years Old) - Showa Campus

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.

Access

Transportation:
Sangenjyaya Sta. (7 min)

Area Guide

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