Our Story
Since its opening in 1989, The British School in Tokyo has continually grown and flourished, with a commitment to excellence – delivering British international education founded in the English National Curriculum and embracing all its Japanese setting and international community provides.
Throughout the school’s history, families have been attracted to BST by its outstanding reputation for academic excellence, strong support for students, high-quality teaching and learning and, of course, its central city location.
Over the years, BST has grown, and new facilities have been opened thanks to the strong support and partnership with Shibuya Kyoiku Gakuen (SKG) and Showa Women's University (SWU). Firstly, within Shibuya itself, and by 2006 in at SWU in Sangenjaya.
|
1989 |
Inaugural Primary School (also known as Elementary School) Shibuya campus opened in central Tokyo. |
Opened by the then UK Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. |
|
1993 |
BST had grown to over 200. |
Teaching children from ages 3 to 10. (Nursery/Kindergarten through to Primary/Elementary School) |
|
1998 |
BST relocated to a larger Shibuya campus. |
Providing a stimulating environment for over 300 children aged 3 to 11. |
|
2000 |
Opened a Second Shibuya campus. |
Accommodating students aged 13 and above from across the globe. |
|
2006 |
Opened its facility on the Showa Women’s University campus. |
Establishing a growing reputation for academic excellence, care for individual student needs and a happy, international environment. |
|
2006-2010 |
Upper Primary Years relocated to the Showa campus at Sangenjaya. |
Allowing expansion to 4 classes in each year group on the Shibuya campus. |
|
2006-2010 |
Introduced new year groups at the top of the Secondary School (also known as Middle & High School). | BST now teaches students from ages 3 to 16 years old. |
|
2010-2011 |
Introduction of the Senior School (Year 12 and Year 13) and an A-Level Programme. | BST now teaches students from ages 3 to 18 years old. |
|
2012 |
The first students graduated from Year 13. |
Students moved on to some of the most prestigious universities around the world. |
|
2019 |
Launched a new central Tokyo Primary School campus project. | In partnership with the Mori Building Corporation, BST confirmed planning for a new Primary Campus in Toranomon Azabudai.* |
|
2022 |
Opened Senior School Study Centre for Year 12 and Year 13 students. | Provided independent study spaces, group learning areas, meeting and collaboration rooms to senior students. |
|
2023 |
The new Primary School campus opened.* | The enviable facilities support the very best British style international education. |
|
2025 |
Launched the refurbished Secondary School. | Provided an even smarter, brighter, and more inspiring environment for learning. |
BST has developed a reputation as a leading international school in Japan and Asia and is moving forward in new and exciting directions to provide its students with transformative learning experiences. As an academically high-achieving school, BST ensures students develop their talents and interests and have exposure to many opportunities throughout their time at the school. The school is committed to providing a holistic experience for the students and ensuring they grow up forming strong values and a commitment to their and other success.
The School’s mission is to nurture each student’s unique potential and strive to help them create a strong sense of self-built around purpose and passion. While the School aims to nurture students with the following values:
- We strive to achieve our personal best.
- We are honest and show kindness, compassion and respect for others.
- We are curious, creative and innovative in our thinking.
- We embrace diversity and celebrate individuality.
- We are internationally minded and culturally aware.
- We have a sense of social and environmental responsibility.