BST - A candidate school for IBDP for Years 12 and 13

The British School in Tokyo (BST) aims to transition from the A Level curriculum to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for students in Years 12 and 13. This strategic shift is part of the school’s commitment to providing an educational experience that aligns with the evolving aspirations and needs of our diverse and dynamic student community.

BST is currently a candidate school* for the IBDP and is working towards becoming an authorised IB World School, with plans to offer the IBDP to students in Years 12 and 13. At this time, there are no plans to introduce the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) or Middle Years Programme (MYP).

Although BST is currently running the UK A Level system, this is being phased out, with the last A-Level cohort running from 2024-2026. There will be no changes to the curriculum of other year groups. (I)GCSE will remain for Year 11.

Founded in 1989, BST is the biggest British international school in Japan. Since 2010, it has been providing A Level curriculum to Year 12 and Year 13 students. Over the past 35 years, BST has experienced significant growth while maintaining a strong commitment to educational excellence grounded in the English National Curriculum while embracing the opportunities offered by both its international and Japanese setting.

BST currently serves a diverse international community of students and is a very international school with 65 different nationalities. Many of the students do not have a British passport. While A Levels remain a respected qualification, the school has recognised the need to evolve in response to its changing demographic. The IBDP, a globally recognised qualification offered by thousands of schools worldwide, provides a broader and more international approach to education.

The IBDP offers students a comprehensive academic experience, requiring them to study six subjects across a range of disciplines. It fosters critical thinking through its ‘Theory of Knowledge’ component and promotes a well-rounded approach to education through ‘Creativity, Activity, and Service’ (CAS). This holistic model encourages students to engage in learning beyond academic achievement, nurturing their confidence and independence as learners.

Moreover, the IBDP is widely recognised by universities around the world and is considered one of the most rigorous pre-university qualifications available. Research indicates that IBDP graduates are more likely to be accepted at top higher education institutions than those with other qualifications, with elements like the ‘Extended Essay’ specifically designed to prepare students for the challenges of university-level study.

Over the past 5 years, BST has had students matriculate to institutions such as the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, London School of Economics and Political Science, Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania, The University of Chicago, New York University, the University of Toronto, The University of British Columbia, the University of Amsterdam, Leiden University, The University of Tokyo and International Christian University, to name but a few. BST believes that it is important to match students to the best university for them, and the IBDP will help BST students to continue to secure places in a wide variety of universities all around the world.

In late 2023, BST completed an initial visit from the IB, receiving positive feedback in its first report. The School has since been focused on ensuring that its teachers are fully trained and prepared to begin delivering the IBDP once it has been authorised.

As BST embarks on this exciting journey towards becoming an IB World School, it remains committed to providing its students with the best possible education, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for success in an increasingly globalised world.


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* Only schools authorised by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme (DP), or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorisation will be granted. For more information, visit www.ibo.org

Founded in 1989, The British School in Tokyo currently provides world-class education to over 1,300 students representing over 60 nationalities aged 3 to 18 years old. It has developed a reputation as one of the best international schools in Japan, and its students transfer to leading universities worldwide.

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 develop 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.