BST to Deliver IBDP from August 2025

This milestone marks a significant evolution in the school’s curriculum, reaffirming its commitment to providing a world-class education that meets the aspirations of its diverse and dynamic student community.

With this authorisation, BST will transition from the A Level curriculum to the IBDP, offering students a broad, balanced, and internationally recognised qualification that prepares them for success in higher education and beyond. The last A Level cohort at BST will complete their studies in 2026, ensuring a smooth transition for all students. The curriculum for other year groups remains unchanged, with (I)GCSEs continuing in Year 11.

The IBDP is one of the world’s most respected pre-university qualifications, designed to develop students’ critical thinking, research, and leadership skills while fostering a global outlook. Through its core components - Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay - students gain essential skills for higher education and lifelong learning.

BST’s decision to adopt the IBDP reflects its commitment to offering an education that aligns with the needs of its internationally diverse student body. While A Levels remain a strong qualification, the school recognises the advantages of the IB’s holistic approach, which encourages intellectual curiosity, independent learning, and intercultural understanding. The programme is widely accepted by leading universities worldwide, with IB graduates often securing places at top institutions.

Since beginning the authorisation process in 2023, BST has ensured its teachers receive specialised IB training and its curriculum meets IB standards. With this official authorisation, BST is now set to deliver an exceptional IBDP experience that will empower students to thrive in an increasingly globalised world.

Mr Ian Clayton, BST Principal, commented,

As BST embarks on this exciting new phase, it remains dedicated to delivering a challenging, enriching, and globally relevant education, ensuring that students leave the school prepared to make a positive impact on the world.

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.