What’s suddenly attracting British school brands to Japan?
ISC Research data shows that there’s been little growth in new international school development in the country over the past five years, while student enrolment has increased steadily from 63,000 in January 2017 to 71,200 this January (2022). A British education presence has, to date, remained limited in the country with just 51 international schools offering a British curriculum and qualifications.
However, there’s a demand potential that is emerging in the country that has already attracted some very high profile British school brands.
Harrow will be opening an exclusive boarding school there this summer in the remote Appi mountains. In addition, Rugby School and Malvern College are both opening in Tokyo in 2023; a day school for Malvern, and a day and boarding school for Rugby.
Fuelling demand
The Japanese value their country’s state education which is introducing the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum into its public high schools. As a result, demand for international schools from local nationals has, and continues to be, limited.
Those Japanese families who prefer a Western learning style, and English-medium or bilingual education, or those who want a more skilled and experienced delivery of the International Baccalaureate or other international curricula, look to those international schools in-country for options.
These often have a US orientation, but for now they fill a fairly small percentage of admissions. Most demand for international school education in Japan comes from expatriates and students with dual citizenship.
“Demand for international schools from local nationals continues to be limited.”
Politically and economically stable, as well as a great place to live, Japan is becoming very appealing as a country to expatriates. There’s been active encouragement of foreign direct investment by the Japanese government for the last ten years due to the future tax base decline from its ageing population, and strong governance systems make Japanese companies trusted investment and business partners.
“There is movement of families to Japan from China and South Korea in order to access international education.”
The country boasts very attractive safety and clean air ratings and, other than being hampered temporarily by Covid border restrictions, it has good access to the rest of Asia and excellent transportation links – It’s only a three-hour flight from Tokyo to Shanghai.
What also appears to be emerging, is a movement of families to Japan from China and South Korea in order to access international education.
Access to international education
Both China and South Korea offer very limited access to international primary and secondary schools for their local population. Government regulation in China is increasingly restricting access to international education during the compulsory learning years for Chinese nationals. In South Korea, there are limitation caps on admissions by local nationals to all international schools other than those on Jeju Island. As a result, parents in these countries are looking outbound to meet the aspirations they have for their children.
“An international school in Japan is a closer option, both in proximity to home and to culture.”
For such parents, the only option a few years ago would have been to pack their child off to board at a school in a Western country far from home, within a culture dramatically different to their own. As a result, many young children struggled and, for some, their experiences were documented by parents via social media, fuelling other parents to look for alternatives.
They found them in the international schools located closer to home. For Chinese and South Korean parents now looking for a solution beyond their own countries, an international school in Japan is a closer option, both in proximity to home and to culture. While some families are relocating with their children, others are looking to boarding options. It is for this, and the other reasons fostering expatriate growth, that British independent schools are looking to Japan for overseas development.
“The only option a few years ago would have been to pack their child off to board at a school in a Western country.”
It is a relatively attractive proposition for a wealthy Chinese parent living in China wishing to give their child a British education: You can put your child on a plane, have them welcomed by a school representative and taken to a safe and secure school that prepares them for global tertiary pathways and careers – all within a familiar culture.
As for Harrow Appi, a premium boarding school in a pristine and remote location could be exactly the safe haven for schooling that some parents are looking for.
Future potential
The pandemic is currently hampering movement and Japan has its doors shut for now, limiting access to expatriates wishing to enter or re-enter the country, including boarding students. But Japan’s invitation to foreign business, coupled with its access to international education, looks promising for the future potential of international schools at both a premium and mid-market fee level.
As for attracting quality teachers, Japan is a destination aspiration for many international teachers and reputable British schools should have little problem presenting a skilled staff. In combination with a recognised brand, this will offer huge appeal to the Chinese and South Korean market once travel resumes. Â Â