Admissions and Curriculum FAQs – Malvern College Tokyo
Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about admissions, curriculum, and school life at Malvern College Tokyo, one of the leading British international schools and IB schools in Japan. As a member of the Malvern College Family of Schools, our Tokyo campus combines a proud British heritage with a globally respected International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. We welcome both expatriate and local families seeking an academically rigorous, internationally minded education in Tokyo.
General Information
Where is the school located?
Malvern College Tokyo is situated in the city of Kodaira, approximately 40 minutes from the city centre. The school is easily accessible through the JR Chuo Line to Kokubunji Station, followed by a direct bus to campus. – Learn More
What facilities does the school offer?
Our campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, drama and art studios, music rooms, a library, multi-purpose sports facilities, and an all-weather pitch — all designed to meet the standards expected of top international schools in Tokyo and IB schools in Japan. – Learn More
What is the class size?
We maintain small class sizes to support individualised learning, averaging 20 pupils per class with a maximum of 24.
What year levels are you offering?
Our provision follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum in Japan, offering a seamless progression through the IB PYP Programme (Primary Years Programme), IB MYP Programme (Middle Years Programme), and culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)—a rigorous IB Diploma course preparing students for leading universities worldwide.
From 2026 onward, additional year groups will be added annually, culminating in a full Pre-Prep to Upper Sixth / Year 13 offering by 2027 for up to 950 pupils. This growth will position Malvern College Tokyo among the most comprehensive IB schools in Tokyo and international high schools in Japan, serving families seeking a world-class International Baccalaureate education in Tokyo.
What is the student demographic?
Malvern College Tokyo welcomes pupils of all nationalities, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community of foreign and local students in Japan. Our pupils represent 23 nationalities, including American, Brazilian, Australian, New Zealander, British, Spanish, and Swedish, as well as Asian backgrounds such as Japanese, Chinese, South Korean, Taiwanese, and Thai. As part of the wider Malvern College Family of Schools, we take pride in being a truly international and welcoming IB school in Japan, preparing pupils to thrive in a connected and diverse world.
Curriculum and IB Programmes
What curriculum does Malvern College Tokyo offer?
Malvern College Tokyo is a British-style international school and an authorised IB World School in Tokyo. We offer the full International Baccalaureate continuum: the IB PYP Programme (Primary Years Programme), the IB MYP Programme (Middle Years Programme), and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). – Learn More
What distinguishes Malvern’s academic approach?
Our curriculum blends the depth of a British education with the inquiry-based approach of the IB curriculum in Japan. Pupils develop critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness while studying core IB Diploma subjects and co-curricular enrichment courses designed to prepare them for success at top universities worldwide.
Which IB Diploma subjects and courses are available?
As our school expands, we plan to offer a comprehensive range of IB Diploma Programme subjects across languages, sciences, humanities, mathematics, and the arts. This will include advanced IB courses in Japan aligned with both British schools and global IB standards. – Learn More
Does Malvern College Tokyo offer IB programmes for younger students?
Yes. Our IB elementary school and IB Junior High School programmes follow the PYP and MYP frameworks, ensuring a coherent academic journey from early years to the IB Diploma Programme in Japan. – Learn More
How is the teaching staff selected?
At Malvern College Tokyo, one of the leading British international schools and IB schools in Japan, our teachers are recruited both internationally and locally to ensure a rich blend of global expertise and cultural understanding. Every member of staff is selected based on their professional qualifications, teaching excellence, and extensive experience within the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum.
Many of our educators have taught in top IB schools in Tokyo and other international British schools worldwide, bringing a wealth of knowledge from the IB PYP Programme, IB MYP Programme, and IB Diploma Programme.
Malvern College UK plays a key role in supporting staff recruitment and professional development, ensuring our academic standards align with those of the wider Malvern College Family of Schools. Through our well-established quality assurance framework and regular visits from senior academic leaders, we maintain the exceptional teaching and learning standards associated with a Malvern College education — one that meets the expectations of leading international schools in Japan and beyond.
Does the school offer any other Foreign Language teaching besides English and Japanese?
At Malvern College Tokyo, one of the leading British international schools and IB schools in Japan, English and Japanese are offered in our daily curriculum, supporting both expatriate and local pupils within our IB PYP, MYP, and IB Diploma Programmes.
In keeping with the global spirit of the International Baccalaureate curriculum in Japan, we also plan to expand foreign language opportunities through our co-curricular activities (CCA) programme. As pupils advance into the Sixth Form, they will have the opportunity to pursue additional languages independently at an introductory level through IB ab initio courses. These IB language courses in Tokyo will further strengthen pupils’ multilingual competence and international-mindedness, preparing them for university study in diverse linguistic environments.
Admissions Process
When can families apply?
Applications are accepted throughout the school year via our online platform. We encourage early applications to secure a place. – Learn More
What age guidelines does the school follow?
We align with age-appropriate year group placements typical of British schools in Japan and foreign schools in Tokyo. Adjustments are made to ensure the best academic and social fit. – Learn More
Do we have to follow your age guidelines when submitting an application?
Yes. Malvern College Tokyo, one of the leading British international schools and IB schools in Japan, places pupils in the appropriate year group according to their age, following international standards used by foreign schools in Tokyo.
However, for some children transferring from different educational systems, placement may differ from the expected year group. In such cases, we consider each child’s academic ability, social maturity, and emotional readiness to ensure the best possible fit within the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum in Japan. This flexible yet structured approach reflects the pastoral care and academic excellence expected of top international schools in Tokyo.
What is the school’s cut-off date?
Our cut-off month is August. Families are encouraged to consult our Age Guidelines Page for specific details to determine the appropriate year level within our IB PYP, MYP, and IB Diploma Programmes.
How and when can I apply?
Applications to Malvern College Tokyo can be submitted online through our dedicated admissions platform. We operate a rolling admissions process, welcoming applications throughout the year.
Early submission is recommended, as places in our IB programmes (PYP, MYP, and Diploma) are in high demand among families seeking a world-class International Baccalaureate education in Tokyo.
What documents do I need to provide?
Applicants are required to upload supporting documents during the online application process, including previous school reports, recommendation forms, and proof of identity. To ensure consistency and accuracy, school reports must be in English or professionally translated; translations completed by family members cannot be accepted.
This documentation helps our academic team evaluate each pupil’s readiness to join our IB curriculum in Japan and their ability to succeed in the rigorous IB course structure of one of Tokyo’s top international British schools.
The detailed list of the required documents can be found here.
Do school reports have to be in English?
Yes, school reports in other languages must be translated into English. Translations should be done by a professional translator or consular service. Please note that we do not accept translation done by family members.
Are there English language requirements?
Language expectations vary by age. Pupils in Pre-Prep may have minimal English, while those entering higher grades in our IB MYP Programme or IB Diploma Programme are expected to demonstrate strong proficiency in English. EAL support is available when needed.
Are parents required to speak English?
While English proficiency is not mandatory, Malvern College Tokyo gives priority to families with sufficient command of English to fully support their child’s academic and linguistic development.
As one of the top IB schools in Tokyo and a leading international British school in Japan, we believe that effective home-school communication is integral to a pupil’s success within the IB programme. Parents who can engage in English with teachers and staff contribute significantly to their child’s progress in the IB curriculum and to the overall strength of our bilingual, multicultural community.
Is the interview conducted in English?
Yes. Admissions interviews at Malvern College Tokyo are conducted primarily in English, reflecting the linguistic expectations of IB schools in Japan. However, recognising the diverse backgrounds of families applying to international schools in Tokyo, we provide full support for applicants and parents whose English proficiency is still developing. Our Japanese-speaking admissions staff are available to assist with translation, ensuring clear communication and a welcoming, inclusive admissions experience for all families.
My child is not a native English speaker. Does the school provide different levels of English classes?
Yes, we intend to ensure that native language speakers are taught together, while those needing more help will receive more specialist support. Assessing the language ability of all students is an important part of our admissions process. Such assessment is complex as we need to identify a child’s skills in reading, writing, and speaking. Some students may speak very well but are unable to write at a sufficient level. Our grouping of students will acknowledge these differences.
If my child fails the online assessment, will he or she still have a chance to be interviewed?
In considering applications from prospective pupils, we recognise that children around the world begin learning English at different ages. Therefore, even if an applicant does not achieve the required level in the online assessment, we will invite them for an interview to assess their motivation to learn and their alignment with the Malvern ethos and IB programme.
This inclusive approach ensures fairness and encourages students from a variety of educational and linguistic backgrounds to access the benefits of an International Baccalaureate education in Japan.
Should my child fail the admissions criteria, can I apply again?
Yes, re-applications are welcomed. In most cases, applicants who are not initially successful may require additional time to strengthen their English proficiency or develop further academic and social maturity.
As with other IB schools in Japan and international schools in Tokyo, we recommend that re-applications occur at least nine months to one year after the initial assessment. This ensures that the applicant has sufficient time to meet the entry criteria of our IB curriculum and thrive within our British-style international school environment.
When do interviews/assessments usually take place?
Interviews and assessments generally take place within two to four weeks after the application is submitted. This structured timeline allows our Admissions Team to evaluate applicants carefully, in line with the rigorous academic standards upheld by leading international schools in Japan and IB schools in Tokyo.
Can remote interviews/assessments be organised for overseas families?
Yes. Recognising the global nature of our applicant community, Malvern College Tokyo offers the option of remote interviews and online assessments for families not yet residing in Japan.
For certain year levels, however, we may require an in-person visit to our Kodaira campus if we feel it is necessary. This flexible approach reflects the global accessibility and adaptability of our International Baccalaureate programmes in Tokyo.
What kind of online assessment are you using?
We use the CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test), an internationally recognised assessment tool employed by many IB schools in Japan and international British schools. CAT4 measures a student’s potential in problem-solving, reasoning, and verbal and non-verbal communication skills, providing a holistic picture of their readiness to succeed in the IB curriculum.
The test supports our mission to identify each pupil’s strengths and ensure that every learner at Malvern College Tokyo is well placed to flourish within our world-class IB programme in Japan.
Does the school accept Japanese passport holders?
Yes, Malvern College Tokyo welcomes local and expatriate families alike, serving as a school for foreign students in Japan and a home for globally minded Japanese families. Diversity strengthens our learning community.
Can my child transfer to other Malvern College campuses?
Yes. Pupils can transfer within the Malvern College Family of Schools — including Malvern College UK, Hong Kong, Chengdu, and The Downs Malvern. The acceptance of any transfer student is subject to the availability of places and the pupil’s successful completion of the relevant entry criteria. This cross-campus opportunity strengthens our international cohesion and reinforces Malvern’s reputation as a world-class international school in Japan offering a truly global educational pathway.
Tuition, Fees, and Scholarships
What are the tuition fees?
Our international school tuition in Tokyo reflects the premium quality of our academic provision and the personalised care offered to every pupil. Full details are available on our Tuition and Fees page.
Are there additional fees?
Yes, non-refundable registration and building development fees apply, consistent with leading international high schools in Tokyo.
Does Malvern College Tokyo offer scholarships?
Yes. We provide a range of international school scholarships in Tokyo for pupils demonstrating exceptional academic, artistic, or sporting ability.
Our scholarships are designed to support pupils who demonstrate exceptional talent, character, and leadership potential. These awards reflect the spirit of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, encouraging pupils to pursue intellectual curiosity and personal growth within a nurturing, globally minded environment.
School Ethos
What are the Malvern Qualities?
At Malvern College we promote a set of well-tested values called the Malvern Qualities that enable our pupils to grow and equip them for life’s challenges and successes.
These are the traits that prepare our pupils for life beyond Malvern and enable them to work with anyone, anywhere. These qualities are fostered and encouraged through all areas of school life – from building a sense of teamwork in the boarding houses to digging deep and displaying true resilience while out on expedition.
Why are Malvern’s Qualities so important?
We believe that these values will not only enable our pupils to grow whilst they are with us but they will become the bedrock of their future. The Malvern Qualities are enduring human values which we have found, over time, equip our pupils for life’s challenges, enabling them to adapt and to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.
We aim to instil all these qualities in equal measure in our students. We will refer to the Malvern qualities regularly, and they will be an integral part of our curriculum and extra-curricular programmes. House activities and outdoor pursuits will also provide opportunities for students to learn about these qualities and to apply them in their daily lives.
School Life and Community
What co-curricular and enrichment activities are offered?
We offer a broad co-curricular programme including sports, arts, service learning, coding, and performing arts — hallmarks of international schools in Tokyo. These activities complement the IB programme by developing leadership, teamwork, and well-being. – Learn More
Is there a school bus service?
Yes. We provide multiple routes across Tokyo with trained bus monitors to ensure pupil safety. The service is subject to seat availability upon application, including the shuttle bus.
1.Route A: Hiro-o Station, Roppongi Station, and Azabu Juban Station
2.Route B: Futako Tamagawa, and Chitose Funabashi Station
3.Route C: Meguro Station, Shibuya Station and Shinjuku Station
4.Route D: Yotsuya Station, and Yurakucho Station
5.Free Shuttle Buses: Kokubunji Station (available for Pre-Prep to Prep 3 pupils)
(Above information is subject to change)
What pastoral care does the school provide?
Malvern’s House system and pastoral structure uphold our values of care, integrity, and mutual respect. As one of the few IB schools in Japan built on the traditions of British schools, we ensure that every pupil is supported academically and emotionally.
Does Malvern College Tokyo provide learning enhancement support?
Yes. As part of our inclusive ethos as a British-style international school and IB school in Japan, we are committed to supporting pupils with low to mild learning needs through our Learning Enhancement Department.
This specialist team provides targeted support and collaboration with classroom teachers to ensure that every pupil can access and thrive within the International Baccalaureate curriculum in Tokyo.
All pupils are assessed during the admissions process to determine their individual learning profiles. Admission for pupils requiring additional support will depend on the availability of appropriate resources to ensure we can uphold the high academic and pastoral standards of a Malvern College education.
How does Malvern College Tokyo prepare students for university and beyond?
Through our IB Diploma Programme in Japan, pupils develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills essential for success in top global universities. We also provide higher education counselling and leadership development opportunities. [Visit University Guidance Page]
In summary, Malvern College Tokyo stands as a beacon among IB schools in Tokyo and international British schools, providing an inspiring education through the International Baccalaureate in Japan. Whether you are seeking an IB elementary school, IB Junior High School, or IB Diploma Programme in Tokyo, our community welcomes you to experience a truly world-class British-IB education.
Accreditation
Does Malvern College Tokyo plan to gain CIS or other international accreditation?
Yes. Malvern College Tokyo upholds the highest standards of quality assurance consistent with leading international schools in Tokyo and IB schools in Japan.
While we have developed our own rigorous Malvern Education Quality Assurance Framework, regularly monitored by Malvern College UK. It is also our intention to seek external validation from international accreditation bodies.
The school plans to join the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) and the Council of British International Schools (COBIS). These partnerships will complement our IB authorisations and reinforce our standing among the most respected foreign schools in Japan and international British schools worldwide.
