Growing interest in Japan in UK boarding schools has been reflected in the latest Independent Schools Council (ISC) Census published in April 2018, as well as in Tier 4 Child Visa issuances for 2017.

Key statistics from the ISC Census

• 16% increase in total number of Japanese students studying at ISC schools (2017: 924, 2018: 1,068)
• 17% growth in the number of Japanese pupils, whose parents live in Japan, studying at ISC schools (2017: 336, 2018: 392)
• 22% increase in the number of new Japanese pupils, whose parents live in Japan, studying at ISC schools (2017: 128, 2018: 156)
• 15% growth in the number of Japanese pupils, whose parents live in the UK, studying at ISC schools (2017: 588, 2018: 676)

Tier 4 Child Visa Issuances

• 15% increase in 2017 (2016: 251, 2017: 289)

Further evidence of growing demand was seen at the recent British Council Japan Study UK Exhibition (held in March 2018) where the number of enquirers for boarding school education jumped by 39% on the previous year.

The upward trend in the market can be attributed to a host of factors.  A growing awareness in Japanese society of the importance of gaining study abroad experience from a young age is a key driver, as is wider awareness and understanding of the IB and A-Levels, both of which have received a large amount of media coverage in recent years.  Meanwhile, government support for study abroad through the Tobitate scholarships programme and wider demands from industry for graduates with ‘global skills’ are also helping to boost interest in overseas study. 

UK boarding schools wishing to capitalise on this upturn should be aware that parents/influencers place a high price on face-to-face engagement, meaning regular visits to Japan to meet prospective students/parents directly is key to winning in the market.  As parents also tend to favour the provision of information in Japanese, UK schools are recommended to build and maintain strong relationships with local agents who can provide counselling in the local language.

If your school is not currently recruiting from Japan but would like learn more about the market and the opportunities here, please contact Hal Parker (hal.parker@britishcouncil.or.jp).