NLCS Kobe: A British International School Opening in August 2025
- egcisjp
- 2月25日
- 読了時間: 5分
About NLCS Kobe
North London Collegiate School (NLCS) Kobe is a British international school scheduled to open in August 2025 as one of the newest overseas branches of NLCS. In its inaugural year, the school will establish a primary and middle school for Grades 1 to 6 at Asia One Center on Rokko Island, Kobe, Japan.
Starting from 2026, the school will gradually expand to include Year 7 and above, and by 2028, a new boarding school campus will be built within Rokkosan National Park, operating as a fully integrated middle and high school. Additionally, plans are underway to relocate the preschool and primary school to the new campus between 2028 and 2030.
What is NLCS?
North London Collegiate School (NLCS) was founded in 1850 by Frances Mary Buss, a pioneer of women's education in Victorian England. With over 170 years of history, the school has consistently provided top-tier education, producing graduates who are confident, independent thinkers.
For the past 20 years, NLCS has ranked among the top schools in the UK for GCSEs, A-Levels, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. In 2024, NLCS students achieved an average IB Diploma score of 41, with three students earning a perfect score of 45.For A-Levels, 47.2% of grades were A*, and 85% were A–A*. The school has also been recognized twice as "The Sunday Times Independent School of the Year" (1999, 2006).
NLCS has expanded globally, establishing NLCS Jeju (South Korea) in 2011, NLCS Dubai (UAE) in 2017, and NLCS Singapore in 2020. These international branches have achieved strong academic results, with NLCS Singapore achieving an IB average score of 36.52 in 2024 with a 100% pass rate. Each school maintains the same curriculum and high educational standards as the UK campus while valuing its own unique identity.
Location and Facilities
Rokko Island Campus (Opening 2025)
NLCS Kobe will open in August 2025 at Asia One Center on Rokko Island, Kobe. This area provides an international environment with excellent access to Osaka and central Kobe.
Junior School Facilities
Learning Spaces: Library, science labs, ICT rooms, and dedicated classrooms for art, music, and drama
Outdoor Areas: Designed for physical activity and interaction with nature
Rokkosan Campus (Opening 2028)
The Senior School campus, scheduled to open in 2028, will be located in the natural surroundings of Rokkosan National Park. This environment provides a calm and inspiring atmosphere for learning and personal growth.
Boarding and Day School Options:
Boarding students will develop independence in modern, comfortable dormitories.
Day students will have full access to state-of-the-art facilities.
Academic and Extracurricular Activities:
The campus promotes outdoor learning, sports, and club activities.
Its quiet national park setting offers an ideal balance between academic focus and urban accessibility to downtown Kobe (Sannomiya).
This harmonious blend of nature and modern education provides a world-class learning experience for students.
Curriculum Overview
NLCS Kobe adopts the academic traditions of NLCS UK, incorporating elements of Japanese language and culture into its international curriculum. The school fosters intellectual curiosity and a love for learning in each student.
Junior School (Primary Education)
NLCS Kobe's Junior School follows an inquiry-based curriculum that encourages students to develop new skills, knowledge, and understanding in a stimulating environment. Teachers emphasize curiosity and enthusiasm, creating a positive and engaging atmosphere for learning.
Key Features:
Academically ambitious, inquiry-driven curriculum
Expert-led instruction across both core and creative subjects
A non-competitive environment that supports individual growth at each student’s pace
Senior School (Middle & High School)
NLCS Kobe's Senior School integrates the NLCS UK philosophy while making Japanese language and literature an essential part of the curriculum. Students receive an international education while maintaining a deep connection to Japanese culture.
Key Features:
Advanced English-language education with a global perspective
Focus on sustainability, diversity, and creativity
Mandatory Japanese language and literature studies
This curriculum prepares students for top universities worldwide while preserving their cultural identity and heritage.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Program
NLCS Kobe is in the process of becoming an IB World School and plans to introduce all three IB programs:
Middle Years Programme (MYP) (Grades 7–10): Inquiry-based learning across multiple subjects
Diploma Programme (DP) (Grades 11–12): University-preparatory coursework with global recognition
The IB program fosters academic challenge, critical thinking, and global awareness, aligning with NLCS Kobe’s mission to cultivate future leaders.
Extracurricular Programs
NLCS Kobe believes that education extends beyond the classroom, offering a diverse range of extracurricular activities that promote creativity, leadership, and personal growth.
Junior School
Students have opportunities to explore new interests, develop talents, and gain essential skills for Senior School. The school offers activities in sports, music, drama, visual arts, and technology, allowing each student to pursue their passions.
Senior School
Alongside rigorous academics, students have the opportunity to participate in clubs, societies, and special events that enhance leadership and teamwork. Student-led societies organize activities for younger students, creating a supportive learning community.
Additionally, NLCS Kobe fosters community engagement through volunteer projects and cultural exchange programs, teaching students the value of social responsibility and global citizenship.
Admissions Process
NLCS Kobe welcomes applications for Grades 1–6 for the 2025-2026 school year. Grades 7 and above will be introduced from 2026 onward.
1. Inquiry
Families interested in applying should contact the Admissions Team by submitting an inquiry form. The team will provide personalized guidance and detailed information.
2. Application Submission
Applications are processed online via the "OpenApply" portal, where families can submit required documents.
3. Assessment
NLCS Kobe conducts age-appropriate admissions assessments:
Lower Grades (Grades 1–2): Application review, school readiness test, classroom observation (if applicable)
Upper Grades (Grades 3–6): Application review, English & math tests, cognitive ability test, subject test (if applicable), in-person interview
4. Admission Decision
Once assessments are complete, families receive acceptance notifications, and the Admissions Team assists with enrollment.
Why Choose NLCS Kobe?
1. A Fusion of Academic Excellence and Cultural Heritage
NLCS Kobe offers a world-class education by integrating NLCS’s academic excellence with Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Set to open in August 2025, it will be a place where tradition and innovation come together to create a unique learning environment.
2. A Challenging and Engaging Curriculum
Following the British education system, NLCS Kobe provides a rigorous and stimulating curriculum. With small class sizes, students receive personalized guidance, allowing them to reach their full academic potential. Beyond academics, the school fosters resilience, creativity, and independent thinking, equipping students with a global perspective and strong character.
3. A Rich Extracurricular Program Beyond the Classroom
At NLCS Kobe, learning extends beyond the classroom, offering a wide range of extracurricular activities in arts, sports, and community engagement. The school’s experienced faculty nurtures students’ passion for learning, encouraging them to explore their talents and interests. Through these programs, students develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive in a global society.
Conclusion
NLCS Kobe is a prestigious international school that combines the academic excellence of NLCS UK with Japan’s cultural heritage. With rigorous academics, personalized learning, and a dynamic extracurricular program, students develop curiosity, creativity, and leadership. With the boarding Senior School opening in Rokkosan in 2028, NLCS Kobe will continue to provide students with diverse learning opportunities, shaping the global leaders of tomorrow.
If you need admissions preparation or academic support for international schools, EGCIS is here to help. Sign up for a free trial lesson using the link below.
Comments