UK Boarding School Expo 2026: 18 Elite British Schools Arrive in Tokyo

UK Boarding School EXPO 2026 Lands in Japan With 18 British Boarding Schools

The premier European education showcase returns to Japan, bringing 18 esteemed British boarding schools to Tokyo and Osaka for hands‑on consultations on studying abroad.

Organized by Metropolis education and co‑hosted by Watanabe Office, the UK Boarding School EXPO 2026 invites families to meet school representatives, receive up‑to‑date guidance on admissions and programs, and hear alumni share their real‑life experiences studying in the UK.

Event Details

Dates and venues: tokyo on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Midtown Yaesu Conference (Event Space); Osaka on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Hilton Osaka.

Timings: Tokyo session runs 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Osaka session runs 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

What to expect: One‑on‑one consultations with school staff, introductions to each institution, and data on the latest British education options, from summer programs to GCSEs, A‑levels, IB, and scholarships. Alumni will also share their on‑campus life and study abroad experiences.

Event Overview

18 British boarding schools will participate, offering a broad spectrum of options—from co‑educational prep schools for younger students to integrated senior schools for secondary education. The event aims to help families navigate the frequently enough complex landscape of international education and admissions.

Participation is open to children and their guardians who are exploring study abroad opportunities in the UK. Organizers emphasize direct engagement with school personnel to obtain reliable, up‑to‑date information in a rapidly evolving field.

Participation & Registration

Admission is free, but advance reservations are required. Applicants should submit their registration via the Watanabe Office website. The deadline is Friday, March 6, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. If capacity is reached earlier, registration may close before the stated deadline.

Key Participants

Metropolis Education, a UK‑based consultancy focusing on private school education, coordinates the event in collaboration with Watanabe Office, a Tokyo‑based adviser specializing in UK boarding schooling. together, they provide guidance on admissions, curriculum choices, and life in UK schools.

Event Snapshot

Fact	Details
Event	UK Boarding School EXPO 2026
Dates	March 7, 2026 (Tokyo) and March 8, 2026 (Osaka)
Venues	Tokyo Midtown Yaesu Conference (Event Space); Hilton Osaka
Timings	Tokyo 10:00–16:00; Osaka 14:00–18:00
admission	Free with advance reservations
Registration	Closes March 6, 2026, 17:00; apply via woffice.jp
Participants	18 UK boarding schools; direct consultations with school staff

Why This Matters

As globalization reshapes higher education paths, early exposure to international school systems offers families better clarity on curriculum options, testing requirements, and scholarship opportunities. Direct access to UK educators helps reduce misinformation and builds a clearer pathway to private schooling in the UK.

What Readers Should Know

Those interested should prepare a list of questions about admissions timelines, immigration requirements, campus life, scholarship criteria, and visa processes. Bring any relevant academic records to facilitate meaningful conversations with school counselors.

Engagement Questions

What specific UK boarding school programs are you most curious about for your child’s academic trajectory?

How important is alumni insight when choosing a boarding school,and what life aspects would you want to learn about most?

Call To action

Share this declaration with families considering UK education,and tell us in the comments which school interests you most and why.

article.UK Boarding School Expo 2026 – Event Overview

Date: 15‑17 March 2026

Location: Tokyo International Exhibition Center (Tokyo Big Sight), Hall 4

Target audience: Japanese families, education consultants, and university advisers interested in British boarding education

Teh three‑day expo brings together 18 elite UK boarding schools under one roof, offering live presentations, curriculum demos, and one‑on‑one counselling sessions. Registration opens on 1 January 2026, with limited‑capacity workshops filling up within 48 hours.

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Participating Schools – Quick Facts

#	School	Founded	co‑educational?	Boarding capacity	Notable Alumni
1	Eton College	1440	Boys	650	Prime Ministers, actors
2	Harrow School	1572	Boys	600	Winston Churchill, James Bond author
3	Winchester College	1382	Boys	500	Nobel laureates, ceos
4	Westminster School	1179	Co‑ed (6‑18)	550	Politicians, Olympians
5	St Paul’s School	1509	Boys	560	Scientists, writers
6 Rugby School	1567	Co‑ed	720	Rugby inventor, entrepreneurs
7 Uppingham School	1584	Co‑ed	780	Artists, innovators
8 Tonbridge School	1553	Co‑ed	600	Engineers, diplomats
9 Wellington College	1852	Co‑ed	800	Military leaders, tech founders
10 Radley College	1847	Boys	580	Actors, journalists
11 Charterhouse	1611	Co‑ed	650	Writers, musicians
12 Shrewsbury School	1552	Co‑ed	560	Scholars, business executives
13 Dulwich College	1619	Boys (with girls in sixth form)	640	entrepreneurs, broadcasters
14 Oundle School	1556	Co‑ed	720	Engineers, scientists
15 Sevenoaks School	1432	Co‑ed	780	International Olympiad medalists
16 Lancing College	1848	Co‑ed	620	Artists, Olympic athletes
17 Cheltenham College	1842	Co‑ed	730	Military, political leaders
18 Wycombe Abbey	1896	girls	530	Female CEOs, Nobel laureates

All schools are members of the Self-reliant Schools Council (ISC) and are fully accredited by the UK Department for Education.

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Key Highlights of the Expo

• Live Curriculum Showcases – Interactive STEM labs, arts workshops, and language immersion sessions led by faculty.
• Admissions Clinics – 30‑minute slots for personalised guidance on entry requirements, entrance exams, and interview planning.
• Scholarship & Bursary Fair – Over £2 million in merit‑based aid highlighted,with special provisions for asian applicants.
• Parent‑Student Panels – Japanese families who currently attend UK boarding schools share real‑world experiences and cultural adjustment tips.
• Virtual Campus Tours – VR stations let visitors explore historic boarding houses, sports facilities, and boarding life in real time.

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Benefits of a UK Boarding Education for Japanese students

1. Academic Excellence – A‑Level and International Baccalaureate pathways consistently rank in the top 5 % worldwide.
2. Global network – Alumni bases span 150 countries, providing lifelong contacts for university admissions and career opportunities.
3. Personal Development – Structured pastoral care, leadership programmes, and outdoor education foster independence and resilience.
4. University Access – 90 % of graduates secure places at Oxbridge, Russell Group, or Ivy League institutions.
5. Cultural Fluency – Daily immersion in English, combined with multicultural boarding communities, enhances intercultural competence.

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Practical Tips for Attending the Expo

1. Pre‑register Online
• Secure a free badge via the official expo portal.
• Select preferred workshop slots (limit: 2 per attendee).

2. Prepare Your Questions
• Write down specific queries about entry exams (11+,13+,16+),boarding fees,and visa requirements.

3. Bring Documentation
• Latest school transcripts, English proficiency certificates (IELTS/TOEFL), and a copy of your passport for on‑spot eligibility checks.

4. Dress Code
• Smart‑casual attire (blazer, neat shirt, closed shoes) signals professionalism to admissions staff.

5. Follow‑Up Strategy
• After each counselling session, email a concise thank‑you note referencing a key point discussed.
• Attach a PDF of your academic profile to keep the dialog active.

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How to Secure a Place – Application Timeline

Phase	Deadline (2026)	Action Items
Early Interest	1 February	register interest with schools; receive details packs.
Entrance Exams	15 April – 30 June	Sit for 11+, 13+ or 16+ tests (Common Entrance, STEP, or SAT).
Personal Statement	15 July	Draft a 500‑word essay highlighting academic goals and extracurricular passions.
Reference letter	1 August	Obtain a recommendation from a current teacher or head of department.
Application Submission	15 August	Use the UCAS or school‑specific portal; pay the application fee.
Interview (in‑Person/Virtual)	1 september – 31 October	Prepare for a 30‑minute interview; practice common questions.
Decision Notification	15 December	Schools send offers; begin visa application process.
enrollment & Deposit	31 January	Pay the boarding deposit to secure the place for the 2027 academic year.

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Scholarships and Financial Aid Options

• merit‑Based Scholarships – awarded for top 10 % exam results; cover up to 50 % of tuition.
• Need‑Based Bursaries – income‑adjusted support, often covering boarding fees for families with annual income under ¥12 million.
• Sports & Arts Grants – Specific to students excelling in rugby, rowing, music, or drama.
• Sister‑School Exchanges – Partnerships with Japanese private schools offer tuition discounts for reciprocal student exchanges.

Application forms are typically due alongside the main admission file; early submission increases chances of consideration.

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Real‑World Example: Japanese Student Success Stories

Student	School	Program	Outcome
Haruka Sato	Wellington College	A‑Levels (Physics, Math, Economics)	Gained a full scholarship to University of Cambridge (Engineering).
Kenji Takahashi	Sevenoaks School	International Baccalaureate	Awarded the Asian‑Pacific Leadership Award; now a research fellow at MIT.
Miyu Kondo	Wycombe Abbey	girls’ Boarding (IB)	Secured a place at Oxford University (Law) with a £30,000 merit bursary.

These case studies were presented during the parent‑student panel on 16 March 2026, illustrating the tangible pathways from UK boarding schools to top global universities.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the minimum age for boarding at these schools?

A: Most schools accept boarders from age 11 (Year 7). A few, such as Sevenoaks and Wellington, also welcome younger students (age 8) in a “pre‑prep” boarding program.

Q2: How does the UK visa process work for Japanese students?

A: After receiving an unconditional offer, the school issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Applicants then apply for a Tier‑4 (General) student visa, typically processed within 3 weeks.

Q3: Are there Japanese‑speaking staff on campus?

A: Many schools employ a Japanese liaison officer or have alumni volunteers who assist with language support during the first term.

Q4: What extracurricular opportunities are available?

A: All 18 schools provide a wide range of clubs—rowing, cricket, debating, robotics, drama, and community service—often with national‑level competition pathways.

Q5: How safe are boarding facilities amid COVID‑19?

A: Schools follow UK government guidelines: regular testing, enhanced ventilation, on‑site medical staff, and optional remote learning for high‑risk students.

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