Webinar: Rugby School Japan

About this webinar

Tony Darby, Principal of Rugby School of Japan and Fiona Murchie discussed the unique blend of British boarding school culture and Japanese education at Rugby School Japan.

In this lively interview Tony Darby, Principal of Rugby School Japan shares his experience of opening the school in September 2023, the first big British boarding school in greater Tokyo. The conversation with Fiona Murchie, Managing Editor of Relocate magazine explores what students and families can expect when they join the school and open a new chapter possibly for the first time in Japan.

He explains the background and ethos of the Rugby Group consisting of Rugby UK, Rugby Thailand and now Rugby School Japan. He explains, “ What I’ve done in Japan is set up this school, that I believe is authentic in terms of replicating what is in the UK… but with a Japanese twist”.

Tony Darby goes on to explain the culture of the school and share details of the nationalities attending and the curriculum including IGCSE and A Levels. The interview explores the outstanding education opportunities available at the school and the local Centres of Excellence, the school is able to tap into at universities and entrepreneurial organisations, as it is based on the outskirts of a Smart City.

He explains why the school opened in Japan and the gap it is fulfilling in the schools’ market. He also touches on what it is like for stand and pupils experiencing life in Japan for the first time. There is plenty on the boarding experience and the immersion and sense of fun developing connections which is not so common in Japan.

Boarding is covered in depth with currently 50% boarding and 50% day pupils with four boarding houses this September with two for boys and two for girls. There is a weekly boarding offer which is proving popular for professional parents staying in Tokyo knowing that their children are safe and looked after and enjoying their lives. With all pupils having a study place at a boarding house there is a strong sense of connection and community.

You will learn about the abundance of extra curricula activities on offer as well as the variety of sport ranging from rugby, football and basketball to individual sports such as tennis and swimming. Already the school is participating in local fixtures and International Schools’ leagues.

Parents planning an international assignment in Japan or Asia will discover a wealth of information on the British system, boarding and living and working in Japan. The school also opens opportunities for local families in Tokyo, Japan and professional parents needing to travel throughout Asia and around the world. Global mobility professionals and the relocation consultants will gain valuable insights to help them support and retain international talent moving to Japan or working in Asia.

Speaker:

Tony Derby

Tony Darby, Founding Principal of Rugby School Japan.

In 2011, he became Housemaster of Town House and joined Rugby’s Senior Management Team in 2014. Since 2017, Tony has been Sub-Warden at St Edward’s School in Oxford, overseeing significant growth. An avid sportsman, he has coached various school teams, including rugby, football, cricket, hockey, and Rugby Fives.