Rugby School Japan: A groundbreaking international school

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.

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Tony Darby's bio

After graduating with a degree in Politics and Economics from the University of Durham in 1992, Tony completed a hugely enjoyable year teaching English in the Czech Republic.A period as an accountant with PWC in the West Midlands was followed by him completing his PGCE teaching qualification in Business and IT at Staffordshire University, and then on to heading up the Politics and Economics Departments at Queen’s College, Taunton in 1996.This was subsequently followed by a move to Rugby School in 2003, where he became the Head of Economics & Business and helped to set up the EPQ qualification, alongside his role as Assistant Housemaster in Stanley, the 6th Form girls’ boarding house.​​In 2011 he became the Housemaster of Town House, the boys’ day House, and in 2014 he also became a member of the Senior Management Team at Rugby in his role as Senior Housemaster. Since 2017, Tony has been the Sub-Warden of St Edward’s School in Oxford, which, like Rugby School Japan, is a city-based, co-educational day and boarding school where he and colleagues have brought about significant growth in recent years. Throughout his career he has been an enthusiastic sportsman, having coached many school teams including rugby, football, cricket, hockey and Rugby Fives.In his younger days he was a keen footballer, and still enjoys a range of outdoor pursuits. He also has a keen interest in developing and promoting entrepreneurship in schools, having set up an Entrepreneurs’ Club at Rugby, and more recently at St. Edward’s successfully taking groups through the Chartered Institute For Securities and Investment examination, to develop their understanding of financial services, and prepare them for a career in the City.

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Visit the Rugby School Japan Featured School Page 

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Find out who won the Excellence in education category at the Think Global People and Relocate Awards Gala Dinner and Ceremony on 6 June at Two Temple Place.

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Read about award-winning global mobility, leadership and education in the Summer issue of Think Global People magazine, with the teams and organisations being celebrated in the Relocate Think Global People Awards 2024. Read now.

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Read Relocate Global's Guide to International Education & Schools 2022/23 which is packed with expert tips and information for those relocating and the professionals supporting them.

Relocate Global's Guide to International Education & Schools 2023/24 coming soon!

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