Our senior school welcomes students in grade 7 in 2026. Admissions will extend to all grades in the senior school when we move to our dedicated Rokko Mountain site and is set to become a thriving and dynamic community where academic excellence and a love for learning are nurtured. At NLCS Kobe, we are committed to providing an education that is rooted in the outstanding traditions of NLCS (UK) while being tailored to retain a strong linguistic and cultural identity for our students in Japan. Our goal is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success at leading universities around the world.
At NLCS Kobe, we offer our students a unique, academically challenging, international curriculum with a clear commitment to Japanese heritage and culture. Our senior school curriculum is a carefully crafted blend of the rigorous academic traditions of NLCS (UK) and a strong focus on the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of Japan. This approach ensures that all learners develop a sophisticated command of the English language with a focus on internationalism, alongside a deep commitment to sustainability, diversity, creativity, languages, mathematics, humanities, and sciences.
Japanese language and literature is an integral part of our curriculum, ensuring that students are fluent and literate in their native language. While we teach all lessons in English, students engage with Japan’s rich literary traditions, reading and analysing classical texts alongside contemporary works. This will foster a deep appreciation for Japanese culture, language, and identity, enabling our students to connect with the country’s vibrant cultural history.
Our curriculum not only prepares students for success at leading universities worldwide but also ensures that they retain a deep connection to their Japanese roots. We celebrate the diversity that makes up our school and commit to learning from differing perspectives that enrich our global community. Through this, we aim to foster well-rounded individuals who are deeply connected to their roots while equipped to thrive in the global arena.
Our subject specialist teachers inspire students to explore their academic interests beyond the curriculum, fostering a deep passion for learning. Above all, we are dedicated to ensuring that our students are happy, healthy, and equipped with the knowledge and skills to make a positive difference in the world.
The school aims to offer all three elements of the International Baccalaureate (IB) in due course and will pursue authorisation as an IB World School. In the senior school, we plan to follow the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) from grade 7 to grade 10, followed by the Diploma Programme (DP) for grades 11 to 12. IB schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to high-quality, academically challenging programmes of international education with standardised rigorous assessment. The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognising their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world (IBO).
For further information, please see Education programmes – International Baccalaureate
The extra-curricular programme at NLCS Kobe provides students with the opportunity to explore their interests and talents beyond the classroom. Whether it is sports, arts, music, drama, or community service, our students will be encouraged to engage fully in the life of the school and develop skills that will prepare them for success in both academic and personal arenas.
Our programme includes a strong academic dimension, enhancing the educational experience for students through a range of intellectual pursuits. Societies, created and run by students, play a central role in this aspect. These societies provide a space for students to explore subjects in greater depth. The sessions include debates, seminars, and presentations, all organised by students. Additionally, students are encouraged to invite external speakers to the school, enriching the learning environment with diverse perspectives on a variety of topics.
Societies at NLCS Kobe cover a wide range of interests, including English literature, Latin, linguistics, law, history, international relations, biology, chemistry, arts, dance, drama, architecture, maths, computer science, medical, sport, physics, and many more.
Another key feature of school life is the weekly ‘Nicholson Lectures’, during which teachers and students give academic lectures on topics related to their subjects but can be completely unrelated to the syllabus. This reflects our ethos of teaching beyond any given syllabus or curriculum and of never teaching ‘to the test’. It promotes an atmosphere of scholarship and subject passion.
We understand that the extra-curricular activities students participate in contribute to shaping their character, leadership abilities, and sense of community. Our goal is to offer a diverse range of activities that allow students to discover and cultivate their passions, while also encouraging teamwork and collaboration.
At NLCS Kobe, we are dedicated to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment where every student is known, valued, and celebrated. Our holistic approach to individual care ensures each student thrives both academically and personally. Each student is part of a tutor group, with their tutor overseeing their academic progress, extra-curricular involvement, and social development. Regular meetings allow tutors to understand each child’s needs, providing personalised guidance.
The house system creates a “family within a family,” fostering a sense of belonging through inter-year collaboration and healthy competition. This encourages teamwork, respect, and personal growth across the school. We offer numerous student leadership opportunities, and our personal, social, and health education (PSHE) programme addresses key developmental issues in an age-appropriate manner.
Our Japanese language, history, and cultural programme ensures students develop a deep appreciation for Japan’s heritage, helping them stay connected to their host country. For additional support, our emotional guidance team is always available to help with personal challenges, while our inclusion team provides learning support to ensure no barriers to education.
At NLCS Kobe, we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive community where every student feels empowered to achieve their full potential.
Opening in 2028, our permanent senior school campus will be located on the picturesque Rokko Mountain, offering an inspiring and tranquil setting for learning. Nestled in the densely wooded hills overlooking the port of Kobe, this unique location will allow students to learn in harmony with nature, enriching both their academic and personal development.
The Rokko Mountain campus will cater to both boarding and day students, providing a world-class education within a supportive and vibrant residential community. Boarders will benefit from modern, comfortable accommodation, promoting independence while staying closely connected to school life. Day students will also enjoy full access to the school’s excellent facilities and resources, with many opportunities to engage in the wider school community.
The natural environment will play a key role in shaping the school’s ethos and curriculum. Students will participate in outdoor learning experiences, sports, and co-curricular activities, while still having convenient access to the urban amenities of Kobe (Sannomiya). The peaceful atmosphere of the national park, combined with its proximity to the city, offers the best of both worlds, making it an ideal location for both students and staff.
The Rokko Mountain campus will serve as a hub of academic excellence, creativity, and personal growth, offering students a truly exceptional educational experience in an inspiring natural environment.
