The Senior School

The Senior School

Our Senior School at NLCS Kobe builds on the strong foundations established in the Junior School, offering an academically ambitious, globally minded education that prepares students for world-leading universities and fulfilling lives beyond school. 

Welcoming our first Grade 6 cohort in 2025, the Senior School will grow year by year before moving to its purpose-built campus on Mount Rokko in 2028—a stunning setting that will provide exceptional facilities for learning, creativity and personal development.

Facilities

A Purpose-Built Campus on Mount Rokko

From 2028, the Senior School will be housed in a state-of-the-art campus on Mount Rokko. Surrounded by natural beauty, it will offer inspiring facilities that support academic study, sport, the arts and extra-curricular life. 

The new site will provide both day and boarding options, creating a vibrant community where students can learn, collaborate and grow in an environment purposefully designed for their success.

Up until the opening of the bespoke campus, Senior School students will benefit from the Rokko Island campus facilities with its dedicated specialist rooms for science, music and drama, large assembly and sport spaces and well equipped classrooms and library.

Curriculum

The Senior School curriculum will reflect the rich academic heritage of the North London Collegiate School family. Delivered primarily in English, as is the case in the Junior School,  it will combine rigorous subject learning with an inquiry-driven approach that encourages students to think critically, explore ideas deeply and develop intellectual curiosity.

Japanese language and literature remain an integral part of the programme, ensuring students continue to strengthen their bilingual proficiency and maintain a meaningful connection to Japanese cultural heritage.

With high expectations and expert teaching, students are challenged to achieve their very best while developing the independence, resilience and discipline needed for success in the most competitive universities around the world.

Japanese Curriculum

Language, Literacy and Cultural Understanding

Alongside the international curriculum, a carefully structured Japanese programme will continue to be taught by specialist native practitioners. This ensures students retain fluency and sophistication in Japanese, supported by a deep appreciation of Japan’s literary and cultural landscape. This dual-language, dual-perspective approach offers students the best of both worlds: academic excellence on a global stage and a strong sense of identity.

Pastoral Care and Personal Development

Pastoral care is a central pillar of an NLCS education and students will be supported through a caring and structured system that nurtures their well-being, confidence and personal growth. Through form tutors, specialist staff and a culture that promotes empathy and respect, students will build and retain the emotional and social skills they need to thrive both in school and in life on a global stage.

Visit our Pastoral Care page for more detail about what Pastoral Care means at NLCS Kobe.

Clubs & Extra-Curricular Activities

The Senior School will offer extensive opportunities in music, drama, sport, debating, the creative arts and service to others. Clubs, societies and leadership opportunities encourage students to discover their passions, develop new talents and build the teamwork and leadership skills valued by top universities worldwide. These experiences enrich students’ lives and help them become confident, compassionate global citizens.

University Advice & Guidance

All senior students will take part in bespoke careers and university guidance seminars and lessons. Through the NLCS family of schools, we are able to offer an unmatched level of support and guidance to top universities across the world – a unique and valuable addition to all NLCS Kobe families.

Visit the NLCS (UK) website to see the level of support offered to NLCS students when applying to university.