Home | Gordonstoun School Japan-West | The home of character education will open in Western Japan

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Why Gordonstoun?

The founder of Gordonstoun, Kurt Hahn, said "We are all better than we know. If only we can be brought to realise this, we may never be prepared to settle for anything less."

Gordonstoun builds students from the ground up; we support students to see their potential and we work alongside them to develop and realise it.

 Plus Est En Vous 

There is more in you
 

Read Our Philosophy

Vision

Experience

The Gordonstoun Difference

We believe character is shaped by experience. From our holistic approach, through physical activity, creative processes and academic challenge, we will use our learning environment to develop a full understanding of ‘Plus Est En Vous’. Through success and through failure, our students will find their own unique and individual path to their personal potential.

  • Challenge
  • Responsibility
  • Internationalism
  • Service

Academics

We offer IGCSEs and A levels which promote subject specialisation and a strong pre-university knowledge base. Flexible subject choices empower students to explore their strengths across a range of disciplines. Read more.

Outdoor Education and Service

Central to the Gordonstoun curriculum, is the the classroom beyond our campus building. Testing should not simply happen at a desk, we move into the natural envionment to take lessons in the sea, the rivers and the surrounding mountains in voyage and expedition. Service to others is also a significant part of our routine and both local, national and international communities benefit. Read more.

Boarding Community

Part of the strength of an education at Gordonstoun, is the community which forms as our students board in our brand new houses. Developed with students at the heart of this daily life; friendships are forged and networks created which will impact students for life. Independance is inherently taught as boarders learn to care for themselves, under the nurturing guidance of the boarding house staff. Read more.

The Gordonstoun Legacy

Founded in Scotland in 1934 by a visionary educationalist Kurt Hahn, Gordonstoun has spent nearly a century pioneering the concept of holistic, "whole-person" education. Hahn believed that schools should cultivate not only academic excellence but to convert privilege into responsibility and to develop compassion required to serve society.

For generations, Gordonstoun has been held as a global benchmark of character development. Most famously, it has educated three generations of the British Royal Family. This historic lineage includes:

  • HRH The Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, who drew direct inspiration from the Gordonstoun philosophy to establish the world-renowned Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
  • HM King Charles III, who continues his deep lifelong connection to the school as the Honorary Patron of the Gordonstoun Association.
  • HRH The Duke of Edinburgh (Prince Edward), Zara and Phillip - the son and daughter of HRH Princess Royal (Princess Anne).

Today, the enduring ethos, "Plus est en vous", continues to inspire a diverse pupil body from over 40 nations. In September 2027, this world-class legacy arrives in Japan, seamlessly intertwining ninety years of British boarding heritage with the rich cultural fabric of East Asia.

Legacy

Building the future: 5 Year Campus Master Plan

The Field & Boarding Houses

Boarding House Building

Boarding House Entrance Hall

4-Bed Boarding Room

2-Bed Boarding Room

FAQ

When does the academic year start?

September 2027 with another intake in April 2028.

How do we apply?

Applications must be submitted to the Admissions team and you can apply here.

When do applications open? Is there a deadline?

Applications are now open and close at the end of May. We highly recommend submitting your application before the end of January to best secure your child's place.


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Applications for the 2027 First Cohort (Years 7-10) are now open

Admissions