On November 4th, a significant event in the world of education took place as 15 leading British boarding schools converged in Tokyo for the inaugural British Boarding School Fair Japan. This event was expertly organised by Pippa's Guardians, a renowned name in guardianship services for international students. The fair aimed to bridge the gap between Japanese families and the exceptional educational opportunities available in the United Kingdom.

Pippa's Guardians initiated this event in response to the growing interest in their School Advice Service and the increasing number of guardianship inquiries from Japanese families. The one-day fair, held at a prominent venue in Tokyo, attracted over 400 families. Many participating schools found themselves in high demand, with lines of eager families waiting to interact with school representatives.

Throughout the day, information seminars provided invaluable insights into the UK boarding school system and the benefits of a British education. This served as a valuable resource for Japanese families seeking a deeper understanding of the possibilities that UK boarding schools offer.

Yoriko Kuroda, Pippa's Japan Representative, who is based in Tokyo, emphasised the shifting perceptions of Japanese families regarding UK boarding schools. She said, "Our research and the attendance at our event demonstrate that more and more Japanese families are looking to access UK boarding schools for their children, often as young as 9 years old. In further research, we discovered that most Japanese families see UK boarding schools as distant, inaccessible, expensive, and very traditional. There is a misconception that our schools are beyond the reach of many Japanese families, and therefore schools in America, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, and New Zealand have been the 'go-to' option."

Statistical data from the ISC census confirms that Japanese students enrolling in UK boarding schools have seen a remarkable 117% increase over the past decade, solidifying Japan as a growing market for British education.

Ben Hughes, Managing Director for Pippa's Guardians, shared his personal experiences and insights during the fair. He highlighted the positive impact of Japanese students attending UK boarding schools, both on the students themselves and their British peers. He explained, "Japanese students and UK Boarding Schools, it's a thriving, vibrant, and positive collaboration for all parties, and it is likely that the number of Japanese students studying at UK boarding schools will increase in 2024 and beyond."

Nicola Hugget, Head of Cheltenham College, also participated in the event and commended its success, saying, "Our experience of the Pippa's Guardians fair in Japan was superb. It was very well-advertised in the country, ensuring a large turn-out of families, and we felt it was an excellent first introduction for us into the Japanese market."

Pippa's Guardians, with their commitment to facilitating international education, continues to be at the forefront of connecting Japanese families with outstanding opportunities in the UK. For more information on how Pippa's Guardians can assist your school in recruiting students from Japan, please contact Ben at [email protected].