Gordonstoun Japan is the first international campus of the historic Scottish boarding school founded in 1934 by educational pioneer Kurt Hahn. Renowned for educating three generations of the British Royal Family, including HM King Charles III, the school pairs rigorous academic study with outdoor challenge and service, guided by the famous school motto "Plus est en vous" ("There is more in you").

Scheduled to open its doors for the Autumn Term 2027 in Wakayama City, the institution is being established by OCC Educational Corporation in a strategic partnership with Gordonstoun, Nankai Electric Railway, Sanyo Homes, and Wakayama City. The expansive 15-hectare campus in Umehara is designed as a full-boarding school with a total capacity of approximately 700 pupils across seven year groups.

Academic & Enrolment Structure

• Opening Cohort: In its 2027 opening year, the school will admit pupils into Years 7 to 10 (equivalent to grade 6 of Japanese elementary school through the third year of junior high school). Years 11 to 13 will be introduced sequentially in subsequent years.

• The March-to-Summer Pathway: Gordonstoun Japan offers a specialised pathway for Year 7 and Year 10 candidates to transition seamlessly during the Summer Term following their Japanese school graduation in March. This allows students to bypass enrolling in another local secondary school for the brief April-to-July window, utilising this time instead to fast-track their English language skills and adapt to the British curriculum.

• Curriculum: The school delivers a traditional British curriculum, with pupils following IGCSE courses in Years 10 and 11, followed by A Levels in Years 12 and 13. Whilst English is the primary language of instruction, English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is included in the tuition, alongside mandatory classes in Japanese culture and history.

Character Education & Pastoral Care

Co-Curricular & Outdoor Expeditions: Life beyond the classroom is central to the Gordonstoun ethos, rooted in founder Kurt Hahn’s belief in discovering hidden potential ("Plus est en vous"). Outdoor education is fully integrated into the curriculum rather than treated as optional:

Sail Training: Students master seamanship, navigation, and collaborative leadership on ocean-going vessels.

Wilderness Expeditions: Progression through outdoor survival, map reading, and mountain navigation culminates in a 4-day, 100-kilometre trek for senior students (Years 11–13) through Wakayama's rugged terrain.

Service to Community & Environment: Service is a core requirement. Students join active service units, ranging from environmental action—such as marine conservation on nearby Tomogashima Island—to community aid and outdoor leadership, instilling compassion and civic responsibility.

Boarding Life & Leadership: Pupils live in a traditional house system with resident pastoral staff, fostering round-the-clock support. Students also complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

Leadership: The founding principal is Natasha Dangerfield, who brings extensive leadership experience from both the original Gordonstoun school in Scotland and Westonbirt School in England.

Fees & Admissions (2027 Intake)

• Annual Fees: Combined annual tuition (¥7.5 million) and boarding (¥3 million) total ¥10.5 million per year (inclusive of consumption tax).

• Initial Costs: A ¥50,000 application fee and a ¥1 million registration fee apply (the registration fee counts towards the first year's fees). Various incentives, such as sibling, summer-programme, and founding-cohort discounts are available, alongside planned scholarships.

• Application Timeline: Applications for the inaugural cohort opened on 1 September 2026, with a closing deadline of 31 March 2027. Families are advised to verify the latest details directly with the school as arrangements may change prior to opening.