At Rugby School Japan (RSJ), we aim to provide an educational experience that blends academic excellence with the personal growth that comes from being part of a supportive boarding community. Building on over 200 years of boarding experience from our sister school in Rugby, UK, we offer an environment where pupils’ academic, social, and emotional development is nurtured within a close-knit boarding house system.
The Role of the Boarding House System
At RSJ, all pupils are assigned to a boarding house, whether they are day pupils, weekly boarders, or full boarders. This house system is central to the school experience, helping create a sense of community where pupils can learn not only in the classroom but also through their interactions with one another. The houses are designed to foster belonging and mutual respect, with older pupils encouraged to mentor younger ones, promoting leadership and responsibility.
Pastoral Care and Support
The boarding system at RSJ is built on strong pastoral care, where staff live alongside pupils and provide daily support. Each house is led by a Housemaster or Housemistress, supported by resident assistants, visiting tutors and other staff, all dedicated to helping pupils navigate the challenges of school life. This structure ensures that pupils’ academic, social, and personal needs are met, and provides a safe environment where any issues can be detected and addressed promptly.
Encouraging Independence
Boarding provides a valuable opportunity for pupils to become more independent. With the support of staff, they learn to manage their time, make decisions about their academic path and the range of opportunities presented to them, and take on responsibilities within the house. This balance of guidance and autonomy helps pupils prepare for life beyond school.
Academic Support
Education at RSJ extends beyond classroom lessons. Every teacher also acts as a tutor in the boarding houses, offering additional academic support throughout the day. Tutors monitor pupils’ progress and help them manage their study habits, ensuring that any academic difficulties are addressed and overcome. This approach allows for a personalised learning experience, tailored to each pupil’s needs.
Wellbeing and Safety
Pupil safety and wellbeing are naturally our top priorities. The school’s safeguarding principles ensure that pupils are looked after by a dedicated team, which includes health and counselling services. All staff are trained to recognise signs of distress and respond accordingly, ensuring pupils feel secure and supported at all times. The school’s commitment to personal care helps foster a sense of belonging in a supportive, family-like environment.
A Broad Range of Co-Curricular Activities
Life at RSJ is enriched by a wide range of co-curricular activities, from sports and the arts to house competitions and social events. These opportunities help pupils explore new interests, develop their talents, and form lasting friendships. Participation in school-wide events, as well as house-based activities, helps strengthen community bonds and encourages a sense of achievement.
A Typical Boarding Week
A typical week at RSJ begins after breakfast with academic lessons, followed by a break and time to relax before afternoon lessons, sports activities and a rich co-curricular programme. Evenings are focused on study, with staff available to provide guidance and academic support. Weekends bring a variety of activities, including sporting events, cultural excursions, and house events like formal dinners and social gatherings, allowing pupils to unwind and bond outside the classroom.
The Whole Person The Whole Point
Boarding at RSJ offers a balanced environment where pupils can grow in many areas, including academically, socially, and personally. The house system, combined with dedicated pastoral care and a focus on independence, provides a well-rounded experience that prepares pupils for the future. Whether they be day pupils, weekly boarders, or full boarders, RSJ pupils benefit from being part of a community that encourages personal growth, and allows pupils to build the skills and confidence to flourish in the wider world beyond RSJ.
If you would like to learn more about life at Rugby School Japan, we would be delighted to welcome you at our next Open Morning or for a private campus tour. To register for a school visit, please click the button below:
