Educated in the UK, Anthony Gardner has been working in Japan in the field of education for over 25 years. He joined Rugby School Japan in early 2025 as the new Admissions Manager.
In this role, he welcomes prospective families to campus, represents RSJ at events in Japan and abroad, and builds partnerships with agents and organisations worldwide. His work plays a key part in sharing the RSJ ethos and ensuring that as many talented young people as possible have the opportunity to benefit from a Rugby School education.
Find the complete interview just below:
What universities do pupils typically enrol in after leaving Rugby School Japan?
Our first cohort of A Level pupils graduated this summer 2025 with very impressive exam results. They have now entered universities not just in the UK, but Hong Kong and Japan. In following years, we expect our pupils to continue to go on to top universities all over the world.
Does RSJ have any partnerships with companies, community organisations, or higher education institutions?
We have partnerships with our neighbours, the University of Chiba and the University of Tokyo, which means we have frequent visits, events and workshops on campus as well as tie-ups with such institutions. Pupils have conducted research at the University of Tokyo in Chemistry, among other subjects.
Can you tell us about A Levels, and what are the benefits to pupils of studying A Levels over the IB?
Whereas the IB covers a broad spectrum of subjects, A Levels offer a fuller focus on three or four subjects from Year 12 and 13, as well as the Extended Project Qualification and its independent study focus. This means pupils can really concentrate on the subjects they prefer and the subjects they feel will better propel them along their chosen path for further studies and career.
Universities too value the deeper focus that A Levels offer and they help make the path through university smoother at the early stages thanks to the intensity of the studies that pupils have already conducted.
What would you say are the key differences between the British curriculum and others including the Japanese and American curricula?
Similar to the above question, A Levels in the British curriculum ensure channelled focus, while the Japanese and US curricula offer a broader range. Also, the British system means that there is less emphasis on memorisation than in the Japanese system and more emphasis on student-centred critical thinking and analysis. These, we believe, are skills which serve our pupils well in their future career choices.
Why do families choose boarding school?
Families want to make sure their child is well catered for and has total emotional as well as academic support. Our boarding options ensure pupils are given the chance to study and live with their peers and teaching staff, receive additional help doing homework and have the chance to make full use of our wonderful state-of-the-art facilities outside of ordinary school hours.
Are Rugby School Japan’s teachers mainly from the UK?
The majority are from the UK, and most have international school experience from across the world alongside their top-level teaching qualifications.
Can pupils who enrol in Rugby School Japan get a place at Rugby School UK?
We have exchange programmes with our sister schools in the UK and Thailand. Enrolling in Rugby UK is of course possible but would still require a pupil to complete the admissions process there. That said, if a pupil is particularly successful in their time at RSJ, we would be able to strongly recommend them for RSUK if they wished to go there.
How many different nationalities study at Rugby School Japan?
Currently we have 26 different nationalities, which reflects the broad international appeal of our school and its ethos.
If you were to describe the archetypal RSJ pupil, who would they be?
In my experience at my time at the school, I would describe our pupils as being curious, kind, willing to take on new challenges, team players, self-confident whilst being modest, and in all the interactions I have had with them, overwhelmingly polite and respectful of others. The mutual respect between faculty staff and pupils is one of RSJ’s biggest assets.
What is the Whole Person the Whole Point, and what are the benefits to pupils of RSJ’s ethos?
We concentrate on not just academic development, but also physical, creative and personal development to ensure that our pupils develop a well-rounded, confident and kind character ready to take on the challenges of adult life and become wonderful global citizens.
Through his insights, Anthony offers families a clearer picture of what makes RSJ unique, from our Whole Person, Whole Point ethos to the academic pathways and boarding opportunities that set us apart. His perspective highlights both the values that form the foundation of our community and the rich global diversity that enhances our school experience each day. We thank Anthony for sharing his expertise and for the vital role he plays in welcoming families into the RSJ journey.
