From Oxford and Cambridge to leading universities in London, Edinburgh, Japan and Switzerland, Rugby School Japan’s Year 13 pupils are preparing to continue their education at an impressive range of institutions around the world.
This year, 100% of pupils progressed to their first-choice destination, with university destinations including the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London and University College London (UCL).
For a school that opened its doors in 2023, the destinations achieved by some of Rugby School Japan’s earliest graduating pupils represent an important milestone and demonstrate the strength of the academic pathways now developing at RSJ.
Oxford and Cambridge Success for Rugby School Japan Pupils
Places at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge represent a particularly significant achievement for the pupils concerned and for Rugby School Japan.
Admission to Oxford and Cambridge is highly competitive, requiring pupils to demonstrate exceptional academic ability alongside the independent thinking, intellectual curiosity and subject knowledge required through their respective admissions processes.
For RSJ pupils to progress to both universities reflects the academic ambition that has developed within the School and the individual support available to pupils as they prepare for university applications.
It also demonstrates the opportunities available through the A Level pathway. By concentrating on a smaller number of subjects in considerable depth, pupils are able to develop the specialist knowledge and academic independence required for demanding university courses in the UK and internationally.
Rugby School Japan University Destinations
Rugby School Japan pupils are progressing to a broad range of universities and institutions this year, reflecting the different interests, ambitions and future pathways of the graduating cohort.
Destinations include:
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- Imperial College London
- University College London (UCL)
- University of Edinburgh
- University of York
- University of Exeter
- University of Birmingham
- University of the Arts London
- Sophia University, Japan
- Les Roches, Switzerland
Together, these destinations demonstrate the international reach of a Rugby School Japan education, with pupils able to pursue higher education opportunities both in the UK and around the world.
100% of Pupils Progress to Their First-Choice Destination
Alongside the individual university destinations, Rugby School Japan is particularly pleased that 100% of pupils progressed to their first-choice destination.
University preparation at RSJ is not simply about securing a place at the most selective institution possible. Pupils are encouraged to consider the course, university and wider environment that will best match their individual strengths, interests and ambitions.
This process begins well before applications are submitted. Through academic guidance and individual support, pupils are encouraged to explore potential subjects and careers, research universities and make informed decisions about where they would like their education to take them next.
The result is a university application process focused on finding the right destination for each individual pupil.
Strong A Level Results Support University Progression
This year’s university destinations follow an outstanding set of A Level results at Rugby School Japan. Across the cohort, 28% of all A Level grades were awarded at A*, 68% at A*-A, and 86% at A*-B.
These results provide pupils with strong academic foundations for the transition from school to higher education, where they will be expected to work with considerably greater independence and engage deeply with their chosen fields of study.
Preparing Pupils for Competitive University Applications
Strong examination results are an important part of university preparation, but successful applications to highly competitive universities require more than grades alone.
Rugby School Japan pupils are encouraged to develop independence, intellectual curiosity and confidence throughout their time at the School.
The Sixth Form experience combines specialist A Level study with opportunities in leadership, sport, the arts, service, boarding and the wider life of the School. Pupils therefore have opportunities to pursue academic interests deeply while continuing to develop the wider skills and personal qualities they will need at university.
This reflects Rugby School’s Whole Person Whole Point philosophy: preparing young people not simply to gain admission to university, but to make the most of the opportunities available once they arrive.
From Rugby School Japan to Universities Around the World
The breadth of this year’s university destinations also reflects the international nature of the Rugby School Japan community.
While many pupils choose to progress to British universities, others pursue opportunities elsewhere in the world. This year’s destinations include institutions in the UK, Japan and Switzerland, giving pupils the freedom to choose the higher education pathway that best suits their ambitions.
For an international school in Japan offering the British curriculum, this flexibility is particularly important. IGCSEs and A Levels provide internationally recognised qualifications that allow pupils to apply to universities across multiple countries and higher education systems.
An Important Milestone for Rugby School Japan
This year’s university destinations are particularly meaningful because many of the graduating pupils joined Rugby School Japan during the School’s earliest years.
They have grown alongside RSJ, contributing to the culture, community and traditions of a school that only opened its doors in 2023.
Their progression to Oxford, Cambridge and other leading universities around the world therefore represents an important milestone in the development of Rugby School Japan itself.
It is also a glimpse of what lies ahead as future generations of RSJ pupils progress through IGCSEs, A Levels and ultimately into higher education.
Discover Sixth Form and A Levels at Rugby School Japan
Families interested in learning more about Sixth Form, A Levels and university preparation at Rugby School Japan are warmly invited to visit the School.
Join us for an upcoming Open Day or book a campus tour to meet members of our community, explore the campus and learn more about how Rugby School Japan prepares pupils for leading universities in the UK and around the world.
Click here to register for a campus tour or to attend our next Open Day.
