Apologies, but the review dated 26 November 2025 is so far removed from our experience of BST that it reads like fantasy.

First, the comments regarding native English speakers are simply incorrect. Apart from the Japanese teachers and some of the admin staff (who are extremely fluent), every teacher I have met over the past two years has been a native English speaker, predominantly from the UK. This includes the second teacher in each class. The teachers are qualified, competent, and genuinely invested in the children. My child and his friends often visit their previous class and PE teachers simply to say hello, reflecting the strong relationships that have been built.

Second, while I am not involved in the PTA, I have very good relationships with many other parents. As with any community, the level of involvement depends on the time and energy people are able to contribute. As with anywhere, it can take time to establish relationships when you are new, but the school provides ample opportunities for parents to connect if they wish. My child recently travelled overseas as part of a school event and was well looked after by other parents who were able to attend, for which I am truly grateful.

Third, the student body is indeed international, but is predominantly of children from the UK, and those from other English-speaking countries. Students from elsewhere generally have native-level English backgrounds. This diversity has been brilliant for my child, who has developed friendships with children from many different countries. The overall standard of English among the students is very high—higher, in my experience, than at other international schools in Japan, including local branches of some well-known British public schools.

I cannot provide much comment on the final paragraph of the aforementioned review. I have never encountered or heard of the issues alleged, and the claims read more like hearsay.

So far, we are very happy with the school, and so is our child. If you are looking for a finishing school or one with a particularly prestigious name, there are other options available. However, the experiences and opportunities that BST have provided have been outstanding. My child has ben able to try activities and pursue interests that they would never previously have considered. The dedication of the staff in these areas has always been of a very high standard.

Every child is different, and no school is the right fit for everyone. However, BST has been an excellent fit for our child, and our family's experience has been overwhelmingly positive.