In early November Pippa’s Guardians hosted our second ever British Boarding School Fair in Tokyo (https://bbsfjapan.com/). Ben Hughes had this to say, about what went on and how it went:

I am pleased to confirm it was a roaring success with 18 leading boarding schools in attendance and, more importantly, over 150 Japanese families seeking a UK boarding school education for their child(ren).

We delivered relevant and timely seminars and Japanese families had the opportunity to meet with UK boarding schools directly to discuss their child’s enrolment. Interest from Japan in our schools is extremely strong with record attendances and registrations for the fair itself. In fact, it was so busy there was a queue to enter the venue at 10am (we did a count down 3-2-1!) and families also queuing in front of each school waiting to speak to the Registrar or Headmaster. Those schools with two attendees could maximise their time more efficiently as they could speak to two families consecutively.

We have been really pleased to receive some wonderful testimonials from a number of the Registrars who attended, including:

Pippa’s have again organised the most brilliant boarding schools fair in Tokyo. From the guidance ahead of the event, the administration and care on the day itself, the attendance at the fair, to the support around the whole trip, the Pippa’s team were exceptional. Well done Ben, Yoriko and everyone at Pippa’s!

And

Pippa’s Guardians are a joy to work with and the BBSFJ 2024 was organised brilliantly. It helped us make contact with many Japanese families, all of whom are highly focused on an independent UK school education for their children. We look forward to returning to the fair again next year.

Also

A superbly organised event from start to finish with excellent pupils and parents. Pippa’s have a real grasp and understanding of the changing Japanese market and this fair is a fixed fixture in our admissions calendar.

Aside from the event itself we enjoyed a drinks party at a 5* hotel the night before the event, the most amazing Wagyu beef dinner after the fair and a cultural trip for those interested on the Sunday. From a personal perspective it was a pleasure to return to Japan, again with my family, to enjoy Japanese hospitality and to engage further in the Japanese market.

Due to demand we will be hosting a second event in March 2025 and then again in November 2025.

If I could take this opportunity to wholeheartedly thank the team involved with the fair including Tracy and Sarah here in the UK and the Japan dream team of Yoriko, Aya and Naoko based in Tokyo. What an incredible team to work with, thank you to you all.

Thank you also to the following schools for coming all the way to Japan with us:

Abingdon School

Blundell’s School

Brighton College

Cheltenham College

Cheltenham College Prep

Charterhouse School

Cheltenham Ladies’ College

Christ’s Hospital

Clifton College

Cottesmore School

Culford School

King’s School Canterbury

Malvern College

Millfield School

Millfield Prep

Rugby School

Sevenoaks Schol

Stowe School

Wellington School

If you are interested to hear more about how Pippa’s Guardians can help your school recruit students from Japan please do get in touch with Ben Hughes. Ben@pippasguardians.co.uk

Arigato, until next year!