EN – Harrow Appi

Then vs Now: Our Beaks

Posted on March 13, 2026March 13, 2026 by Gloria

It is easy to forget that every adult was once a child too.

Before the classrooms, the degrees and the experience, there were dreams, nerves on the first day of school, favourite subjects, inspiring teachers, and moments that shaped who they would become.

At Harrow International School Appi Japan, our staff draw on those very memories every day. They remember what it felt like to be encouraged. To be challenged. To be truly seen. And they use those experiences to shape an environment where every pupil is known, supported and stretched to achieve more than they thought possible.

We would not be a school less ordinary without an extraordinary team. Because creating an exceptional school begins with never forgetting what it feels like to be a child.

To see the full Instagram post, click here!

Trip to Tanzania

Posted on March 13, 2026March 13, 2026 by Gloria

Snow boots swapped for shorts!

The world remains the greatest classroom. We are proud to offer opportunities that challenge perspectives, broaden horizons and embody our belief in a school life less ordinary. This half term, a group of our students traded the slopes of Japan for the vast plains of Tanzania.

From experiencing traditional arts and crafts at Safariland, to visiting a Maasai Boma Camp where they met the son of the village chief, wore traditional Maasai dress and were welcomed with song and dance, students were immersed in rich local culture. In Arusha, they learned to communicate in sign language with artisans at Shanga, a social enterprise employing deaf and blind craftspeople.

The adventure continued through some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes: the Serengeti Gate, where they witnessed wildebeest and zebra roaming the plains; the historic Oldupai Gorge; the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater; and the vast Serengeti itself.

Our sincere thanks to our Beaks — Mr Alexander, Ms Alexander and Mr Shota — and to the exceptional Kwetu Tours for making this experience so memorable.

See more photos on our Instagram here!

15 Years Since Tōhoku Earthquake

Posted on March 13, 2026March 13, 2026 by Gloria

On the 11 March, we paused to mark fifteen years since the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami – remembering the lives lost and honouring the extraordinary resilience of this region. As a school in Tōhoku, this anniversary is close to home. For many of our staff and students, it is a deeply personal moment of reflection.

In the fifteen years since the disaster, Tōhoku has rebuilt with remarkable strength, unity and determination. That spirit is not lost on us. We are proud to be part of a region that continues to grow, thrive and inspire.

東日本大震災で被災された方々をはじめ、東北のコミュニティの皆様へ、心よりお見舞い申し上げます。

Poetry at Heart Competition

Posted on March 5, 2026March 5, 2026 by Gloria

Led by our English Department and involving the entire school, students recently participated in the Poetry by Heart competition. Students were asked to select a poem of their choice and commit it to memory, performing it within their English lessons. From there, finalists were chosen to recite in the Black Box Theatre before a panel of judges.

Students were assessed not simply on accuracy, but on their ability to truly inhabit the poem – to communicate meaning, emotion and intention, and to move their audience through confident, heartfelt delivery.

Congratulations to every student who took part, and a special well done to our finalists and winners. An inspiring reminder of the power of words when they are spoken from the heart.

To learn more about what the students get up to at Harrow Appi Japan, download our prospectus here!

Harrow Appi Japan Students receives award for John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize

Posted on March 5, 2026March 5, 2026 by Gloria

Huge congratulations to Leo C (Year 12) on receiving a Very High Commendation in Economics for the prestigious John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize – placing him in the top 2% of candidates worldwide.

The John Locke Institute Essay Prize is one of the most competitive academic essay competitions globally, attracting thousands of submissions each year from students across leading schools worldwide. Essays are judged by senior academics and scholars from the University of Oxford and other renowned institutions, with entrants assessed on the originality of argument, depth of analysis, clarity of reasoning, and intellectual rigour.

To be recognised at this level in Economics is an exceptional accomplishment and a testament to Leo’s analytical ability, independent thinking, and academic ambition. We are immensely proud to see our students competing – and excelling – on the global stage. Well done Leo!

World Book Week at Harrow Appi Japan

Posted on March 5, 2026March 5, 2026 by Gloria

Happy World Book Day! This week, our Harrow hats told stories.

Students were asked to dress up their hat to tell their story. Items, symbols, colours, favourite characters, well-loved books, hobbies, ambitions, even the wonderfully random objects that make each child unique.

Wednesday’s Assembly looked a little different as a result. The sea of decorated hats transformed the room into a celebration of imagination, personality and storytelling. It was fantastic to see so many pupils embrace the challenge with such creativity and confidence.

At Harrow International School Appi Japan, reading is never just about words on a page. It is about curiosity, self-expression and the courage to share who you are with the world. A wonderful reminder that every story matters – especially your own.

To learn more about life at Harrow Appi Japan, please feel free to download our prospectus here.

House Stomp and Shout 2026

Posted on February 20, 2026February 20, 2026 by Gloria

Did someone say House Stomp and Shout? 🎤

One of the most anticipated House events of the year, House Stomp and Shout saw students spend weeks rehearsing their dance routines and vocal performances, ready to take to the stage and compete for House glory. The energy in the room was electric as each House brought creativity, confidence and serious competitive spirit to the spotlight.

With our esteemed judges watching closely and the holidays just around the corner, you would never have guessed anyone was slowing down. Another unforgettable evening that captures the spirit, talent and camaraderie at the heart of life at Harrow Appi Japan. Well done Elizabeth House for winning Stomp and Lyons House for winning the Shout!

Early University Offers for Harrow Appi Japan’s First Sixth Form Cohort

Posted on February 19, 2026February 19, 2026 by Gloria

Harrow International School Appi Japan is proud to announce the early university offers received by our first Sixth Form cohort— a threshold moment for their future adult lives as it is for Harrow Appi.

Although this is still an early stage in the university admissions cycle, our graduating class have already secured more than 70 early offers from leading institutions across the UK, US, Japan, Canada, Hong Kong and Australia. This includes 38 offers from Russell Group or other Top Ten ranked universities in the UK. This is an exceptional achievement and a testament to the dedication of our students.

These offers reflect not only academic excellence, but also the ambition, character and global outlook that define a Harrow Appi education. Students join us at Appi from all over the world, and we are now discovering that they will move on from us to further study all around the world as well.

Importantly, these represent just the first wave of offers, with further decisions — and undoubtedly more exciting news — still to come. We look forward to celebrating the continued success of our pioneering Year 13 students in the months ahead.

House Igloo Building Competition 2026

Posted on February 19, 2026February 19, 2026 by Gloria

The much loved House Igloo Building Competition returned this term — and this year, the igloos were bigger, bolder and more imaginative than ever!

Our highly skilled (and highly competitive) students transformed blocks of snow into architectural masterpieces. There were multi-room designs, beautifully decorated interiors, a private cinema room, and even an igloo complete with its own slide!

After three full days of planning and construction, a group of adventurous students took the challenge one step further by choosing to stay overnight inside their creations — enduring temperatures of -12°C. 🥶

Congratulations to all Houses for their outstanding effort, collaboration and ingenuity and a huge thank you to the professors at Aomori University for helping the students with their builds. Be sure to watch the video to see these incredible snow structures come to life!

Ski Race Trip to Tayama Ski Resort

Posted on February 19, 2026February 19, 2026 by Gloria

A great day on the slopes at Tayama Ski Resort in Hachimantai!

Our recent ski race trip challenged students to test their technique in a new environment, building confidence and resilience beyond familiar terrain.

By visiting a variety of local ski resorts throughout the season, students are encouraged to adapt, explore, and enjoy the excitement of skiing somewhere new – all while developing their skills and love for the sport.