First Graduating Class Marks Historic Milestone
Harrow International School Appi Japan, Japan's only full-boarding British international school, held its inaugural graduation ceremony on June 26, 2026, in Hachimantai, Iwate Prefecture. The Class of 2026, comprising 34 students from 12 nationalities, earned offers from world-leading universities across the globe.
The ceremony celebrated the school's first cohort since its opening in August 2022. Students benefited from Harrow's holistic education model and full boarding environment, growing alongside peers from diverse backgrounds while securing places at prestigious institutions.
Outstanding University Destinations
The Class of 2026 received a total of 146 university offers from 81 institutions across nine countries and regions, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, and Singapore. Of these, 64 offers came from universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings Top 100. This breadth and depth of destinations reflects the school's internationally competitive profile cultivated in just four years: rigorous academics, intercultural competence, leadership experience, and extracurricular distinction.
Head Master's Mountaineering Metaphor
Headmaster Stephen Tong addressed the graduates, using a mountaineering metaphor to reflect on progress and perspective. He encouraged them to carry the view from the summit—the lessons, friendships, and experiences gained at Harrow Appi Japan—as they face new challenges worldwide. He urged them to make a positive difference not only through achievements but through how they choose to live their lives.
Head Boy's Reflections
The inaugural Head Boy spoke about the bonds formed within the founding class, describing friendships forged across cultures and continents as the most enduring legacy. He told classmates these bonds would hold a special place in his heart long after grades had faded.
A Proven Educational Model
Since opening in August 2022, Harrow Appi Japan has brought the full Harrow experience to Japan. As a member of the Harrow family of schools, it upholds traditions and ambitions that have shaped the original school for over four centuries, now delivered in the natural beauty of Iwate Prefecture. The 34 graduates are the founding generation, educated within a multinational community that developed academic excellence, leadership capabilities, and an international outlook. Their university admissions provide early evidence that the school is fulfilling its mission to develop the next generation of global leaders.
About Harrow International School Appi Japan
Set in the mountains of Appi Kogen, Iwate Prefecture, the school combines world-class education with a full boarding experience in Japanese nature. Aligned with Harrow's British international curriculum, it provides a 24/7 distraction-free learning environment for holistic development of mind, body, and spirit. The school welcomes students aged 11 to 18 (Year 7 to 13), offering IGCSE and A Level curriculum, along with enrichment programmes including high-level ski and snowboard coaching. This prepares students for success at leading universities worldwide.
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