UK Boarding School Lancing College and Sapporo Nihon University High School sign collaboration partnership

Hokkaido is currently undergoing its boldest industrial transformation in a generation, shifting from a primarily agricultural and tourism-based economy into a massive tech and green industry hub. Hokkaido is attracting keen attention from both within Japan and internationally.

Driven by significant capital injections from the Japanese government and private and overseas consortiums, investment is heavily concentrated in two overlapping sectors: Next-Generation Semiconductors and Green Transformation (GX). Supporting these developments are the expansions, new terminals, and infrastructure overhauls taking place across the airport in Hokkaido.

These exciting developments bring with them demand for high level technical and managerial roles, housing, infrastructure and of course, a need for high quality education for Japanese and International families

• Lancing College, a prestigious British boarding school has announced a partnership with Sapporo Nihon University High School, (the only private school in Hokkaido accredited for the International Baccalaureate), with a view to explore the potential to establish a K12 dual curriculum boarding school in the future. The two schools have expressed their strong determination to “contribute to society through the power of education.”
• It is envisaged that the new school will appeal to both Japanese and expatriate families, modelled on Lancing’s impressive and well-developed pastoral and educational programme
• In addition, the creation of a cutting-edge campus, providing a world-leading international educational environment, with an eye on the future of Hokkaido, is envisaged.

Against the backdrop of this historical turning point, Sapporo Nihon University High School is taking a decisive step. The new school will allow for direct admission not only to national, public, and prestigious private universities in Japan, but also to highly competitive universities overseas.

Commenting on this:

Dr Scott Crawford, Head Master of Lancing College UK said – I am delighted to visit Hokkaido and see for myself the excellence of Sapporo Nihon University High School. There is already a good understanding between our two schools established over several months. Bringing our expertise together has the potential to offer an innovative educational environment for the young people of Hokkaido. Lancing College is excited and committed to the development of this project and look forward to working with our new partners to explore this opportunity”

Principal Takeshi Asari of Sapporo Nihon University Junior & Senior High School said:

“I am truly delighted and deeply moved that we have been able to confirm this partnership toward the shared vision of bringing the prestigious British boarding school Lancing College to Hokkaido.

“Hokkaido’s children will shape the future of our society. At the same time, the number of foreign residents and people with international backgrounds is rapidly increasing. Although Hokkaido is becoming increasingly dependent on international talent and support, globalization in education and society has not yet fully caught up.

“In addition, Rapidus, Japan’s national next-generation semiconductor project, is now developing in the nearby region. As a result, there is a growing need for Hokkaido to become a truly global community capable of welcoming international engineers, professionals, and families.

“By combining SNU’s operational expertise with the prestigious brand and educational curriculum of Lancing College, we believe we can make a meaningful contribution to the future of Hokkaido as a globally connected region.

“This is an inspiring project with tremendous potential, and we are genuinely excited about what lies ahead.”