CAREER

When my family and I moved to Tokyo in 2018, it marked an exciting new chapter, not just personally, but professionally too. With over 25 years of experience in education back in the UK, both as a teacher and in senior leadership roles, I was naturally curious about the international school landscape here. As I began working in a couple of Tokyo’s international schools, and navigated the system myself as a parent, I started to notice some common challenges families were facing, particularly those coming from the Asia-Pacific region.

There was often confusion around the different international curriculums, anxiety over the application and interview processes, and uncertainty about English language expectations. I began having conversations with a Japanese parent, Yuri, whom I met through my work, and we quickly realized we were hearing the same concerns from others, too. While there was some information out there, it was scattered and often hard to digest. What seemed to be missing was a single, supportive hub where families could get clear, accessible guidance.

That’s what led Yuri and me to co-found the International Schools Advisory, Tokyo (ISA Tokyo), an initiative born from real conversations, shared experiences, and a desire to make the international school journey a little smoother for others.

BUSINESS

Although our company is still in its early days (officially launched in 2023) it’s been growing and evolving quickly. What began as a small venture focused on supporting families interested in Japanese international schools has since expanded its reach far beyond Tokyo. Today, we’re helping families explore educational opportunities not just in Japan, but also in cities like London and New York.

At the heart of our work is a simple goal: to make international and independent education easier to understand and more accessible. We bring all the key information together in one place and offer personalized support to families navigating the sometimes-overwhelming application process for schools, colleges, and universities.

Our services range from helping families identify the right school to providing hands-on support with applications and interviews. We also offer a low-cost membership that gives families access to a wealth of resources and insider insights. Because we started out in Japan, everything we do is available in both Japanese and English, a welcome comfort to many of our clients, especially the Japanese families who make up a large part of our community.

What makes ISA Tokyo unique is our holistic, parent-informed approach. With decades of combined experience in education, and as parents who’ve walked this path ourselves, we understand the journey families are on. That lived experience, paired with deep professional expertise, is what truly sets us apart.

Service materials

VISION

At the heart of what we do is our personalized approach, and we truly believe that’s our greatest strength. As we look to the future, this is something we’re committed to building upon. We want families, whether they’re in Japan or anywhere else in the world, to think of us as their trusted partner in navigating their school or university search. It’s not just about the support we offer, it’s about how we offer it.

We aim to make what can often feel like a daunting admissions process much more manageable. Our goal is for families to move forward with clarity and confidence, knowing they can speak with us openly and trust the guidance we provide, even if it’s not quite what they expected to hear. That trust, that relationship, is everything to us.

One of the most rewarding signs we’re on the right track? When families recommend us to their friends. That kind of word-of-mouth support means the world and tells us we’re making a real difference.

Looking ahead, we’re also excited to explore new and emerging markets such as India, where we believe our tailored approach can make an impact. But no matter how we grow, one thing will always remain the same: the personal touch that defines everything we do.

Yuri and I are incredibly proud of the work that ISA Tokyo does in supporting families. As female founders, we also understand the journey and challenges faced by women starting out in the business world. What’s important to us is creating a community of like-minded entrepreneurs who are passionate about what they do and eager to support one another, as much as building a successful business. We believe in the power of connection and collaboration, and we’re especially keen to engage with other small business owners and institutions, particularly those led by women, to share experiences, insights, and encouragement.

While we’re working hard to establish ISA Tokyo as a trusted name in international and independent education, we’re equally committed to forming meaningful partnerships along the way. Our mission, to make this kind of education more accessible on a global scale, can only grow stronger when we’re part of a broader network of families, individuals, and organizations who either benefit from our expertise or bring valuable perspectives and support to the table.

In the end, it’s about lifting each other up while making a real difference in the lives of the families we serve.

PROFILE

With over 25 years in education, 10 of those in senior leadership roles, I’ve had the privilege of working across both the U.K. and Japan. I also hold a masters degree in educational leadership, which has helped shape much of the work I do today. While I’m currently based in London, I previously spent six wonderful years living in Tokyo with my husband and son, and that time left a lasting impression on all of us.

As a family, we fell in love with Japanese culture, everything from the food to the traditions, and we’re already looking forward to our next visit. Japan still feels like a second home in many ways.

Nationality : British
Home town : London
University : University of Bath

▼ International School Advisory Tokyo (ISA Tokyo) website
https://isa-tokyo.com/

▼ Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsteen-jack-2b34481b2/