Ebisu Juku Japanese Supplementary School was founded by the management team of Kirin-san-kai, a Japanese toddler group established near Birmingham in 2005. Our school opened in April 2010 with the mission of teaching Japanese language and culture to primary school children in the Birmingham area.
We are a community-run institution managed by a dedicated steering committee of parent volunteers. Currently, we employ five qualified teachers who provide comprehensive Japanese language instruction to primary school students and Japanese language plus GCSE preparation for secondary school students.
Our comprehensive Japanese language learning programme includes weekly Japanese lessons taught by qualified instructors every Saturday (excluding school half terms) and parent-led cultural activities focusing on Japanese traditions and seasonal events, conducted in small, interactive groups. All lesson plans are carefully tailored to accommodate each student’s Japanese language proficiency level and align with parents’ educational goals. Since 2020, we have successfully adapted to offer both face-to-face and online classes on an alternating bi-weekly basis.
Overview of Ebisu Juku Japanese Supplementary School
Founded: April 2010
Name: Ebisu Juku Japanese Supplementary School
Number of students: 29 (18 primary school, 11 secondary school)
Number of teachers: 5 qualified full-time teachers (1 part-time teacher)
Contact details/URL: http://ebisujukuschool.co.uk/
Educational Goals
At Ebisu Juku Japanese Supplementary School, our primary objectives are to provide comprehensive Japanese language and cultural education, enhance students’ Japanese language proficiency, and foster understanding and respect for multicultural diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, nurturing learning environment where children can receive quality education. We treat all aspects of our supplementary school with respect and work collaboratively to ensure the long-term sustainability of our educational programmes.
Annual Number of Lessons and School Year
School year: April to March of the following year
Study period: 小学１年生から中学３年生 / Primary School Year 1 – 6 and Secondary School Year 1 – 3
Class structure and capacity: Primary School Year 1, 3, 4 and 6; Secondary School Year 2 and 3 – total 6 classes (Academic Year 2025), with a capacity of 15 students per grade
Number of lessons per year: Approximately 36 comprehensive sessions
Terms:
- 1st semester (April to July)
- 2nd semester (September to December)
- 3rd semester (January to March)
Holidays: Summer break (end of July-August), Winter break (end of December – 2 weeks), Spring break and Easter break (end of March – 2 weeks)
Annual Events
- Summer Festival
- Sports Day
- New Year’s Party
- Arts and Crafts Study Presentation and Graduation Ceremony
- Various seasonal traditional events as second period activities
Class Hours
| Time Period | Class Hours | Subject |
| 1st period | 9:30-10:15 | Japanese Language |
| 2nd period | 10:15-11:00 | Japanese Culture, Traditional Events, etc. (Parent-led activities) |
| (15-minute break) | ||
| 3rd period | 11:15-12:00 | Japanese Language |
Entry Requirements
Prospective students must meet the following criteria. We emphasize the importance of both classroom learning and consistent home study (including regular preparation, review, and maintaining a Japanese language environment at home), and expect families to participate actively as committed members of our supplementary school community.
- Eligibility: The child must be of compulsory school age and hold Japanese nationality or have the right to choose Japanese nationality. (For children born to Japanese parents but not holding Japanese nationality, or other international children, we will consider applications on a case-by-case basis if other criteria are met.)
- Academic commitment: Students must demonstrate positive attitude and willingness to learn Japanese, with sufficient foundational Japanese language skills.
- Parental involvement: Parents are encouraged to commit to active participation, cooperation, and assistance in school management and activities.
About Learning and Teaching Materials
Primary School Programme: We use the official Japanese language textbooks (Mitsumura Publishing) distributed through the Japanese Consulate. Classes and learning activities are conducted in accordance with the Japanese Ministry of Education’s Course of Study guidelines. Additional supplementary materials and learning resources are provided by each grade level as required for individual student needs.
Secondary School Programme: Lessons incorporate the Japanese textbooks (Mitsumura Publishing) distributed to students alongside GCSE study preparation, resulting in varied textbook usage proportions across different year groups.
Learning assignments and homework are provided by teachers for each year group and must be completed at home. At the end of each term, teachers provide a comprehensive assessment “progress chart” documenting each student’s academic development. Students with questions about their assessments should contact their respective grade-level teachers directly. Upon successful completion of the programme, graduating students receive an official diploma.
Regarding Tuition Fees
Fee structure: £15 per student, per session (weekly)
Payment policy: A full semester’s tuition must be paid in advance at the beginning of each term. Payment is due within the specified timeframe using the designated payment method when invoiced by the school Treasurer.
Fee changes: Tuition fee modifications require approval by the Steering Committee and ratification by the General Meeting of Members (Parents).
Refund policy: Tuition fees are generally non-refundable, except in special circumstances:
- If a student is absent due to unavoidable circumstances such as illness or injury, reimbursement will be provided
- For unscheduled transfers, withdrawals, or leaves of absence, the Governing Board must be notified immediately. Refunds for remaining lessons will only be processed upon approval
- If classes are cancelled due to instructor circumstances or complete student absence, tuition fees will be carried forward to the following semester
Additional costs: Second period cultural activities (such as arts and crafts) are funded by the respective year group coordinators on a case-by-case basis as required.
Various Notifications
When seeking enrollment, withdrawal, or extended leave of absence due to illness or injury, please contact a steering committee member to explain your situation and complete the appropriate application form for approval.
For any changes to contact information (address, telephone number, etc.), please notify a steering committee member promptly.
Staff Organisation
Principal: The headmaster provides leadership for the supplementary school and determines overall management and teaching policies in consultation with the instructional staff.
Instructors: Teachers are responsible for their respective grade levels and provide Japanese language instruction to students.
School Regulations of Ebisu Juku Japanese Supplementary School
Student Guidelines:
- Arrive punctually and be prepared and seated before class begins
- Use Japanese language at Ebisu Juku, maintain a positive attitude, and enjoy learning with classmates
- Do not disrupt other students’ or teachers’ classes through inappropriate behaviour or actions
- Maintain appropriate behaviour in the venue by avoiding running in corridors, loud talking, or any conduct that may disturb others, ensuring a pleasant learning environment for everyone
- Turn off or surrender gaming devices, mobile phones, toys, etc. to parents/guardians to maintain class focus. Electronic devices must not be used during lessons
- Consume personal snacks and refreshments only during designated break times
- Take personal rubbish home or dispose of it properly in designated bins
- Participate in classroom preparation and cleanup activities before and after classes
Requests to Parents:
Participation in Ebisu Juku community life and parental responsibilities
Parental cooperation is essential for smooth organisational operation according to our fundamental principles. While steering committee members are elected by the membership, all other members (participating parents) share responsibility for school operations and involvement in various activities.
Due to the comprehensive content covered in weekly classes, preparation, review, homework completion, and maintaining a consistent Japanese language environment at home are crucial for student success.
Classes are generally organised by Japanese school grade level, though adjustments may be necessary based on enrollment numbers, potentially resulting in combined grade classes.
We request your participation and cooperation in fundraising activities conducted throughout the year.
Please arrive with sufficient time to ensure punctual class starts, with parents/guardians responsible for preparing and organising tables and chairs for classroom use.
Contact teachers directly as soon as possible regarding any absences, late arrivals, or early departures, whether planned or unexpected. Given the limited number of annual lessons, please minimize absences and make every effort to attend consistently each week.
Please avoid bringing unnecessary items such as gaming devices, mobile phones, toys, etc., or ensure parents/guardians retain these items during classes to prevent classroom disruption.
Basic group behaviour rules and manners will not be taught at Ebisu Juku Japanese Supplementary School, so please provide appropriate guidance at home. Students whose behaviour interferes with others’ learning may be required to have parental supervision in class or may be asked to leave the classroom at the instructor’s or management committee’s discretion. Students who continue to disrupt classes despite repeated warnings may face suspension from participation.
Use of Venue
The Methodist Church serves as our primary venue (with St George’s Church available as needed). Since other groups also utilize these facilities, please be considerate of other users and their activities. Report any damage to a Management Committee member immediately. Parents/guardians are responsible for repair costs and reimbursement for any damage caused.
Parents/guardians of each year group using classrooms are responsible for closing doors, tidying up, and proper rubbish disposal after use.
Parents/guardians of grade levels using classrooms must ensure proper cleanup and fire safety if kitchen facilities are used during second period classes.
Regarding Student Safety
- Venue entrance PIN codes must not be shared with anyone outside of participants
- Students with potentially contagious illnesses (influenza, measles, chickenpox, etc.) must not attend. Please inform us if your local school closes due to epidemic outbreaks
- In cases of sudden illness, injury, or accidents during class hours, parents/guardians will be contacted immediately. Please remain at the venue during classes or be available for immediate contact. If contact cannot be established and urgent medical treatment is deemed necessary, student life-saving measures will take priority. Ebisu Juku Japanese Supplementary School accepts no responsibility for any issues arising during life-saving procedures when parental contact cannot be established
- Please inform us in advance of any pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma or allergies. Ensure your child carries necessary medications such as EpiPens, inhalers, etc.
- Parents/guardians are responsible for supervising student safety during garden play before or after classes and in the car park area. Please avoid disruptive behaviour toward other vehicles and refrain from playing in the car park
- Please be mindful of fire or emergency evacuation procedures and do not place objects in front of emergency exits. Specifically, do not allow prams, pushchairs, etc. to block classroom entrances and emergency exits where activities are conducted
Contact us at ebisujukuschool.co.uk to learn more about our Japanese language and cultural education programmes in Birmingham.
