Introducing our Founding Principal of NLCS Kobe

We welcome Matthew Williams to the NLCS Family

We proudly welcome Matthew Williams as the Founding Principal of North London Collegiate School Kobe, set to open in August 2025. He brings a wealth of experience from leading top international schools, and his passion for education makes him a perfect fit for the NLCS community in Japan.

Matthew Williams recently served as Headmaster at a prestigious international school in Switzerland, where he built a reputation for fostering a culture of academic excellence, kindness, and curiosity. During his time there, he further elevated the school’s standing, making it one of Switzerland’s best-performing institutions. His influence extended beyond academics, encouraging students to thrive both in the classroom and through extracurricular activities.

Before Switzerland, he took on key leadership roles in London, where he enhanced academic results and broadened opportunities for students in post-16 education. Many of the graduates under his leadership secured places at top universities around the world, a testament to his focus on nurturing well-rounded, high-achieving individuals.

As the Founding Principal of NLCS Kobe, Matthew Williams aims to blend NLCS’s 170-year tradition of academic rigour with Japan’s rich cultural environment. He envisions a world-class school on Rokkō Island, providing access to both Kobe and Osaka’s vibrant communities. Initially, NLCS Kobe will offer classes for students in Grades 1 through 6, with plans to extend to Grades 7 and 8 as the school expands. The Hakko Group partnership brings cutting-edge facilities to the school, ensuring a high-quality educational experience for families in the Kansai region. In 2028, a new Senior School campus will open in the tranquil Rokkō Mountains, designed with a focus on sustainability and architectural beauty.

Looking Ahead

Matthew Williams understands the importance of holistic education, where learning extends beyond the academic curriculum. NLCS Kobe’s students will have the chance to pursue their passions through various extracurricular activities, from the arts and sports to creative projects and community service. This approach ensures that each student develops a sense of responsibility to their community and the world, alongside their academic achievements.

NLCS Kobe joins our network of NLCS schools in the UK, South Korea, the UAE, and Singapore, all recognised for their outstanding academic achievements. NLCS (UK) recently earned the title of the top IB school in the country, reflecting the rigorous education that defines the NLCS ethos. NLCS Kobe aims to mirror this success, drawing top educators from around the globe who embody the school’s values of curiosity, intellectual independence, and a focus on each student’s unique strengths.

Matthew Williams’s leadership marks an exciting chapter for NLCS Kobe as it prepares to become a centre for exceptional education in Japan. We look forward to the achievements of our students and the growth of our school community in the years to come.

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