This March, Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School was delighted to once again host students and staff from our long-standing partner school, Hikawa High School in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. This year’s visit marked another chapter in a partnership that has been enriching the lives of students from both schools since 1998. 

Over the course of their stay, our Japanese visitors were warmly welcomed into the homes of KLB families, where they experienced daily life in the UK first-hand. This immersive experience is at the heart of the exchange programme, offering students the opportunity to develop independence, cultural understanding, and lasting friendships. 

The programme was packed with a variety of engaging activities. Students attended English lessons at the Civic Centre, spent time in classrooms at KLB alongside their host partners, and enjoyed trips to some iconic locations, including Windsor, Bath and London. These experiences allowed students to explore British culture, history, and education, while also sharing their own traditions and perspectives. 

A particular highlight of the visit was the Farewell Party, where students, families, and staff came together to celebrate the success of the exchange. Certificates were presented to the Hikawa students, and there was a strong sense of pride in what had been achieved over the course of the visit. 

Beyond the planned activities, what truly stood out was the spirit of connection. Students from both schools embraced the opportunity to communicate across languages, support one another, and build genuine friendships. In an increasingly digital world, this face-to-face cultural exchange remains invaluable. 

We are incredibly grateful to our host families, staff, and students who made this experience possible. We now look forward to the next stage of the exchange, when KLB students will visit Japan later this year – continuing a tradition that has created memories and connections spanning decades.