Roland Martin, Headmaster, welcomed his Japanese counterpart Hidetoshi Shoji to Surrey for four days to complete discussions on how the two schools might work together. The agreement means a closer working relationship between the two schools and could include cultural and educational exchanges between the Ashtead School and Miyagi First Senior High School in Miyagi Prefecture, as well as joint subject specific projects and virtual concerts.

"It is an exciting time for Freemen’s as we look to provide relevant opportunities for our pupils to expand their horizons intellectually and socially," explained Roland Martin, following the signing. “This agreement will enable students to explore a country, culture and people that might otherwise be beyond their experiences.”

Principal Hidetoshi Shoji added: “In Japan, the ability to speak English is very important.  Speaking English is not enough. [Our students] need to understand the English background. It is [therefore] very important to interact with schools outside of Japan to cultivate our students’ own abilities.”

The schools are currently working on dates for a potential exchange in 2017.