Studying Online A Levels in Japan: Eugene’s Journey to Oxford University

For students dreaming of studying in the UK, the path can seem challenging, especially if A Levels aren’t available locally. Eugene, a high school student from Tokyo, proved it’s possible to bridge two education systems and still reach the world’s top universities. By studying online A Levels through Crimson Global Academy (CGA) while attending Hibiya High School in Japan, he earned an offer from the University of Oxford to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), one of its most competitive courses.

From Tokyo to Oxford: A Global Education Pathway

Born in Japan and raised in Singapore, Eugene spent nearly a decade at a British international school where he followed the UK curriculum and discovered his love for the humanities, especially History. This early exposure to international education sparked a long-term goal: to study in the UK.

After completing his GCSEs, he returned to Japan to experience local high school life at Hibiya High School. Immersed in Japanese academics, culture, and extracurriculars, Eugene led his school’s Kendo Club and embraced the balance between academic discipline and cultural tradition. Yet, his ambition to apply to a UK university never faded.

The Challenge: Limited A Level Options in Japan

While adjusting to Japan’s education system, Eugene realised he needed A Level qualifications, the standard entry route for UK universities. However, few Japanese schools offer A Level courses or UCAS application support, leaving many students searching for alternatives.

“I knew I wanted to apply to Oxford, but A Levels weren’t available in Japan. I needed a flexible, internationally recognised option that could fit around my Japanese studies.”

The Solution: Studying A Levels Online with CGA

That’s when Eugene discovered Crimson Global Academy, an accredited online international school offering A Level courses taught by experienced UK-qualified teachers. CGA allowed him to study A Levels remotely while continuing his local education, and provided the crucial predicted grades and UCAS references required for UK university applications.

“Without CGA, I wouldn’t have been able to apply. It allowed me to prepare for the UK system while staying enrolled in my Japanese high school.”

He spent around seven hours per week attending online classes, often after his Japanese school day. With CGA’s flexible scheduling and academic support, Eugene successfully managed both education systems without sacrificing academic depth.

Balancing Two Systems: Japan Meets the UK Curriculum

Combining Japanese schooling with online British A Levels required dedication and adaptability. Through CGA, Eugene learned to think critically, write analytically, and debate complex ideas - all key skills for UK university study.

His A Level subjects: History, Mathematics, and Further Mathematics, reflected his balance between humanities and quantitative reasoning. Interactive classes and one-on-one teacher support helped him master both analytical and essay-based thinking.

“CGA’s online lessons were highly interactive. They made complex concepts easier to understand and encouraged discussion — something not always common in traditional classrooms.”

Academic Growth: From Maths to PPE

Initially drawn to STEM subjects, Eugene’s interest expanded toward philosophy and politics. Through History A Level discussions and exposure to global issues, he realised that Oxford’s PPE programme offered the perfect intersection of his passions: critical thinking, logic, and real-world analysis.

“I liked that in PPE, the ideas you agree with in one chapter are challenged in the next. It keeps you questioning.”

This interdisciplinary thinking, nurtured through CGA’s A Level curriculum, became the foundation of his Oxford application.

Beyond the Classroom: Debate and Kendo

Eugene also built a strong extracurricular profile that highlighted both intellectual curiosity and cultural depth.

• English Debate Club: Placed third in Japan’s national parliamentary debate competition, strengthening his persuasive and analytical skills.
• Kendo Club: Practised traditional martial arts, developing discipline, leadership, and teamwork.

These experiences showcased his well-rounded development, a key factor in Oxford’s holistic admissions process.

Applying to Oxford: Strategy and Support

CGA guided Eugene through the UCAS process, helping him compile predicted grades, recommendation letters, and a powerful personal statement that connected his academic interests with his cross-cultural background.

“Oxford’s tutorial system — small-group, discussion-based learning — matches how I learn best. I didn’t choose it for the name. I chose it because it fits my approach to learning.”

His Oxford application reflected four main themes:

• A passion for critical thinking and debate
• Cross-cultural learning from Japan and Singapore
• A balance of analytical and humanities subjects
• A clear motivation for studying PPE

Soon after submitting his UCAS application, Eugene received his offer from Oxford University.

Why Online A Levels Work for International Students

Eugene’s story shows that online A Levels can be a powerful route for students outside the UK to reach top universities, without needing to move abroad.

Eugene’s Advice for UK-Bound Students

“Know why you want to study. Don’t choose a school for its brand; choose it because it matches your learning style. Even if your path changes, trust yourself and be honest about what you want to learn.”

Eugene encourages future students to:

• Start A Level studies early to allow time for university applications
• Use online learning to maintain flexibility
• Develop both academic and extracurricular strengths
• Seek mentors who understand international admissions

Having experienced both Japanese and British education systems, Eugene hopes to inspire others to embrace globalised learning.

“Japan’s education system is often criticised for rote learning, but it has real strengths, especially in math and discipline. My dream is to combine both systems to develop globally competitive leaders.”

From Local Classrooms to Global Universities

Eugene’s journey with Crimson Global Academy demonstrates how online A Levels empower ambitious students worldwide to reach elite universities like Oxford.
By blending academic excellence, flexibility, and international curriculum standards, CGA helps students turn local education into a global opportunity.

“You don’t need to be in the UK to study like a UK student. With online A Levels, the world’s best universities are within reach.”

Start your journey with CGA today and take your learning beyond borders.