school pecking order; school caste system
Refers to the informal social hierarchy among students in Japanese schools, often based on popularity, appearance, or group affiliation. A wasei-eigo term derived from English 'school' and 'caste'.
wasei-eigo (Japanese-coined English), from school caste
In Japanese schools, the school pecking order can be clearly defined.
He was at the top of the school caste system.