Roedean is a globally recognized girls’ senior school situated on the enchanting south coast of Brighton, UK. Going beyond traditional academics, Roedean is committed to nurturing talents and igniting curiosity. Our uniquely academic environment cultivates a caring and friendly community where girls not only excel academically but also explore their passions and embrace challenges.
Nestled in a breathtaking location with sea views and a charming farm, Roedean offers day and boarding options for girls aged 11 to 18. Conveniently located just 30 minutes from Gatwick and an hour from London, our school provides easy accessibility. At Roedean, girls are encouraged to pursue intellectual challenges, resulting in outstanding examination results—a testament to the resilience, curiosity, and confidence instilled by our approach.
We take pride in our exceptional pastoral care system, ensuring the well-being of every student. Combined with a diverse sports offering and vibrant visual and performing arts programs, Roedean creates an environment where girls thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Roedean provides a truly holistic education in an inspirational setting.
Founded in Brighton in 1885 by the three Lawrence sisters and incorporated by Royal Charter in 1938, Roedean's original aims still resonate today. The school has grown from 360 to 700 girls in the last decade, fostering a community of over 45 different nationalities, committed to independent learning and the development of self-confidence.
Philosophy. As an academic institution, we aim to inspire curiosity and a love of learning in all our girls. At Roedean, discussion and debate are at the heart of learning, creating thought-provoking and meaningful lessons. Whether in the Sciences or Humanities, collaboration, cooperation, challenge, and discussion with peers are integral to our approach. Our girls eagerly think, learn, explore, and develop intellectually, socially, and emotionally, resulting in exceptional achievements and placements in top institutions in the UK and beyond.
Our holistic vision extends beyond the classroom, emphasizing the value of experiences in Sport, Art, Drama, Music, and Dance. The diverse on-site facilities, including a Chapel, all-weather pitch, indoor swimming pool, professional theatre, and more, contribute to an environment where girls can excel in various fields.
Roedean's curriculum provides a structured grounding in basic skills while offering a broad program covering 30 subjects. The emphasis on traditional subjects is balanced by offerings like Psychology, Russian, and Philosophy. Small class sizes ensure individual attention, and the academic enrichment program, HHH (Heads, Hands, and Hearts), further enriches the learning experience.
Results from our GCSE program reflect outstanding achievement, with 32.1% of grades at the highest Grade 9 and 57.7% at Grades 9-8. The Sixth Form offers over 28 A Level subjects, and our Year 13 cohort achieved remarkable results, with 28.2% of all grades at A* and 55.5% at A*-A.
Co-curricular Activities and Physical Education. Roedean offers a wide range of music, art, design, speech, debating, drama, and dance opportunities, supported by optional private tuition and club activities. The school excels in the performing arts, boasting a top-class Theatre where girls gain experience both on stage and behind the scenes.
Our commitment to co-curricular activities extends to sports, with facilities for netball, hockey, swimming, cricket, and more. Inter-school fixtures and participation in local, county, and national tournaments enhance the overall experience.
Boarding. Roedean's boarding options cater to different preferences, ensuring a homely environment for every girl. The four Houses in the main school and two Houses in the Sixth Form provide varying levels of independence. Boarders can engage in activities on weekends, enjoy communal spaces like the Old Dining Room, and participate in a diverse Weekend Programme.
Health. The School Health Centre, run by a Registered General Nurse, ensures the well-being of students. Regular clinics by a visiting doctor and counselling sessions further support the holistic development of each student.
Religion. Roedean welcomes students of all faiths or none, offering arrangements for religious practices based on individual preferences.
Facilities. Set in 118 acres of grounds, Roedean boasts spectacular facilities, including sports fields, a theatre, dance studios, art studios, science labs, and more. After a £1.5 million refurbishment, the Sixth Form Centre provides an independent and focused space for learning and socializing.
School Year and Leave Out. Roedean operates on a three-term system, with summer holidays lasting eight weeks and Christmas/Easter breaks up to four weeks each. Boarders enjoy flexibility with two weekend exeats each term and the option to go home on weekends.
Admission. Entry at 11+, 12+, 13+, and 16+ is through Roedean Entrance Examination papers in English, Mathematics, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The school also admits suitably qualified girls each year to the Sixth Form. Scholarships and bursaries are available, covering various fields such as academics, arts, dance, drama, music, performing arts, and sports.
Scholarships and Bursaries. Academic, Art, Dance, Drama, Music, Performing Arts and Sport scholarships are available for girls entering Year 7, Year 9 and the Sixth Form.
Sixth Form Scholarship examinations are held in November; Junior Scholarship examinations are held in January.
Means-tested bursaries are available. Details of scholarships and bursaries may be obtained from the Director of Admissions.
Fees per term (2023-2024). Full Boarders: £13,275–£15,925; Weekly Boarders (5 days): £12,120–£13,515; Flexi-Boarders (3 days): £9,855–£11,915; Day Girls: £6,730–£8,795. For girls entering the Sixth Form from other schools, there is an additional supplement of £1,730 per term (boarding). Parents who wish to pay a single composition fee should apply to the Director, Finance and Administration.
Extra fees are charged for individual tuition in musical instruments, speech training, ballet, and some athletic activities.
For further details, please contact the Director of Admissions.
Charitable status. Roedean School is a Registered Charity, number 307063. It exists to provide quality education for girls.
Governors & Staff:
President:
Ms Mary Henderson [OR]
Vice-President:
Mrs Virginia Stephen [OR]
Chair of Council (interim):
Mr Guy Perricone
Vice-Chair of Council (interim):
Ms D Patman, FRICS, ACIArb
Council:
Mr John Cain, FCA
Miss Frances Graham, BSc, PG, MCIPD [OR]
Miss Claire Jenkins, MTheol [OR]
Miss Victoria Jenkins, MA, PGCE, MEd [OR]
Ms Samantha J Louis, SA [OR]
Mr Cornelius Medvei
Mr Anthony Millard, BSc, PGCE
Ms Karoline Molberg, BA Hons [OR]
Mrs Teresa Outhwaite, BA PGDip [OR]
Mrs Vivien Smiley, BA, MA DipIPR [OR]
MRs Gaelle Sullivan, PGCE, PGDip (SEND), Med
Staff:
Head: Mrs Niamh Green
Senior Deputy: Mrs Jane Sharp
Deputy Head, Pastoral: Miss Rachel Hart
Deputy Head, Academic: Dr John Hobbs
Deputy Head, Co-Curriculum and Partnerships: Dr Ross Barrand
Director of Finance and Administration: Mr Richard Poffley
Assistant Head, Futures: Ms Helen Boobis
Assistant Head, Pastoral: Ms Kate Orrells
Assistant Head, Pastoral: Mr Nathan Wriglesworth
Assistant Head, Teaching and Learning: Mrs Sarah Black
Director of Sixth Form: Miss Carmel Carragher
Director of Studies: Mr Dom Orys
Director of Admissions and Marketing: Mrs Alison Wienekus
Heads of Department:
Art: Ms Sarah Strachan
Business Studies: Mr Stjohn Rowlands
Classics: Miss Charlotte Allen
Dance: Miss Sophie Abaza
Design Technology: Mrs Helen Quirk
Drama: Mrs Susan Woodbridge
Economics: Mr Paul Clingan
English: Mr Darren Woodhouse
Geography: Mr Guy Carter
History: Mrs Sarah Black
Mathematics: Mr Andy Lutwyche
Modern Languages: Mr Julien Sampieri
Music: Mr Benjamin Rous
Philosophy & Religious Studies: Mr Steve Megahey
Physical Education: Miss Kate Wakeling
Psychology: Mr Phil Harrison, BA Middlesex
Natural Sciences: Mrs Lauren Bond