ROEDEAN CELEBRATING A UNIQUE SCHOOL
“
Many pupils articulated the uplift they felt when raising their eyes to watch the rays of
”
the setting sun splicing the sea.
ISI Nov21
“
A Roedean education is unique, and the School is thriving. We are delighted that more students than ever before are choosing Roedean, meaning we have actually doubled in size in a decade. This growth has enabled us to invest further in our facilities, to attract staff of the highest calibre, and widen access to students from the local area and beyond. These are wonderfully exciting times at Roedean – the combination of a strong academic focus and the genuine belief in the importance of creativity and an all-round education, all in a stunning location, is what makes the School unique. Looking ahead to the next ten years, we are committed to building on the firm foundations from the last decade to develop and improve all areas of the School, in order to provide our students with an outstanding 21st century education. The Headmaster and Chair of Council
”
ROEDEAN AN OUTSTANDING SCHOOL
“
Roedean is proudly and decidedly about educating girls. Good Schools Guide 2020
”
A Dynamic Decade People Come First
page 03 page 05
Learning is the Heart of Roedean Way Beyond the Academic
page 07 page 09
Finding Your Future 2021 ISI Inspection – Findings
page 11 page 15
2021 ISI Inspection – Extracts Opportunity, Opportunity, Opportunity
page 17 page 19
Roedean Sport The Arts
page 21 page 23
What Others Say About Roedean Fabulous Facilities
page 25 page 27
Widening Horizons Everything All in One Place
page 29 page 31
Connections that Continue Beyond School Widening Access to Roedean
page 35 page 37
“
Overlooking the English Channel and just 10 minutes from cosmopolitan Brighton, Roedean’s setting is spectacular. Tatler Schools Guide 2022
“
”
Such a ‘genuinely holistic and rounded education’ makes for girls who are ready to stand up and make a difference in the real world. Tatler Schools Guide 2022
”
A
DYNAMIC DECADE
Roedean is thriving, with student numbers increasing since 2013, improvement in public examination results, and extensive investment and development of the School’s facilities. At a time when the educational context shows that independent boarding schools, particularly girls’ schools, are finding the market challenging, this is remarkable. There can be no doubt that the last two years have been the most difficult in recent educational times, yet Roedean has not only survived, but enabled students to flourish.
“
November 2021 saw our fifth Inspection in five years, and Roedean was given ‘outstanding’ in every single category in each Inspection. I am delighted that the girls’ positivity, their keenness to get involved, the obvious progress they are making in many areas of school life, and their openness and kindness, have all been recognised by the Inspectors. The success of this Inspection is also, in no small part, a result of the outstanding dedication of our staff. The Inspection team saw the School running as it normally does, and I am incredibly proud of everyone in the Roedean community, and of the School. Roedean has come a long way in recent years! Oliver Blond Headmaster
The school meets its founding aim to provide a distinctively academic high-quality, all-round education. ISI Nov21
”
Roedean’s growth is bucking the trend in girls’ schools 800
600
400
200
100% growth in pupil numbers in a decade versus sector decline in girls’ schools 200% growth in UK pupils in a decade versus sector decline in girls’ schools
“
Numbers have almost doubled, with recruitment focused on opening the school up to local families who may have thought it beyond their reach, so unlike many boarding schools, there’s a strong local feel to Roedean. Muddy Stilettos
”
“
In line with the school’s aspirations, pupils develop a strong sense of belonging together with pride in themselves and the school. ISI Nov21
”
4
PEOPLE COME
FIRST Roedean provides a distinctively academic, high-quality, all-round education, within a caring and friendly community in a wonderful coastal setting.
“
We place student welfare at the heart of school life, and the care that we offer is bespoke and student-centred. Every member of the pastoral team receives advanced Safeguarding training, and we have four Pastoral Managers, each of whom is available to the girls every day for support, advice, encouragement, and care. Our community of day and boarding students allows for an outward-facing, inquisitive, and inclusive culture, and student voice is encouraged and heeded: Roedean students learn that they have the ability and power to bring about positive change.
Roedean has a well-deserved reputation as a bastion of female learning, priding itself on nurturing the individual characters of its pupils as much as its enviable educational achievements. The Telegraph
”
“
In discussion they emphasised the importance of kindness, fulfilling the school’s aim that they should develop a generosity of spirit, tolerance, and compassion. ISI Nov21
”
“
Pupils are proud to belong, with those who’d found themselves a little lost in the school’s vast corridors in Y7 said they’d been helped by older girls, and now took pride in returning the favour with younger pupils. Muddy Stilettos
”
“
At Roedean, girls have the chance to play a part in the day to day running of the school. They may become a form representative on the school council, lead assemblies or chapels, support local primary schools, become a prefect. The Week Schools Guide
” 6
LEARNING IS THE
HEART
In Year 9, the girls begin some GCSE modules
OF
ROEDEAN At Roedean, the girls develop a love of learning and are encouraged at all stages to pursue intellectual challenge and their own interests. A broad curriculum in Key Stage 3, including 19 subjects in Year 7, reflects this approach, and the girls enjoy as much curriculum time on both Sport and the Arts, as they do on Maths and language acquisition.
“
The very high level of attainment is a consequence of the pupils’ exceptional attitudes to learning. ISI Nov21
“
”
Pupils respond well to homework entitled ‘insane challenge’; it’s about making it exciting. GSG 2020
”
in a range of subjects, before choosing 10 or 11 GCSE subjects from a choice of 24. In the Sixth Form, students complement their 3 or 4 A Level subjects with independent research and study beyond the requirements of examination specifications. The School is delighted that the intellectual resilience and confidence, fostered by our approach, results in outstanding success at GCSE and A Level, with excellent value-added, as well as providing our students with the foundations for successful life-long learning.
Outstanding Results in Public Examinations GCSEs
A Levels 100
75 50 25 0
48.4% 51.8% 71.2% 75.4%
2018
2019
2020
2021
2018
2019
2020
2021
% of A*-A Grades
% of A*-A Grades
100
75 50 25 0
54.1% 55.9% 79.2% 81.0%
2018
2019
2020
2021
% of A*-A Grades
100 75 50 25 0
“
In line with the school’s aims, pupils develop intellectual curiosity and a love of learning as they move through the school. ISI Nov21
”
8
WAY
BEYOND THE
In Key Stage 3, to spark their intellectual curiosity, the students are encouraged to look beyond the curriculum, to follow academic passions, and to share these with their peers by presenting the
ACADEMIC
findings of their Academic Projects in lectures and
At Roedean, the students are encouraged to
research as the students move through the years. In
think about their learning, identify how they
the Sixth Form, well over half of the current Year 12
learn best, and pursue academic interests which
are undertaking an Extended Project Qualification
fall outside of curricular demands.
in addition to their academic subjects.
Access to discrete Mathematics modules at the University of Sussex Key Stage 3 Research Projects and Heads, Hands, Hearts programme of supra-curricular enrichment Weekly Academic Lectures, with over 50 students delivering research papers over the last 3 years Sixth Form Electives and Pathways, with Lectures from distinguished academics and professionals 43 students have completed the Extended Project in the last two years – 91% achieved an A* or A in this qualification which is worth half an A Level
Assemblies. This ethos continues throughout the School, and acts as a springboard for more detailed
“Pupils show an outstanding attitude to learning.” ISI Nov21
This externally certificated qualification is
success in the Newnham Essay Competitions and
highly regarded by universities, since the
the Stephen Spender Poetry Prize.
Extended Project requires independent research,
STEM is a key strength at Roedean. Mathematics
analysis, and synthesis, all of which stand
is the most popular subject at A Level, and the
students in good stead at undergraduate level.
Sciences are consistently successful – on average,
Many students also enter national essay
one third of the Year 13 cohort each year leaves
competitions, and they have recently enjoyed
the School to study a STEM subject at university.
“
Academic attainment at Roedean is important, but it’s not the be-all and end-all – holistic learning is the buzzword here. Muddy Stilettos
”
“
The high quality of pupils’ discussions in class suggests they are well accustomed to thinking through the various elements required to make decisions in different situations. ISI Nov21
”
10
FINDING YOUR FUTURE
“
For university, I have now applied to both US and UK universities because the US ‘liberal arts’ system suits my broad range of interests and pursuits. I didn’t decide my A Levels for a particular university course, and I didn’t decide my university course for a super-specific career. I considered what I was good at, what I enjoyed and what would help me towards fulfilling my long-term vision. In all, I tried to consider what skills I wanted, not what qualifications I thought I needed, and I have deeply enjoyed the path I have chosen! Jemima (Yr13) – Head Girl
”
Each year, Roedean students take up places at top UK universities, studying a wide range of subjects. Some also pursue highly-ranked specialist courses, such as Art Foundation at Central St Martin’s, Kingston, and UAL, while others choose Level 7 Apprenticeships instead of undergraduate study. Each year, students leave Roedean to study at universities abroad, such as UCLA and NYU.
feel well prepared academically “Pupils and socially for the next stage in their education. ” ISI Nov21
74%
at Russell in 2020-2021
Group
16 Oxbridge
students have won places over last 6 years
85% first-choice UK universities in 2021
12 Medics
have won competitive university places in the last 3 years
The most popular university destinations are:
“
31% of Roedean’s leavers are going on to study maths and science at recognised bonuses of all girls’ schools where
Durham
Imperial
UCL
Loughborough
Bristol
Manchester
The diverse degree courses chosen reflect the girls’ wide interests – the 2021 Oxbridge choices illustrate this:
History at Pembroke College, Cambridge Information Engineering at Trinity College, Oxford
”
stereotypes don’t apply. Muddy Stilettos
Warwick
Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic at St John’s College, Cambridge
university – one of the
normal subject interest
Oxbridge
Law at Magdalen College, Oxford Medicine at Newnham College, Cambridge
12
WHAT OTHERS SAY “
I was at Roedean for five years and I can happily say that Roedean enriched all areas of my life. I was happy to be settled in a place where I was fully confident to be myself, felt as comfortable as I do in my own home, and where I made friendships that I know I will keep for life. Lucy, Head Girl in 2019
”
ABTUO E OR E D AN
“Girls all – “Roedean typifies the
21st century student’s desire to learn more than just the norm. School Report
”
unconsciously – smile when asked about life at school. Endorsement doesn’t come much more authentic.” Good Schools Guide 2016
“
The head’s aim is for happy children and high academic standards, but, importantly, not to ‘compromise’ the journey for the outcome.
”
“Asaidparent her daughter had “blossomed beyond imagining” at Roedean.
”
Good Schools Guide 2020
Good Schools Guide 2020
Elite girls’ “school swaps books for animal tracking.
”
29/11/21 Daily Mail article about the Year 7 Wild Fridays initiative
will “nowRoedean become one of the first private schools to rewrite its history syllabus, abandoning the “island story”. Sunday Times, 12 Dec 20
”
14
ISI INSPECTION NOV21
We are delighted that the high-calibre team of six Inspectors, including five Heads and one Deputy Head, with a Lead Inspector who was formerly the Chief Inspector for ISI, reported so positively following their five-day visit.
c
mi e d a Ac ’ s l i ts p n u e P m of ve y e i t i h l c Qua ther A O and
Quality of Pupils’ Personal Development Stan d 8 ca ards ar e tego ries MET in al
l
EXCELLENT IN ALL AREAS
EXCELLENT IN ALL AREAS
EXCELLENT IN ALL AREAS
It was an incredibly rigorous process, and we are pleased that they were clearly impressed with everything they saw, as can be seen both from their findings and the quotations from the report which are in this booklet. Find the full report here
The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievement is excellent. Pupils attain highly, making rapid progress in their knowledge, skills, and understanding as they move through the school. Pupils’ communication skills are outstanding. They are excellent listeners and speak with confidence, clarity, and occasionally passion, transcending age or national background. Pupils are highly engaged in lessons and thrive when working in groups. They show independence of thought and approach.
The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent. Pupils of all ages have considerable self-knowledge.
Pupils’ moral understanding is a major strength. Pupils contribute enthusiastically to the community and demonstrate high levels of respect for diversity and other cultures. Pupils have a mature awareness of current social issues around sexual relationships and race, and speak appreciatively of the support given by the school in these areas. 1. Quality of Education Provided – all standards met 2. Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural Development of Pupils – all standards met 3. Welfare, Health and Safety of Pupils – all standards met 4. Suitability of Staff, Supply Staff, and Proprietors – all standards met 5. Premises of and Accommodation at Schools – all standards met 6. Provision of Information – all standards met 7. Manner in which Complaints are Handled – all standards met 8. Quality of Leadership in and Management of Schools – all standards met
16
ISI INSPECTION NOV21
Extracts from the ISI Report: QUALITY OF PUPILS’ ACADEMIC AND OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
“
The very high level of attainment is a consequence of the pupils’ exceptional attitudes to learning supported by structural changes in the curriculum and focused academic support during the uncertainty of the last two years. Pupils feel well prepared academically and socially for the next stage in their education, and almost all achieve offers of places at universities in the UK and worldwide, and at art and music colleges which have highly selective entry requirements.
Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) at silver or gold
In their studies of the humanities pupils develop excellent understanding of their place in space and time. Sixth-form geographers showed strong appreciation of the aesthetic qualities of sand dune management systems in addition to the social and economic impact, demonstrating excellent ability to draw together knowledge and skills from a wide range of different areas of learning and make nuanced judgements. In technology, art and science they demonstrate confident dexterity with a variety of materials. Pupils produce artwork of exceptional quality, and portfolios show the development of sophisticated techniques, such as in gouache portraits using a subtlety of skin tones and neutral expression. Pupils showed a strong critical appreciation for example uncovering an outstanding grasp of detail and nuance in their reflective descriptions of the varying aesthetic qualities of the exhibits observed on a visit to the Victoria and Albert museum.
Foremost they are excellent listeners, whether in
range of sports is outstanding, and pupils say they enjoy the opportunity for participation in myriad school fixtures, whatever their level of competence. In 2020, Roedean was selected as one of the country’s top schools for girls’ cricket by The Cricketer magazine, reflecting the
”“
“
“
level each year. The record of achievement in a
”
Pupils relish the opportunities for physical exercise, whether through the outstanding provision for sport or outdoor extra-curricular activity. A large number of pupils achieve The
”
Council’s considerable investment in the facilities. Pupils’ communication skills are outstanding. lessons, Chapel, assembly or smaller discussions.
Pupils speak with confidence and clarity in public, where they are well prepared, adjusting style to the audience. They are skilled at answering questions following presentations and select appropriate language to discuss sensitive issues. In lessons they politely interrupt without reticence, and lucidly articulate their
”
questions or areas of misunderstanding. The teaching-learning divide is seamless.
“
In line with the school’s aim, pupils develop
intellectual curiosity and a love of learning as they move through the school. An increasing number of pupils has completed the EPQ as an elective, and results match the high standards achieved in other public examinations. Pupils display excellent study skills. By the time they leave, they are able to analyse, hypothesise and synthesise, and make clear distinctions, generalisations and judgements as they formulate arguments and present complex ideas. They relish the opportunity to extend
”
their thinking, especially when they are working in pairs and in groups in interactive lessons.
QUALITY OF PUPILS’ PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
“
In line with the school’s aspirations pupils develop a strong sense of belonging together with pride in themselves and the school. In an exploration of identity through the poetry of Wilfred Owen pupils wrote that they empathised with identity being a conflicting journey which changes throughout one’s life. They are reflective and resilient in many aspects, including settling in as new boarders and managing the peaks and troughs of friendships. In discussions, boarders demonstrated strong self-awareness about their approach to relationships and mental health issues.
” “
Pupils show a strong awareness of ethical principles when making decisions. They have a clear sense of right and wrong when discussing subjects such as bullying and racism and recognise the need for the community to be welcoming and inclusive. In discussion they emphasised the importance of kindness, fulfilling the school’s aim that they should develop a generosity of spirit, tolerance and compassion.
“
”
in identifying where change is required. Boarders can clearly articulate the benefits which they feel the boarding experience brings to them. They show empathy towards each other and are inclusive of others in lessons and in their social relationships. Their strong self-awareness is matched by their awareness of the strengths of others.
” “ “
Many pupils articulated the uplift they felt when raising their eyes to the beautiful backcloth of the school’s setting, some breaking their homeward journey to stop and watch the rays of the setting sun splicing into the sea. New pupils described the inspiration from the imposing buildings, sweeping grounds and gardens.
“
Pupils contribute enthusiastically to the community and gain significant confidence and self-esteem from opportunities to share their time. An older pupil commented how working at local schools and charities and with the Blind Veterans had given her a much deeper ability to communicate with people from different environments. Younger boarders spoke of the impact that older pupils have on their personal development and happiness.
”
Pupils of all ages are socially aware, working effectively with others to solve problems and achieve common goals and showing perception
”
Respect for diversity and other cultures is excellent and a strength of the school. The multi-cultural nature of the boarding community is a distinctive feature of the school and boarders of all ages speak of their joy of being part of a society that is rooted in so many nationalities. Pupils grasp the many opportunities provided to discuss issues of diversity with enthusiasm, knowledge and interest both in informal discussion and in lessons, demonstrating excellent self-awareness and a respect for those who are considering their gender identity. Boarders from different religious and ethnic backgrounds appreciate the interest that is shown in the very many celebrations of religious festivals and feel welcomed and included.
”
Evidence Gathering • The Inspectors reviewed 1,216 survey responses • They observed 120 lessons • Which is 46,808 individual questions answered
• They observed 1,680 girls learning
• They interviewed 230 staff and girls
• They scrutinised 1,000s of pages of evidence
18
Wild Fridays Every Year 7 is outside on Friday afternoons, learning land-yachting, the names of indigenous plants, archery, and how to make a fire and clip a sheep’s hoof
264 instrumental lessons on 22 instruments take place each week – over the last 5 years, 30 students have achieved Grade 8, including 18 with Distinction
Roedean Ambassadors Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh, Rio 2016 Gold medallists, Dr Suzie Imber, Professor of Space Physics, and Anabela Chan OR, jewellery designer
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – in 2022 88 doing Bronze, 73 doing Silver, and 6 on Gold 75 students take Dance lessons in 6 styles of dance – in 2021, one remarkable student achieved Advanced 2 in Ballet Annual International Women’s Day Festival with 83 speakers over the last 5 years Annual Careers’ Fair, with over 50 contributors from a wide range of professions
9 students have achieved Grade 8 in LAMDA examinations in recent years, and every one was awarded with Distinction
OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITY
is because education is about so much more than just examination results. Roedean girls do achieve exceptionally high grades in public examinations, but they are not driven exclusively by this – instead, they are able to pursue their
Roedean’s ethos is clearly focused on the
passions, challenge themselves to try new
remarkable benefits of a holistic approach to
things, and make some mistakes. This is precisely
education, in which academic pursuits are
what allows them to develop into confident
complemented by a wide range of co-curricular
young women with multi-faceted interests
activities, and the founding Lawrence sisters
and skills, able to negotiate external pressures
would be delighted with their legacy today. With
and expectations.
over 120 co-curricular activities on offer, the girls enjoy sea-swimming (our team swam to France in the 2022 Cross-Channel relay!), international travel awards, trampolining, a farm on the school site with sheep, chickens, and pygmy goats, annual House competitions, and our flood-lit all-weather pitch.
“
skills, and to let their imagination run riot. That
Roedean girls excel in a range of sports, many musicians play beyond Grade 8 level, and girls achieve at the very highest level in ballet, jazz, and modern dance – all such activities have their own intrinsic value, but they also have huge benefits for the girls’ academic endeavours. At Roedean, it is this rounded education which
Our aim at Roedean is to nurture the girls’
produces independent and creative young
talents, to spark their curiosity, to develop their
women who will make their mark in the world.
If you’re just a set of results, you’re just achievement, which, like glass, can shatter. There needs to be more.
”
Good Schools Guide 2020
20
SPORT WITH A
FOR ALL
STUNNING
BACKDROP
includes 14 different sports, provides opportunities for elite sportswomen as well as for those who are just learning new games. In the lower years, there are A-E teams in hockey and A-F teams in netball. This means many girls represent Roedean in over 800 fixtures, and our top athletes throughout the School also represent their county and play at club level.
The girls play sport with the sea in front of them
Roedean’s sporting facilities include a flood-lit
and the South Downs behind – ours must be
all-weather pitch at the heart of the School, a
among the best school sports fields in the country.
25-metre indoor pool, newly refurbished netball
The virtue of sport and exercise is central to
and tennis courts, and a newly-laid cricket wicket
Roedean’s ethos and aims, and our offer, which
and nets donated by an Old Roedeanian.
“
Sports. In a word: covered! An all-weather pitch was recently added to Roedean’s collection of floodlit courts which stand below the main buildings on the hillside overlooking the sea.
”
Muddy Stilettos
“
The record of achievement in a range of sports is outstanding. ISI Nov21
”
“
To inspire girls, the school has rounded up Olympic hockey gold medallists Kate and Helen RichardsonWalsh to visit regularly as official Sports Ambassadors. Muddy Stilettos
“
”
Pupils relish the opportunities for physical exercise, whether through the outstanding provision for sport or extra-curricular activity. ISI Nov21
” 22
CREATIVE COMMUNITIES AT
ROEDEAN
performing in concerts and recitals, and exhibiting in Art shows, and the work they produce and their talents are exceptional. The Art Department is consistently successful in public examinations, and students achieve outstanding results in RAD Dance, ABRSM and Trinity Guildhall Music, and LAMDA
The Creative and Performing Arts are at the very
examinations. The termly Dance, Drama, and
core of Roedean’s ethos, and students revel in
Music performances showcase our students’
their achievements in these areas. The School
remarkable talents, and these include ensembles
delights in the girls’ successes on stage in our
in a range of styles, in which experienced
wonderful newly-refurbished Theatre, while
performers inspire those with developing skills.
PRODUCTIONS Cabaret | March 2019 Peter Pan | June 2019 The Crucible | Dec 2019 Hairspray | March 2020 All Together Now! | Nov 2021 Romeo and Juliet | March 2022 Matilda | June 2022
“
Pupils produce artwork of exceptional quality, and portfolios
“
Pupils reach good and sometimes high levels in the performing arts, and routinely achieve distinctions at grade 8 in Associated Board and Trinity Music examinations or from LAMDA or the Royal Academy of Dance. ISI Nov21
”
“
”
Creative arts are a real strength at Roedean. Muddy Stilettos
CONCERTS Around the World in 80 Minutes | Nov 2019 Name That Tune | Feb 2020 Summer Seaside Showcase | June 2021 Heroes and Villains | Nov 2021 Romance and Tragedy | March 2022 Brighton Fringe Festival | May 2022
s show the development of sophisticated techniques.
”
ISI Nov21
24
“
“
Twenty-six sports on offer, all the traditional girls’ ones and most of the boys’, including tag rugby. Two dance studios, indoor pool, new all-weather pitch – there’s even a golf course. Co-curricular offerings are varied and plenty, from Lego engineering to the astronomy club. The sea swimming club meet at 6am and go through Roedean’s private tunnel to the beach for their swim, no wet suits allowed; they’ve signed up to relay swim the Channel. Good Schools Guide 2020
”
We thought it was incredible the moment we walked through the door…’, said a parent. Roedean makes a vivid first impression: of bold determination, certainly, in its grand cliff top position to the east of Brighton. Good Schools Guide 2020
”
“
Roedean has so much to offer girls in all areas – it has a creative, progressive feeling to it. Girls are free to choose how and what they wish to learn and are supported rather than pushed or steered. They are equally free from expectations as to what is and is not
”
appropriate for girls and allowed to be themselves.
Muddy Stilettos
“
Perhaps the secret to Roedean’s success is all that fresh sea air, delicious food, and calm atmosphere in which girls are not constrained by external expectations.
”
“
Notable is the atmosphere, one of lively purpose. It is immediately compelling.
”
Good Schools Guide 2020
Tatler Schools Guide 2022
“
Successful women, including Olympic gold medalists and a professor of space physics, come into the school as ambassadors six times a year to encourage and inspire.
”
Good Schools Guide 2020
26
S I M P LY
FABULOUS
With the sea in front, and the national park behind, the sense of space and calm the grounds provide is complemented by outstanding facilities. Over the last decade, the School has invested
FA C I L I T I E S
over £14 million to improve the facilities,
Roedean’s stunning position on the cliff to
the building of an impressive all-weather pitch
the east of Brighton is inspirational.
at the heart of the School.
£11 million refurbishment of the 6 boarding houses – 2013 - 2017 School Farm on the school site, with sheep, chickens, Indian runner ducks, and pygmy goats – 2017 Sixth Form Centre – purpose-built to provide the students with more independence and autonomy – 2017 Flood-lit all-weather pitch on site, and new Netball and Tennis courts – 2018 Professional refurbishment of the 355-seat Theatre – 2021 Library transformation into a contemporary reading and study space – 2023
and recent large-scale projects include the exceptional refurbishment of the Theatre and
The classrooms have also been newly refurbished, and there are new computer suites, two new Dance Studios, and a dark room for photography. This remarkable level of commitment from the School is designed to ensure that the girls are surrounded by everything they need to flourish and excel.
described “Pupils the inspiration from the imposing buildings, sweeping grounds and gardens. ISI Nov21
”
28
W I D E N I N G
HORIZONS
Roedean has a strong social conscience and the
for Year 8, and Downs View Specialist School for
girls play an active role in the wider community.
Year 10. We have a strong and well-established
Every girl in Year 12 takes part in weekly
link with St Mark’s, a local Primary School, and
community service, and each year group has a
the girls derive great pleasure and satisfaction
dedicated local community project on which to
from the weekly activities they undertake.
focus their efforts, such as the Blind Veterans
St Mark’s – In 2021-2022, the girls have contributed 936 hours, and the children have benefited from 8034 pupil-hours – in 2018 we raised £30,000 to build and stock a Library from scratch Roedean Academy with 6 local state schools – over 3 years, 160 Year 10 students have enjoyed an annual programme of supra-curricular academic enrichment and challenge In 2021-2022, the Roedean community has raised over £22,000 for charitable causes, and students and staff have committed over 4000 hours to partnerships Widening Access – our Brighthelm Scholars join Roedean from local state schools within 20 miles, and HMC and Springboard Scholars, as well as students fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, benefit from transformational awards in the Sixth Form Roedean donates 100 hot meals each week to Off the Fence, a charity which responds to the serious issue of homelessness in Brighton, and the School supports the continuing education and well-being of ten girls around the world through PlanUK
“Pupils contribute enthusiastically to the community and gain significant confidence and self-esteem from
”
opportunities to share their time.
“
ISI Nov21
Pupils show a good appreciation of
”
non-material aspects of life.
ISI Nov21
30
EVERYTHING ALL IN
ONE PLACE
Each girl at Roedean is part of a House, and each House is part of the School. About half of the girls are boarders, and half are day-girls, but the day-to-day experience is largely the same.
which gives the School a dynamic feel; the girls hear about different experiences and traditions every day, and this helps develop a strong sense of community and a deep understanding of other cultures and backgrounds. The girls have so many different opportunities, and they can learn, play sport, practise an instrument, and build relationships all in the one
Alongside 350 day-girls, who are mostly from the
place. Roedean provides the space for every girl
UK, there are students from over 40 countries,
to grow up at her own pace.
50:50 day and boarding balance: a vibrant community of local and international students Bespoke boarding accommodation: spacious, warm, and homely Creative and enriching house activities and competitions for every taste Sixth Form boarding house: fostering independence and responsibility as preparation for life beyond Roedean Weekly boarding options, with a chaperoned service to London Victoria at the weekends
“ “
Boarding in the stylish, ‘boutique hotel’-esque houses. Muddy Stilettos
”
Roedean now has the swankiest boarding facilities in the country, perhaps in the universe. Tatler, 22Apr15
”
for “Respect diversity and other cultures is excellent and a strength of the school. ISI Nov21
”
“
The top floor in each house is called ‘heaven’ - with such amazing views over the sea, this is not far off. Good Schools Guide 2020
”
“
The multi-cultural nature of the boarding community is a distinctive feature of the school. ISI Nov21
”
32
WHAT OTHERS SAY “
Pupils are proud to belong, with those who’d found themselves a little lost in the school’s vast corridors in Year 7 saying they’d been helped by older girls, and now took pride in returning the favour with younger pupils.
”
Muddy Stilettos
“
Mindfulness and life-skills are built into curriculum time and girls learn self-defence, cooking, juggling, sign language, traditional spinning and other seemingly arbitrary but undoubtedly useful and nurturing skills. Muddy Stilettos
“A creative and
You could be staying in a boutique hotel; boarding houses are modern and elegant, the design celebrating old features, such as fireplaces, and introducing the new and fun, like the hanging teapot lights.
progressive all-girls school in stunning surroundings with sensational facilities, strong academic results and a holistic and nurturing ethos.
Good Schools Guide 2020
Muddy Stilettos
“
”
”
”
“
Performing arts are popular and there are a variety of workshops and performances, both traditional and less so: in an Indonesian gamelan workshop, new year 7 pupils learnt music which is only passed by oral means, to emphasise the importance of community.
”
“
Its long, carpeted corridors hum with youthful bustle and activity.
”
Muddy Stilettos
Good Schools Guide 2020
This is a “school where
girls make a noise and get their hands dirty; a school determined to help girls realise their value and erase the limitations to which they often subject themselves.
”
Good Schools Guide 2020
34
“
I feel really lucky to have been mentored by Holly – she explained all the different routes into journalism, gave me brilliant insights into the profession, and taught me lots about her industry. It helped massively! Thea (Yr13)
”
65% of contributors to our annual Careers’ Fair are Alumnae or Parents Bespoke one-to-one Careers Mentoring and Work Experience Placements with ORs 37 Pathways Lectures as part of the Sixth Form Elective Programme have been given by Alumnae or Parents Mock Interviews with Oxbridge alumnae and practising Doctors from the wider Roedean community 17 OR Speakers at our International Women’s Day and Black History Month Conferences over the last 5 years
CONNECTIONS THAT CONTINUE
BEYOND
SCHOOL A Roedean girl is a Roedeanian for life. When
the students leave Roedean, they all become Old Roedeanians (ORs), and join a strong community of women which numbers thousands, who support each other and the School. The Roedeanian Society and the Old Roedeanians’ Association work together to nurture these relationships through communications and events. This network is truly global, with ORs in every corner of the world, and working in an incredible variety of professions. This means that wherever our leavers end up, and whatever career they choose to follow, there is likely to be an OR already there to welcome them. We are very fortunate that many ORs and Roedean parents generously volunteer their time and expertise to provide guidance and support to our current pupils, through careers talks, mentoring and support with work experience.
Beatrix Ong MBE – guest speaker at Speech Day 2022
36
In excess of £21 million in Bursaries, Scholarships, and Awards over the last 10 years
4 OR Scholarship Fund Sixth Form Awards to enable talented students to stay at Roedean for their A Levels
Up to 10 Ukrainian refugees from September 2022 on 110% scholarships Leslie Lindsay Bursary and Shellim Bursary – fully funded Sixth Form day places donated by ORs, to support local students who would not otherwise be able to attend Roedean HMC East European Scholars – fully funded boarding places – our current scholars are from Moldova and North Macedonia
Total funding for awards to widen access is 5 times greater than it was a decade ago Springboard Scholars – fully funded Sixth Form boarding places, nominated by the Royal Springboard Foundation for students from state schools in London
18 current students hold Brighthelm Scholarships – these are for students joining Roedean from schools in the state sector within a 20-mile radius
WIDENING
ACCESS TO
ROEDEAN The School is thoroughly committed to social mobility and facilitating access to our remarkable academic and holistic education, and actively seeks out high-achieving students who would benefit from attending Roedean. Thanks to generous donations from Old Roedeanians, and the School’s commitment to widening access to an outstanding education, deserving students are able to win awards and benefit from bursaries. For many, these awards are genuinely transformational, and none more so than the Ukrainian recipients who have been forced to flee their country. Extending these opportunities to talented students, regardless of their background, reflects the desire of our founding Lawrence sisters to provide girls with an all-round education of the highest quality.
“
My time at Roedean helped me develop so many skills that have helped to prepare me for my life at the University of Bristol and beyond. I had so much fun with boarding, lessons, music, and sports, that I can’t imagine my life without these experiences. The Roedean staff were all so supportive in helping me seize every opportunity possible, and helping me to learn new skills. I am so grateful for my time at Roedean, which was only made possible through the bursary I was
”
awarded.
Philippa (OR, 2020-2021)
38
Roedean School, Roedean Way, Brighton BN2 5RQ
schooloffice@roedean.co.uk Registered Charity 307063
