Roedean School began in 1885 with one mission: to champion girls’ rights to education at a time when it was far from universal. Today, 140 years later, this same spirit of inclusivity and empowerment continues to guide them. Positioned on a cliff on the Sussex Downs, overlooking the English Channel, it offers a classically British education that prepares young women to excel as global citizens – regardless of where they’re from or where they hope to go.
At Roedean, potential is boundless, and opportunities are international. From the moment girls between the ages of 11 and 18 walk through Roedean’s historic gates, they’re part of a vibrant community that hardly sits still. They showcase their talents in the Sussex Superstars, lead sustainability efforts with the Eco Council, and travel as far as Johannesburg for eye-opening exchanges that bridge continents and cultures.
These opportunities do wonders when it comes to sparking aspirations. Callings are further solidified at initiatives like the Futures Fair, where dreams take flight amid professionals from niche fields like aviation, engineering, and screenwriting. Or they might find themselves more inspired by stories from Old Roedeanians – think CEOs, Olympians, designers, professors, and more – during “The Career School” weekends.
Source: Roedean School
Inspired students go on to achieve the grades they’ll need to follow in the footsteps of Roedean’s impressive alumni. Last year, a record-breaking 36.2% of GCSE students were awarded Grade 9 (a high A* equivalent) in their results, while 79.1% of them achieved Grades 9-7. The A Level students saw just as much success, with 24.4% of Year 13 students achieving all A* grades and 57.2% at A*-A. These students are moving on to their next chapters at universities like Oxford and Cambridge.
The school is just as supportive as it is rigorous. It gives international students everything they need to feel fully integrated into its academic and social spheres. Strong pastoral care – made up of Tutors, Heads of Year, House Mistresses, Pastoral Managers, Health Centre, Counsellors, and Chaplain – ensures this. For parents and guardians, regular updates on academic progress and well-being are provided to keep them connected to their daughter’s journey – no matter where they are in the world.
“As a student at Roedean, I can truly say that the school has fostered a real sense of belonging,” says international boarder Mancy. “From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and supported, not just by my teachers, but by my peers as well.”
After all, the school understands firsthand the challenges and excitement of settling into a new environment. Roedean prides itself on being a melting pot of cultures, hosting students from every corner of the world and encouraging them to share their cultural heritage while embracing those of others.
“With students from across the world, it has created an environment where every girl feels valued, heard and part of the community,” says Mancy. “Boarding at Roedean is truly a home away from home. The sense of community throughout boarding is undeniably one of the most powerful aspects here.”
Source: Roedean School
Boarding life here accommodates the individual needs of every student – the schools offers full, weekly, and flexi boarding. Junior boarders share bedrooms in a dedicated wing of the boarding house, while students in Year 10 and above gain independence in their own spaces. Sixth Formers live a short distance from the main school’s campus to build lives beyond a school setting.
“What stands out to me most is how supportive everyone is, especially during moments of stress like exams or productions,” says student Kaitlin. “There’s always someone to lean on, whether it’s a teacher, a friend, or a housemistress. The diversity within the school adds to its richness; sharing experiences with people from all over the world has opened my eyes and made me feel more connected to the wider world.”
That’s what the Roedean experience is all about – equipping students with the social and emotional skills needed to navigate an interconnected world. Its curriculum plays a big role in transforming girls into confident young women. It is designed to ignite curiosity and stimulate academic curiosity, offering a range of subjects alongside a long lineup of extracurricular activities.
GCSE and A Level training aside, students at Roedean are encouraged to join Olympiads, Maths Challenges, Extended Project Qualifications, and more. For international students, the school offers tailored support services, including English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes, cultural integration, and mentoring. Small class sizes and dedicated specialist teachers ensure personalised attention.
“At Roedean, you’ll always find your people,” says international boarder and prefect Onose. “With the support you receive, you’ll quickly feel at home and be well-prepared for the world ahead.”
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