Perched on a clifftop in the South Downs National Park overlooking the English Channel, Roedean sits in one of the most dramatic locations of any UK boarding school. The sea breeze carries the sound of voices from the 320-seat theatre; girls walk past the original Victorian buildings designed by Sir John Simpson (who later designed Wembley Stadium) en route to science laboratories or the 25-metre heated indoor pool. Founded in 1885 by three sisters, Penelope, Dorothy, and Millicent Lawrence, as a place to educate girls with the same rigour as boys' schools, Roedean remains a girls-only day and boarding school for 730 students aged 11-18. The most recent ISI inspection in January 2025 confirmed excellence across the school. With 79% of GCSE grades at 9-7 and 57% of A-level grades at A*/A in recent cohorts, Roedean ranks 107th in England for GCSE results (FindMySchool ranking), placing it firmly in the top 2% of schools. This is a school where ambition meets privilege, where tradition coexists with dynamism, and where academic excellence thrives alongside extraordinary extracurricular breadth.
Roedean School in Roedean, Brighton has a clear sense of identity shaped by its setting and community. The original red-brick Victorian buildings stand alongside modern learning spaces, housing 118 acres of grounds that sweep down to the edge of the South Downs. Students describe Roedean as a place where you can "grow up at your own pace," and that philosophy permeates daily life. The school's motto, Honneur aulx dignes (Honour the worthy), has endured for nearly 140 years because it captures something genuine about the place: girls are expected to earn respect through effort, integrity, and contribution to the community.
Mrs Niamh Green, who became Head in 2023, previously served as acting head from 2021 and deputy head of Mayfield School. Her leadership style emphasises both academic ambition and genuine care for individual pupils. The school operates on a house system that creates smaller communities within the larger whole. Years 7-11 are divided among Houses 1, 2, 3, and 4; sixth formers move into Lawrence House and Keswick House, offering a sense of progression and independence. Each house has its own culture: mixed-age groups encourage mentoring, while common rooms and floor-level kitchens create spaces where girls genuinely relax between lessons and evening activities.
The boarding experience feels purposeful rather than institutional. Girls share rooms (younger ones with one or two roommates, older ones moving toward single rooms), and boarding staff are present throughout the day and evening. Around 250 girls are on campus at weekends, participating in a busy programme that includes trips to Brighton and London, escape rooms, cultural events, and quieter activities for those wanting rest. The atmosphere is noticeably international: approximately 50% of pupils come from overseas, representing 86 countries and speaking more than 19 languages. This creates a genuinely cosmopolitan community where cultural exchange is woven into daily life. Parents are quoted as saying Roedean nurtures pupils’ talents in whatever form they take, and offers a huge number of opportunities." The school is blooming under current leadership with what observers describe as a "sensible and calm head with deep commitment to girls' education."
Roedean's GCSE results place the school among the highest-performing independent schools in England. In 2024, 79% of grades achieved the top level of 9-7. This figure sits well above the England average of 54%, representing exceptional performance across the cohort. The school ranks 107th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 2nd within Brighton, placing it in the top 2%.
The curriculum breadth is deliberately wide. At GCSE, girls have access to approximately 20 subjects including languages rare in UK schools: Persian, Russian, and Latin join French, German, and Spanish. Scientists separate into three disciplines from Year 7, building specialist knowledge systematically. The school does not publish individual subject breakdowns, but observations suggest particular strength in languages, sciences, and humanities.
Entry to GCSE is not automatic; girls progress from Years 7-9 based on ability and readiness. The school recognises that cohort intake is selective but moderately so, with particular openness to international students requiring English support. This means the 79% GCSE figure reflects strong teaching and progress-tracking rather than narrow filtering of an elite group.
Sixth form results are comparably impressive. In 2024, 57% of A-level grades were A*/A, and more than four in five students (82%) achieved at least one grade of A. The school offers 25 subjects at A-level, including Mathematics, Further Mathematics, sciences, languages, humanities, and substantial arts provision. The breadth allows genuine choice; girls are not funnelled toward STEM but instead pursue their genuine interests, with the school reporting particular strengths in Art, Mathematics, and Languages.
Roedean ranks 141st in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking), sitting in the top 5%, and second locally within Brighton. The average class size of 8-12 students in sixth form sets Roedean apart from larger state comprehensives; teaching is frequently one-to-one in final preparations.
In 2024, 72% of leavers progressed to university, with a notable cohort entering top institutions. Cambridge and Oxford placed six students, the highest number ever according to school records. The school does not publish Russell Group percentages, but destination universities regularly named include Imperial College London, University College London, Edinburgh, Durham, Exeter, and Bristol. Students report strong support for competitive applications, including "invaluable practice interviews... not only with Roedean teachers but also with external subject experts." Medicine remains popular, with consistent numbers each year securing places. Beyond these elite destinations, leavers also progress to specialist institutions such as Kingston (Photography), Conservatoires (Performing Arts), and a significant percentage to universities overseas (20% slipstream as the school notes).
Approximately 2% of leavers moved into apprenticeships in 2024, and 4% into employment, suggesting that higher education is strongly encouraged but not the only pathway.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
83.55%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
79.26%
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The academic approach balances rigour with genuine intellectual curiosity. Class sizes in the main school average 14 pupils, dropping further at GCSE and A-level, ensuring personalised attention. Teachers have strong subject expertise; the school particularly highlights that staff are "drawn from top universities" and maintain subject specialism throughout their teaching. The curriculum is ambitious but not pressured. Girls describe enjoying lessons, and the school actively discourages tutoring culture, the entrance examination has been redesigned specifically to reduce tutoring advantage, though the school is pragmatic about parental choices.
Enrichment is embedded rather than bolted-on. The Roedean Diploma (a school-specific qualification) develops creativity, leadership, and social responsibility in parallel with academic study. Sixth formers access specific university-preparation programmes including MedSoc, the Oxbridge Club, and a Top University Programme. The school also coordinates with Albourne Riding School for specialist equestrian education and maintains extensive STEM partnerships.
Learning Support is substantial. The school dedicates resources to girls with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia, providing TA support and 1:1 help through the Learning Support Department. English as an Additional Language (EAL) is extensively resourced, with core one-to-one lessons charged separately but wide-ranging integrated support provided free across the curriculum.
The co-curricular programme is genuinely exceptional and represents one of Roedean's defining strengths. With over 140 activities available each week across the school, the breadth is staggering. This is not a conveyor belt offering; girls choose genuine interests and develop real expertise rather than sampling shallow exposure to dozens of clubs.
Music is lively and accomplished. The school records 264 instrumental lessons delivered each week on 22 different instruments, suggesting that a significant proportion of the school engages in individual instrumental study. The main school and sixth form have designated orchestras, choirs, and ensembles. The school hosts approximately 30 performance opportunities throughout the year, from recitals to major concerts. LAMDA music coaching is available, and pupils perform at external venues including the Brighton Fringe Festival. The school's music facilities include dedicated teaching studios and practice rooms. Senior pupils describe music study as one of Roedean's defining opportunities, and the level of attainment in music examinations feeds directly into A-level uptake, where Music remains popular.
Theatre is described as a "strong feature of school life," and all girls are encouraged to participate as performers, technical support, or audience members. The 320-seat theatre hosts approximately three major productions annually, plus house festivals and regular concerts. Productions have included recent works of substantial ambition, performed by sixth form students with professional technical support. The scale is notably larger than many independent schools; this is professional-standard production rather than school play theatre. Backstage opportunities span lighting, sound, set design, costume, and stage management, creating pathways for non-performing involvement. LAMDA drama coaching is offered, and pupils regularly perform at Brighton Fringe. The school notes that drama is "professional and accessible," meaning girls of all abilities can engage at their level.
Dance training occurs in two large, bright studios with experienced teachers. Provision ranges from recreational enjoyment to career-focused training in ballet, tap, modern, jazz, and commercial dance. The school's timetable includes dance as a regular extracurricular activity, and A-level Dance has consistent uptake. Dance is explicitly integrated into school performances alongside drama and music.
Named STEM clubs include Junior STEM (Years 7-9) and specific societies such as the Dissection Society (medics), Debating societies (Economics), and specialist clubs such as Meccatronics. The school offers coding and robotics clubs, and senior pupils participate in A-level support and challenge competitions. The STEM magazine and academic competitions are mentioned, suggesting a culture where intellectual engagement beyond the syllabus is valued.
Sport is described as "enjoyable, rewarding, and memorable" whether girls aim for the Olympics or participation. The school offers 14 major sports, available for all pupils to join recreationally. At competitive level, Roedean fields teams in hockey, netball, cricket, tennis, swimming, and more. The facilities are comprehensive: a 25-metre heated indoor pool, 15 tennis courts, 12 netball courts, hockey and cricket pitches, a golfing range, and equestrian links. Individual sports include fencing, karate, badminton, sailing, sea swimming, and horse riding. The school operates partnerships with Albourne Riding School, allowing equestrian study at a deeper level, with riding eventually becoming a compulsory component of sixth form sports education for those pursuing it. Weekend sport is structured but flexible; girls describe both competitive matches and lighter recreational options. The school records that girls achieve at national levels (elite athletes are currently registered), but the inclusive approach means that girls who enjoy sport casually are equally catered for.
The Roedean Farm is a unique resource: set at the interface between the South Downs National Park and the English Channel, girls engage in hands-on care of sheep, goats, chickens, and pygmy goats. Farm Club is described by participants as calming and rewarding; one girl noted "it feels nice to be outside." The farm feeds into curriculum learning (pupils studying agriculture or environmental science engage directly with land management) and provides wellbeing benefits. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme sits here too: 167 girls participated in DofE in the current year.
Wild Fridays (Year 7) offers exploration in natural environments. Specific societies mentioned include the Philosophy Society, Debating Society, and outdoor activities ranging from mountain biking and paddle boarding to zip-wiring. The school records "over 140 co-curricular activities," meaning there are scores more beyond those named here. Sea swimming and sailing utilise the nearby beach, accessed via a historic 1910 tunnel that runs through the cliffs, itself a remarkable facility now used for weekly swimming and recreational immersion in marine learning.
Tuition fees for 2025-26 are termly (three terms per year):
£8,586-£11,220 per term depending on year (Years 7-13)
£12,576-£15,204 per term
£15,462-£17,244 per term
£16,932-£20,316 per term
These figures include VAT. Roedean operates a 2% pre-paid fee discount scheme if parents pay annually in advance. Registration fee is £240 (non-refundable). Acceptance deposits range from £1,500 (day pupils) to £5,000 (UK boarders). One term's notice of withdrawal is required; if in Year 11, two terms' notice is needed.
Bursaries are available on a means-tested basis. The school states that "each year we offer financial support to parents of gifted pupils whose circumstances would otherwise put Roedean beyond their reach." The percentage of pupils receiving bursaries is not published, but the school emphasises genuine widening access. Scholarships are merit-based awards worth 10% of fees per specialism (e.g., Academic, Music, Sport, Art, Dance, Drama). The prestigious Lawrence Scholarship combines academic excellence with two areas of specialism; the Newnham Scholarship is the most competitive academic award; the Sussex Scholarship combines academics with one specialism.
Fees data coming soon.
Roedean is selective. Entry is based on the school's own entrance examinations (English, Mathematics, Non-Verbal Reasoning), interviews, and reports from previous schools. Common entry points are at 11+, 13+, and 16+ (sixth form). International students are welcome and can sit entrance papers abroad.
Girls entering at 11 or 13 take specific assessments designed to identify ability and potential rather than tutoring success; the school has deliberately moved away from tests that reward intensive preparation. For sixth form entry, GCSE results and specific subject requirements apply. The school notes that it is "genuinely open to international applications where there is an EAL requirement," meaning overseas families whose daughters need English language support are positively considered.
The application process is straightforward: registration, entrance exams/interviews, then acceptance with deposit and notice of withdrawal terms as detailed on the fees page.
The house system is the anchor of pastoral care. Each house has dedicated staff, including a housemistress who knows pupils well. Tutor groups of 6-8 provide academic oversight. The school has formal counselling available weekly for those needing emotional support. Behaviour is managed clearly and consistently; the school's behaviour policy references the school values explicitly (Curiosity, Kindness, Perseverance) and pupils use this language naturally in conversation.
Wellbeing is explicitly prioritised. The school reports that pupils describe feeling supported and part of a community. House spirit is cultivated through competitions, shared meals, and community service. Boarding girls benefit from a "buddy" system on entry, providing peer support as they settle. Exeat weekends (compulsory absences are rare; family visits are encouraged but flexible) and weekend activities are structured to allow girls agency in their time. The school records that boarders feel confident turning to multiple staff members for support, and independent listeners and helplines are prominently displayed.
Boarding is a substantial part of Roedean's identity. Approximately 50% of the school are boarders (day and boarding mix is balanced). Six boarding houses, Houses 1-4 (Years 7-11) and Lawrence/Keswick (sixth form), are situated within walking distance of the main building, creating a cohesive campus.
Accommodation has undergone significant recent refurbishment. Following an £11 million investment, boarding houses now feature modern en-suite facilities, common rooms, floor-level kitchens where girls can socialise, and private or shared bedrooms depending on age. Years 7-9 typically share rooms (encouraging community and support); from Year 10 onwards, most move to single rooms, providing privacy and independence as they mature. The refurbished spaces are described as stylish and welcoming, not institutional.
Boarding options include full boarding (residential throughout the week), weekly boarding (Monday to Friday), and flexi boarding (tailored to family needs). This flexibility allows families to choose what works for them. Weekends see 250+ girls on campus, participating in a busy programme of activities, cultural trips, sports fixtures, and quieter options. Day pupils integrate into the house system, joining evening activities and weekend social events, ensuring day-boarder friendships bridge the day-boarder divide.
The sixth form occupies purpose-built houses with increased autonomy. Girls aged 16-18 move to Lawrence House and Keswick House, creating a distinct sixth form culture. The school describes sixth formers as "intellectually curious, prepared, socially aware, creative, passionate, resilient, and confident."
Academic provision includes 25 A-level subjects, allowing genuine breadth. The school emphasises that girls are supported in choosing subjects they love rather than chasing league tables; this autonomy is celebrated. Enrichment includes the Roedean Diploma (personal development and leadership), sixth form-specific clubs (Oxbridge Club, MedSoc, Top University Programme), leadership roles (Head Girl, House Captains, student mentors), and community action projects. Student leadership is genuine; sixth formers shape school culture and contribute visibly to governance.
University preparation is expert and individualised. The school provides tailored interview coaching, including mock interviews with external subject specialists. Girls describe receiving "personal advice along with tailored entry exam preparation," and the 2024 cohort achieved six Oxbridge acceptances (the highest ever), suggesting that support is working.
Roedean is a confident, established school executing its mission with clarity and care. The combination of academic rigour (top 2% in England at GCSE, top 5% at A-level), exceptional breadth of co-curricular opportunity (140+ activities weekly), and the genuine boarding community creates a distinctive offering. The school is not suited to families seeking a "hothouse" exam factory; the international and mixed-ability intake, combined with the school's commitment to all-round development, means results sit below some ultra-selective peers. But for families valuing independence, resilience, cultural awareness, and genuine intellectual engagement alongside academic success, Roedean delivers. The location, clifftop Sussex, overlook the sea, within easy reach of Brighton, is romantic and distinctive. Leadership under Mrs Green is steady and warm. Teaching is expert. Pastoral care is genuine.
Best suited to girls aged 11-18 ready for independence, who will thrive in a girls-only environment, who have genuine intellectual curiosity, and whose families value all-round development alongside academic excellence. The main challenge is fees: at £16,932-£20,316 per term for full boarding, Roedean is expensive, though bursaries and scholarships do widen access. For families who secure entry and can afford fees, the experience is transformative.
Yes. Roedean was rated Excellent in all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in 2016, with a routine inspection in January 2025 confirming standards. Academic results are exceptional: 79% of GCSE grades are 9-7; 57% of A-level grades are A*/A. The school ranks 107th in England for GCSE (top 2%) and 141st for A-level (top 5%) (FindMySchool rankings). Six students secured Oxbridge places in 2024, the highest number ever. Pastoral care is warm and genuine. The co-curricular programme is extraordinary, 140+ activities weekly. This is an excellent school.
Termly fees for 2025-26 (three terms per year) range from £8,586 for day pupils in Year 7 to £20,316 for full boarders in Years 10-13. Weekly boarding is £15,462-£17,244 per term; flexi boarding is £12,576-£15,204 per term. Acceptance deposits range from £1,500 (day) to £5,000 (UK boarding). One term's notice is required for withdrawal. Means-tested bursaries are available, with the school offering "financial support to parents of gifted pupils whose circumstances would otherwise put Roedean beyond their reach." Merit-based scholarships (Academic, Music, Sport, Art, Dance, Drama) are worth 10% of fees per specialism. The prestigious Lawrence Scholarship combines excellence in academics plus two other areas.
Boarding is central to Roedean's culture. Approximately 50% of the school are boarders (day-boarder balance ensures integrated community). Six boarding houses (Houses 1-4 for Years 7-11; Lawrence and Keswick for sixth form) have been recently refurbished with modern, welcoming accommodation. Younger pupils share rooms (encouraging peer support); older pupils move toward single rooms (increasing privacy). Boarding options include full boarding, weekly boarding, and flex boarding tailored to families' needs. Weekends see 250+ girls on campus enjoying a busy programme: cultural trips to London, shopping in Brighton, escape rooms, sports fixtures, and quieter activities. Boarding staff are present throughout the day and evening. Girls describe feeling genuinely supported and part of a tight-knit community. The model is residential life, not institutional; common rooms and kitchens create spaces to relax and friendships develop naturally.
Over 140 activities are available each week. Music is particularly strong: 264 instrumental lessons per week on 22 instruments; main and sixth form orchestras, choirs, and ensembles; 30 performance opportunities annually. Drama is professional-scale: the 320-seat theatre hosts three major productions yearly plus house festivals. Dance provision spans ballet, tap, modern, jazz, and commercial styles. Sport includes 14 disciplines (hockey, netball, cricket, tennis, swimming, fencing, karate, badminton, sailing, sea swimming, equestrian riding, badminton) with facilities including a 25m heated pool, 15 tennis courts, and partnerships with Albourne Riding School. The Farm Club offers hands-on agriculture and wellbeing. Additional activities include Duke of Edinburgh (167 girls), Debating, Philosophy Society, STEM clubs, sea swimming, and outdoor pursuits (mountain biking, paddleboarding, zip-wiring). This is not a collection of token options; girls develop genuine expertise and passion.
Entry is selective, based on entrance examinations (English, Maths, Non-Verbal Reasoning), interviews, and reports from previous schools. The entrance tests have been redesigned to reduce tutoring advantage, though the school is pragmatic about parental choices. Common entry points are 11+, 13+, and 16+ (sixth form). International students are actively welcomed and can sit entrance papers overseas. For sixth form entry at 16+, GCSE results and subject-specific requirements apply. The school notes that it is "genuinely open to international applications requiring EAL support." The admissions process is straightforward: register, sit exams/interview, receive decision with acceptance deposit and terms.
Several factors stand out. The location is dramatic and distinctive: a clifftop campus on 118 acres overlooking the English Channel in the South Downs National Park. The international diversity is genuine: approximately 50% of pupils come from overseas, representing 86 countries and 19+ languages. The boarding model is balanced and inclusive (day-boarder integration ensures social cohesion). The co-curricular breadth is exceptional, 140+ activities weekly, ranging from music and drama to sport and farm work, with professional-scale facilities. Academic results are excellent without being hothouse-driven; the intake is selective but moderately so, with openness to girls needing EAL support. Sixth form leadership is genuinely empowering. The school has been refreshed under current headship without losing its character. For families valuing girls' education, genuine independence, cultural awareness, and all-round development alongside academic rigour, Roedean is distinctive.
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