Brighton’s Roedean School stands out amongst UK independent all-girls schools. Roedean has a reputation for fostering girls’ talents, igniting their curiosity, and helping them reach their goals. With a rich co-curricular programme, comprehensive pastoral care, and supportive admissions process, the School has much to offer families and their daughters.
These are six reasons why Roedean School is one of the best girls’ schools in the UK. Roedean offers:
- A dynamic Sixth Form.
- Comprehensive pastoral care.
- An embedded co-curricular programme.
- A supportive admissions process.
- Life-changing scholarships and bursaries.
- A tradition of philanthropy.
1. A Dynamic Sixth Form
Much like Roedean School, Roedean Sixth Form encourages students to strive for excellence while promoting independence and individuality.
Based on the A Level system, the Sixth Form’s pathways programme has a range of subjects to choose from. To complement academic studies, Roedean offers plenty of extra-curricular activities and leadership opportunities. Sixth Formers can also access avenues for subject enrichment and academic mentoring.
The School’s university programme prepares students for life beyond Roedean. Many leavers go on to study at top universities like Cambridge, Edinburgh, and University College London.
Some Roedean Sixth Formers also secure degree apprenticeships. These apprenticeships allow students to combine degree studies with hands-on learning opportunities in the workforce.
2. Comprehensive Pastoral Care
Many of the best girls’ schools in the UK understand that students need a safe environment to grow through the crucial stages of development. Roedean believes every girl is unique, and it offers one-to-one pastoral care to meet each student’s individual needs.
Roedean School’s pastoral team is available to girls daily for advice, encouragement, and practical help. Students can also access the services of a doctor and nursing team through the on-site health centre.
By ensuring each student feels like a valued member of the School community, Roedean empowers its girls to:
- Strive for academic success and set high personal expectations.
- Build emotional intelligence and resilient self-support.
- Foster compassionate relationships and communication skills.
- Become self-aware and open to change.
- Find balance and contentment at Roedean and beyond.
3. Embedded Co-Curricular Programme
Roedean’s remarkable exam results are a testament to the School’s successful academic approach. But top grades are only part of Roedean’s story. The School has embedded a rich co-curricular programme throughout the student experience.
Roedean sets itself apart from some of the best girls’ schools in the UK with its extensive range of extra-curricular activities. Students can choose from 130 weekly activities and clubs. From “Wild Fridays” to volunteering at a local primary school, Roedean students are active and engaged in and out of the classroom.
Whether performing on the sports field or the stage, girls embrace opportunities to develop their skills and character. And many Roedeanians excel in their pursuits: Three of Roedean’s netball teams recently became Sussex Cup champions.
4. Supportive Admissions Process
Roedean appreciates that choosing which of the best girls’ schools in the UK to attend can be a big decision. When applying to a new school, families and their daughters should feel supported throughout the admissions process. Roedean School’s admissions team works closely with families and students and provides guidance along the way.
The main entry points to Roedean are Years 7 and 9 and Sixth Form, but there are occasional places for girls to join Years 8 and 10. The School has clear admissions pathways for UK students and students applying from overseas.
UK Admissions
UK students joining in Years 7 and 9 can choose between Standard or Early Entrance (starting their Roedean journey one year earlier). Roedean recommends that all applications start with an enquiry and a visit to the School.
Families then register their daughters with Roedean, and they can apply for scholarships and bursaries. Students entering Year 7 must also complete age-appropriate assessments.
Overseas Admissions
Roedean offers places for students applying from outside the UK. These places are available across Years 7 to 11 and Roedean Sixth Form. Further to the two-year GCSE Course, the School also offers two specialist academic options for overseas students:
- One-Year GCSE Academic. This course is for girls whose level of English is already near native fluency. This option offers a thorough academic curriculum and experience in a range of subjects.
- Pre-A Level Programme. This one-year course is for girls whose level of English isn’t at the required level for mainstream Sixth Form entry. The programme provides girls with intensive English Language tuition and a good GCSE foundation.
5. Life-Changing Scholarships And Bursaries
Roedean School has a long-standing tradition of providing bursaries and scholarships to deserving students. These awards provide financial aid to those who would not be able to access a Roedean education otherwise.
New students entering Years 7, 9, and 12 are eligible for scholarships and bursaries. Applicants can apply for an academic scholarship and/or up to two specialist scholarships, choosing from:
- Dance
- Performing arts.
The School awards scholarships in recognition of students’ talent and capacity to flourish at Roedean. Alongside their scholarship application, students can also apply for a means-tested bursary.
The prestigious Brighthelm Award is available to girls attending a state school within 20 miles of Roedean. The dual academic scholarship and bursary allow talented local girls to access an education at one of the best girls’ schools in the UK.
6. A Tradition of Philanthropy
Roedean has a history of offering a home and education to girls in need. The School’s community supports Roedean’s ongoing efforts to increase bursary support and develop its facilities. Thanks to donations by alumnae, staff, families, and friends, Roedean can offer a rich and rewarding experience for as many girls as possible.
In a recent demonstration of Roedean’s philanthropy, the School launched an appeal to fund 110% bursaries for up to 10 Ukrainian refugees. Students and members of the wider Roedean community have helped raise money for the Ukrainian Bursary Appeal. On top of covering school fees, the bursaries will provide support for additional items, like uniforms and trips.
More About Roedean School
An independent day and boarding school in East Sussex, Roedean ranks amongst the best girls’ schools in the UK. Just 10 minutes from Brighton, the School offers a unique blend of vibrant coastal culture and natural beauty.
Roedean nurtures happy, inquisitive, engaged, creative, self-sufficient, confident, and compassionate students. The School empowers girls aged 11 to 18 to strive for the highest academic and personal standards. As a result, Roedean students lay a solid foundation for their futures.
Meet the Head
Niamh Green is the new head of Roedean School. She brings with her a wealth of experience in the education sector. With a career spanning more than 20 years, Green has worked as a senior leader in several UK all-girls schools.
Green is passionate about offering an outstanding, balanced education for young women and promoting a culture of excellence. She seeks to build on Roedean’s rich history and traditions while shaping a dynamic and forward-thinking vision for its future.
Talia Keller, the head of school and Roedean’s designated safeguarding lead, supports the new headteacher’s vision. Three deputy heads and assistant heads also support Green.