Autumn Round-Up Agent Newsletter
As another remarkable term draws to a close, it is a joy to reflect on the many moments that continue to demonstrate the extraordinary warmth and spirit of the Roedean community. From academic endeavour and creative expression to sporting successes and charitable initiatives, our students have embraced every opportunity with energy and curiosity. They have dazzled audiences in the Music Gala Concert and production of Blue Stockings, explored global issues during Black History Month, shown courage and skill on the sports pitches, and expanded their horizons on field trips and in academic competitions. Their appetite for challenge and their joy in learning continue to bring life to every corner of the School. Equally inspiring is the commitment our students show to service and community. Roedean’s ethos of contribution remains strong, and this term alone, students across all year groups have raised thousands of pounds for charitable causes, supported local families, and given their time generously to wider projects.
These experiences not only make a difference to those they help, but also teach students the value of empathy, engagement, and purposeful action. This term has also been a wonderful opportunity to recognise the support of our wider community. Whether through our Old Roedeanians, parents, or valued educational agents, the encouragement and guidance provided to students has been invaluable, especially in supporting applications to Roedean. The partnership we share with our educational agents is central to the School’s mission, and we are deeply grateful for your dedication, expertise, and commitment. Your guidance helps families navigate the admissions process and ensures that students discover the opportunities Roedean has to offer. As we celebrate this festive season, we send our warmest wishes to you all. May this time bring peace, joy, and reflection, and may the year ahead be filled with renewed energy, inspiration, and continued collaboration. Thank you for your ongoing support and for being an integral part of the Roedean community.
A Setting for Inspired Learning
Roedean’s campus is one of the School’s most distinctive features, offering students a tranquil and inspiring environment. Overlooking the English Channel and backed by the South Downs, it provides panoramic sea views, open skies, and green spaces that support both learning and well-being. At the same time, the campus is just minutes from the vibrant city of Brighton, giving students the perfect balance of calm coastal surroundings and easy access to the cultural, social, and professional opportunities of a thriving city.
The Roedean Campus Roedean’s Beautiful Boarding Houses
Boarding plays a key part in life at Roedean, and our houses combine comfort, safety, and community. Each boarding house offers a welcoming environment with both private and communal spaces, supported by dedicated staff. Boarders benefit from quiet study areas, social spaces, and easy access to the School’s full range of activities, fostering independence, friendships, and a strong sense of belonging. For families and students considering Roedean, the campus is a clear reflection of the School’s ethos: a place where young women thrive academically, socially, and personally, in a setting that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and a genuine sense of community.
The Roedean Farm The Roedean Farm is fully integrated into daily school routines and co-curricular activities. It provides students with practical experiences that develop responsibility, independence, and an understanding of sustainability and animal welfare. For students in Years 7 and 8, the Farm forms part of the Wild Friday programme, offering opportunities to engage directly with animals and the outdoors. These sessions encourage curiosity, resilience and hands-on learning beyond the classroom. The Farm continues to play a significant role for boarding students, who take responsibility for feeding and caring for the animals at weekends. These tasks provide structure, foster teamwork and encourage leadership, while offering students a sense of purpose and connection to their surroundings. Farm Club is a key part of the School’s co-curricular programme. Open to all students, it teaches essential animal husbandry skills and provides insight into farming life, including the care of sheep and goats. Students gain practical experience, develop empathy, and for some, explore interests that could lead to careers in Veterinary Medicine or Environmental Sciences. The Club also provides a welcome break from academic studies, allowing students to spend time outdoors in a calm and supportive environment.
Account from our Farm Prefect
Environmental awareness is embedded into the Farm’s activities. Conservation projects, such as biodiversity surveys and studies on grazing, link to the School’s Biology, Geography and PSHE curricula, ensuring that students connect academic learning with practical application. Through the Community Action Programme (CAP), students also work with local primary schools to share these experiences, fostering a wider sense of community responsibility. Leadership opportunities are a key feature of Farm life. The position of Farm Prefect reflects Roedean’s focus on leadership through service. In the accompanying video, Farm Prefect Scarlet shares her experiences caring for the animals and the positive impact the Farm has had on her time at Roedean. Overall, Roedean Farm provides students with meaningful experiences that develop responsibility, leadership and environmental awareness alongside academic study. It exemplifies the School’s holistic approach to education, combining learning, pastoral care, and practical skills in a way that helps students grow into confident, capable and compassionate young women.
Music Gala Concert Our students have many opportunities to showcase their skills and talents, and this term they did not disappoint. Both the Teatime Recital and the Music Gala Concert offered wonderful occasions for audiences to be wowed by their musical accomplishments. In the Gala Concert, A Night at the Movies, held on 28 November 2025, theatre guests were swept away by the vibrant repertoire featuring some of cinema’s most iconic theme songs. The breadth of music was impressive. It ranged from lively Baroque dance pieces to the spirited sounds of 1950s America. Audiences also enjoyed the powerful music from Star Wars and the emotional pathos of a Mozart opera. All of this was performed with confidence, style, and flair. The programme also included favourites from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Grease, The Addams Family, Saturday Night Fever, Jaws, Pitch Perfect, and many more. The evening was a joyful celebration of musicmaking. It was enhanced by a talented theatre technical team who created imaginative visuals, beautiful lighting, and excellent sound throughout the performance. Around 125 students took part in the concert. They performed in the Junior Orchestra, Senior Orchestra, Choir, Senior Singers, Roedean Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Baroque Ensemble. A specially formed Tango Band also performed. The event featured vocal and instrumental soloists, as well as performances on guitar, bass guitar, drums, harmonica, and accordion. It was a true team effort, and many hands helped bring this spectacular concert to life. The Gala Concert followed an exceptional Teatime Music Recital held in the Old Ref earlier in the term. The recital showcased an impressive range of instruments and an outstanding standard of musicianship. The performers demonstrated remarkable musical expression across every piece. They showed not only technical ability but also creativity, sensitivity, and confidence.
There were many highlights. These included a beautifully controlled aria from Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, as well as lively harp works such as O’Carolan’s Carolan’s Concerto. A charming arrangement of My Favourite Things from Mary Poppins delighted the audience. Pianists performed Rameau’s Les Cyclopes, Debussy’s La Cathédrale Engloutie, and Chopin’s Ballade No. 3. A solo flute performance of Debussy’s Syrinx created vivid woodland imagery through its delicate phrasing, and trombone players entertained the audience with John Williams’ Double Trouble. We are extremely proud of our talented musicians at Roedean. Performances like these highlight the remarkable range of musicianship flourishing across the School.
Roedean’s Production of Blue Stockings Roedean’s longstanding commitment to exceptional and enriching education, established by the Lawrence sisters in 1885, remains firmly at the heart of the School. Roedean staged an ambitious and moving production of Blue Stockings by Jessica Swale. The play is set in 1896 at Cambridge University and follows four young women determined to win the right to graduate at a time when women’s education was still considered radical. The term “blue stocking” dates back to 18th-century England, when a group of intellectual women - and the men who admired them gathered to discuss art, literature, and ideas. One of the gentlemen was known for wearing plain blue woollen stockings instead of the formal black silk expected at such events, and the name “Blue Stocking Society” stuck. Over time, however, “blue stocking” became a label used to mock women who were seen as too clever, too opinionated, or too interested in learning, rather than pursuing traditional “lady-like” roles such as wife and mother. Today, the expression “blue stocking” has been reclaimed as a proud declaration of curiosity and intellectual courage - qualities that Roedean students continue to embody. The story of resilience and conviction portrayed in Blue Stockings resonates deeply with our community. It serves as a powerful reminder of how far women’s education has come, and why it must continue to flourish.
Extract from the Production Message to the Roedean cast from Playwriter Jessica Swales
This commitment, established by the Lawrence sisters, continues to shape a curriculum that challenges students academically while nurturing their creativity. It builds confidence, encourages thoughtful engagement with the world, and supports every girl in discovering her own strengths. Across all areas of school life - from STEM to the Arts, and from global awareness to leadership opportunities - Roedean students develop the skills, ambition, and moral courage they need to forge their own paths. Jessica Swale dedicated Blue Stockings to Malala Yousafzai, a living symbol of the ongoing fight for girls’ education. This dedication highlights the continued relevance of the play’s themes and closely aligns with Roedean’s mission and values. Our students approached the production with energy, empathy, and commitment, creating a performance that was both theatrically impressive and emotionally resonant. The staging of Blue Stockings stands as a proud celebration of Roedean’s history, while also honouring the bright and courageous young women who continue to shape its future.
Guiding Students Towards Their Ambitions We are committed to equipping our students with current, relevant, and insightful guidance about the career pathways they are preparing for. Supporting students in understanding and planning their futures is a strong component of what our Futures Team offers, starting at a young age and helping students make informed decisions about their studies and potential careers. Building on this ongoing support, the School launched Futures Friday this academic year - a weekly programme designed to provide students with opportunities to explore the world of work and prepare for life beyond Roedean. These sessions take place during tutor time or working lunches, giving students the chance to meet professionals in an informal and engaging setting. They gain insight into the skills and experiences required for success, see how their passions can translate into meaningful careers, and have the opportunity to ask questions about sectors and working life. So far this term, Roedean has welcomed: Dr Georgia King, OR and Medical Student at Oxford Jane Harvell, Director of Library, Culture and Heritage at the University of Sussex Sam Allen, Paralegal and Trainee Human Rights Barrister Olly Carter, Founder of Kingsway Care, Hove Andy Croll, Former Parent and CTO at CoverageBook
A cornerstone of this work is the support of the Old Roedeanian (OR) community. The power of a Roedean education extends far beyond the classroom, amplified by the global network of alumnae who continue to open doors for students long after they leave the School. By sharing their expertise, experiences, and insights, and by offering work experience opportunities, ORs help students envision the possibilities ahead, inspiring them to pursue ambitious and meaningful careers. The Mentoring Programme further strengthens these connections. By pairing students with exceptional mentors from the OR community, the programme provides unparalleled insight into careers and workplace experiences. It also nurtures engagement between alumnae and the School while equipping students with the confidence to navigate their future pathways. Many students who participate are inspired to give back in the future, continuing a cycle of guidance and support. Currently, 181 Old Roedeanians are signed up as mentors, representing a breadth of professional experience across organisations including JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, The British Museum, NATO, the International Olympic Committee, Christie’s, the Ministry of Defence, and the London Stock Exchange. At present, 25 students are actively engaged with an OR mentor, benefiting from ongoing guidance and work experience from women who have successfully navigated diverse career paths. The Futures Team’s work integrates seamlessly with Roedean’s wider academic and co-curricular programmes. Students are encouraged to reflect on their strengths and passions, consider pathways that suit their interests, and develop the skills and confidence necessary to thrive in higher education and beyond.
Admissions Places for September 2026
Early Entrance Programme (EEP) Testing
We have a few places available for all entry years for September 2026, including our A Level Foundation Course.
For students seeking to secure their place early, we are also offering the Early Entrance Programme, with testing scheduled in January 2026.
We are happy to support families who are still exploring options and welcome enquiries.
This programme is open to applicants for Year 7 (2027 entry) and Year 9 (2027 and 2028 entry), offering a opportunity for families to plan ahead and ensure a smooth transition to life at Roedean. Early applicants will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships in November prior to the year of entry.
The Admissions team is always available to provide guidance and advice.
Timelines are provided below.
You’re Invited To Lunch We warmly invite you to join us for lunch, hear updates on our latest developments, and enjoy a guided tour of our beautiful campus.
Come and connect with the Roedean team, discover our unique learning environment, and experience first-hand what makes Roedean such a special place for students to learn, grow, and thrive.
EXPERIENCE ROEDEAN WEDNESDAY 11:30
11
MARCH 2026
Roedean School, Roedean Way, Brighton, BN2 5RJ Please kindly confirm your attendance by 6 March 2026
RSVP
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