Roedean Joining the Lower School 2026-2027

Joining the

Lower School

1

Welcome to Roedean As girls take their first steps into the Lower School at Roedean, they quickly begin to grow in confidence. Starting senior school is an exciting milestone, bringing new friendships, new opportunities, and the chance to discover interests and talents that may stay with them for life.

At Roedean, we believe these early years matter enormously. They are the years when curiosity deepens, independence grows, and girls begin to discover not only what they enjoy learning, but also the kind of young women they are becoming. Every girl arrives with her own strengths, interests, and aspirations, and our role is to create an environment where she feels known as an individual, challenged to think deeply, and encouraged to embrace every opportunity with confidence.

Whether your daughter joins us from a local primary school, a prep school, or from overseas, she will become part of a community where she is supported, encouraged, and inspired to flourish. This booklet offers a glimpse into life in our Lower School and the experiences that make these first years at Roedean such an important and rewarding part of every girl’s journey.

We hope it gives you a sense of the warmth, ambition and spirit which define our community, and offers a warm welcome to Roedean.

2

A Roedean Education A Roedean education nurtures intellectual curiosity, develops character and inspires young women to think independently, contribute meaningfully and approach the future with purpose.

Every girl should be stretched to discover what she can achieve while feeling secure enough to take risks, learn from setbacks and grow in self-belief. Through expert teaching, thoughtful pastoral care and a rich programme of experiences beyond the classroom, students gain the knowledge, discernment and inner assurance to shape their own futures.

These principles underpin every aspect of life at Roedean. They shape our curriculum, our community and the experiences that encourage every girl to embrace challenge, develop her own ambitions and make a positive contribution to the world around her.

Why Girls Thrive at Roedean Since Roedean was founded in 1885, we have believed that girls deserve an education that is ambitious, challenging and full of opportunity. At a time when expectations for young women were often limited, our founders imagined something different: a school where girls would be encouraged to think independently, lead with confidence and develop the knowledge, character and self-belief to shape their own futures. More than 140 years later, that belief continues to shape everything we do.

3

The Power of an All-Girls’ Education

Wellbeing Through Belonging

An all-girls education creates the freedom to participate fully, lead naturally and develop confidence in every aspect of school life. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, on the stage or through leadership and service, every girl is encouraged to find her own voice, embrace challenge and pursue her ambitions without limitation.

At Roedean, we believe girls thrive when they feel seen, known and heard. Wellbeing is not something separate from education; it is fundamental to it. When girls feel happy, secure and connected to those around them, they are more willing to ask questions, embrace challenge, build resilience and discover what they can achieve.

Free from many of the social expectations and stereotypes that can shape young people’s choices, girls are more likely to take intellectual risks, explore a wide range of interests and develop the confidence to lead. They learn alongside peers who inspire and support one another, creating a culture where achievement is celebrated and individuality is valued.

Strong pastoral care, meaningful relationships and a genuine sense of belonging creates an environment where girls flourish academically, socially and personally. Our unique setting, overlooking the sea and surrounded by open space, also plays its part. The opportunity to learn, reflect and spend time outdoors contributes to a healthy balance between academic ambition and personal wellbeing, helping every girl to approach each day with confidence and perspective.

4

5

Beginning the Roedean Journey in the Lower School Joining the Lower School marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Whether arriving from a local primary school, a prep school or from overseas, every girl brings her own strengths, interests and aspirations. Some join in Year 7, others in Year 8, but each becomes part of a community that values individuality while creating a strong sense of belonging from the very beginning.

These early secondary years are a time of exploration and discovery. Girls build lasting friendships, develop new interests and grow in confidence as they make the important transition towards greater independence.

Supported by specialist teachers, dedicated pastoral staff and a close-knit House community, they are encouraged to embrace challenges, try something new and make the most of every opportunity.

The Lower School lays the foundations for every stage of the Roedean journey. It is here that girls develop the curiosity, confidence and character that prepare them to broaden their horizons, pursue their ambitions and contribute positively to the communities around them. From their very first day, every student becomes part of a sisterhood built on kindness, encouragement and mutual respect, where every girl is known as an individual, supported to flourish and inspired by those around her.

I was a bit nervous about starting secondary school, but I made friends quite quickly. There’s always someone you can talk to if you’re not sure about something.

6

Learning in the Lower School Learning at Roedean extends far beyond timetabled lessons. Every day offers opportunities to discover new interests, develop new skills and embrace experiences that shape the whole person.

The Lower School curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, build strong academic foundations and encourage every girl to develop the confidence to think independently. Through specialist teaching, engaging lessons and a broad range of subjects, students are challenged to ask questions, solve problems and discover where their interests and talents lie.

Learning extends well beyond the classroom. Scientific investigations, creative projects, educational visits, performances, outdoor learning and co-curricular

These early years provide the foundations for future success. As girls grow in knowledge and independence, they begin to develop the habits of curiosity, resilience and critical thinking that will support every stage of their Roedean journey.

Curriculum Overview

Learning Support

Students study a broad and balanced curriculum, taught by specialist teachers, including:

Every girl learns differently, and we are committed to ensuring that every student is able to flourish. Our Learning Support team works closely with students, families and teachers to provide personalised guidance and tailored strategies that build confidence, develop independence and enable every girl to achieve her full potential. Support is carefully integrated into school life, ensuring that students feel encouraged, understood and empowered throughout their learning journey.

• Art • Biology • Chemistry • Computing • Design and Technology • Drama • English • French • Geography • History • Latin • Mathematics • Music • Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) • Physical Education • Physics • Religion and Philosophy • Spanish Our Lower School Curriculum Guide provides detailed information about every subject, including what students learn in Years 7 and 8.

Please scan the QR code to read the Lower School Curriculum Guide.

7

experiences all help bring ideas to life, encouraging girls to make connections across subjects and develop a genuine love of learning.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) For students whose first language is not English, our EAL provision helps them develop the language skills and confidence needed to participate fully in every aspect of school life. Through personalised support and carefully planned teaching, students quickly become confident communicators, enabling them to thrive academically, build friendships and feel fully part of the Roedean community.

I like that we do lots of different subjects because you get to find out what you’re actually interested in. Some lessons are completely different from what I expected.

8

Experiences Beyond the Classroom These experiences are shaped by a setting unlike any other, where the sea, the South Downs and Brighton become part of everyday learning.

Education at Roedean extends far beyond academic study. Through an exceptional range of experiences, girls are encouraged to discover new interests, develop existing talents and build the confidence to embrace opportunities they may never have imagined.

Wild Fridays

Leadership

As an integral part of the Lower School curriculum, Wild Fridays take place every Friday afternoon, making full use of Roedean’s unique coastal setting and the surrounding South Downs. Through activities such as sailing, mountain biking, bushcraft, team building and working on the school farm, students develop resilience, independence and confidence, while discovering the value of learning beyond the classroom. These shared experiences encourage curiosity, strengthen friendships and foster a lasting appreciation of the natural environment, helping every girl to embrace challenge, work collaboratively and grow in character.

Leadership is an important part of life at Roedean, and opportunities to develop confidence, responsibility and initiative exist throughout the Lower School. Students can take on a variety of leadership roles, including Charity Representatives, Form Representatives and Sports Captains, learning that leadership is about service, collaboration and making a positive contribution to the school community.

Head, Heart, Hand Head, Heart and Hand is Roedean’s distinctive programme for personal development, recognising that education extends far beyond academic study. Through a carefully designed programme of experiences, students explore topics and develop skills that complement their academic learning. They might learn the fundamentals of coding, discover the value of British Sign Language, develop creativity through textiles, or begin exploring future career pathways.

Alongside these practical experiences, girls strengthen their communication, teamwork, problem-solving and decision-making skills while developing greater independence and self-belief.

By encouraging students to think with curiosity, act with confidence and contribute with compassion, Head, Heart and Hand reflects Roedean’s belief that education should develop the whole person. It prepares every girl to embrace new opportunities with resilience, purpose and a genuine desire to make a positive contribution to the world around her.

9

At the end of Year 7, students also have the opportunity to be elected as Junior Prefects, taking on positions of responsibility that mirror the Sixth Form Prefect Team. Working alongside older students, they help shape school life, support younger students and contribute positively to the Roedean community.

These experiences encourage girls to lead with integrity, inspire others and develop the confidence and character that will prepare them for future leadership opportunities.

Co-Curricular Opportunities With more than 100 co-curricular activities to choose from, every student is encouraged to discover new interests while developing existing talents. Whether through sport, music, dance, drama, debating, coding, creative arts or academic societies, to name a few, girls have the opportunity to broaden their horizons, pursue their passions with purpose and build confidence through experiences that extend far beyond the classroom.

To explore the many co-curricular activities on offer, please scan the QR code

Roedean Diploma

Sport

The Lower School Roedean Diploma programme enables students to document their achievements across academic enrichment, leadership, sport, the Arts, community service and personal development project. Those who pursue the Roedean Diploma can be awarded a Distinction for their prowess. It’s a gateway to recognising exceptional dedication, skill growth, and contributions across activities, building confidence and preparing girls to excel in multifaceted areas of life. This approach is a testament to the School’s commitment to a ‘girls first’ education.

Sport plays an important role in developing healthy, active lifestyles while supporting every girl’s physical, mental and social wellbeing. Through a wide range of team and individual sports, students develop resilience, determination, teamwork and the confidence to challenge themselves. Games lessons focus on the three major sports of hockey, netball and cricket, while Physical Education broadens their experience through activities including swimming, athletics, tennis, and gymnastics. Beyond the curriculum, an extensive cocurricular programme offers opportunities to enjoy a wide variety of sports, from sea swimming and golf to fencing, volleyball and cross country. From representing the school in competitions to participating simply for enjoyment, every girl is supported in striving for her personal best and developing a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity.

Music, Drama, and Dance Creativity is at the heart of life at Roedean, and every girl is encouraged to discover her own creative voice. Whether through music, drama or dance, students develop confidence and the ability to express themselves while also experiencing the joy of performing.

Girls can learn individually or as part of a group, with opportunities to take instrumental and singing lessons, participate in choirs, orchestras, dance classes and drama productions, or develop their communication and performance skills through LAMDA. Throughout the year, concerts, performances, showcases and productions provide opportunities for every student to perform, whatever her experience or ability.

House music, drama and dance competitions also bring students together in a spirit of creativity, teamwork and friendly competition. Working across year groups, girls build friendships, celebrate one another’s talents and contribute to the vibrant spirit of their House. Whether discovering a new passion or developing an existing talent, every girl is encouraged to express herself creatively.

Educational Visits and Residentials Learning extends far beyond the classroom through a rich programme of educational visits and residential experiences. Throughout the year, students have opportunities to explore new places, experience different cultures and deepen their understanding through subject specific visits, outdoor learning and residential adventures, both in the UK and overseas.

These experiences broaden perspectives, nurture independence and create memories that last a lifetime.

Every year, students in Years 7 and 8 enjoy an annual residential, providing the opportunity to strengthen friendships, develop resilience and build confidence through shared experiences and adventure. Through working together to overcome challenges, exploring unfamiliar environments or simply creating lasting memories with friends, these experiences become an important part of every girl’s Lower School journey.

10

11

The Coastal Advantage Roedean’s location is an important part of everyday life. Set between the South Downs National Park and the sea, the campus provides girls with the space to learn, reflect and grow in surroundings that support both wellbeing and learning. With Brighton just minutes away, students also enjoy easy access to a vibrant city, rich in culture, creativity and opportunity.

By taking part in Wild Fridays, playing sport, spending time with friends on campus or simply moving between lessons, girls benefit from fresh air, open space and the freedom to pause, reflect and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds them.

From classrooms and boarding bedrooms, students look out across the sea each day. The wide horizons and spectacular sunsets become a familiar part of life at Roedean. Together, they provide a daily reminder of the possibilities ahead, giving every girl the space to think, the confidence to grow, and a desire to take advantage of the boundless opportunities Roedean has to offer.

Wild Friday is probably my favourite time of the week because we get to do things outside normal lessons. I’ve tried things I wouldn’t normally do, and it’s fun doing them with your friends.

12

What Her Day Will Look Like Every day in the Lower School is carefully balanced to combine academic learning with creativity, physical activity, friendship and time to explore new interests. The rhythm of the day provides structure while ensuring every girl has opportunities to learn, recharge and develop both inside and beyond the classroom.

The day begins together through tutor time, Assembly or Chapel, creating a shared sense of community before lessons begin. Throughout the day, academic study sits alongside sport, co-curricular activities and moments for reflection, supporting the girls’ wellbeing while helping them develop independence, resilience and a strong sense of belonging. This balanced approach encourages every girl to thrive academically, socially and personally.

07:00 Breakfast for Boarders 07:40 Boarders’ registration 08:20 Day buses arrive 08:20 Tutor Time, Assembly, or Chapel 08:45 Periods 1 and 2 10:30 Break 10:50 Periods 3 and 4 12:35 Lunch 13:20 Period 5: co-curricular programme 14:15 Periods 6 and 7 16:00 Tea 16:10 Period 8: co-curricular programme or prep 17:10 Day buses depart 17:30 Supper for Boarders 19:00 Prep 20:00 Evening activity in the Houses On Fridays, School ends at 16:00, there is no Period 8, and day buses depart at 16:10

I like that every day is a bit different. We have our lessons, but there’s also time for sport, activities and seeing your friends.

13

14

Boarding by the Sea Boarding is an integral part of the Roedean experience, where girls are known as individuals, cared for by dedicated house staff and encouraged to grow in confidence and independence at a pace that feels right for them.

Each of our four main boarding houses is home to no more than fifty girls, creating a close-knit community where every student feels a genuine sense of belonging. Our vertical boarding structure brings together girls from different year groups, allowing younger boarders to learn from older students while developing friendships that span the whole school.

Every new boarder is welcomed by a dedicated boarding buddy, who helps her settle into house life, introduces her to new friends and supports her through those important first days and weeks, ensuring she quickly feels part of the community.

House staff work closely with parents, tutors, Heads of Year and the wider pastoral team to ensure that every girl is seen, known, and heard throughout her journey.

Together, they nurture each student’s individuality while helping her develop the confidence, resilience and independence to flourish both within the boarding community and beyond.

Boarding Options

Accommodation

Roedean offers a range of boarding options to suit every family’s needs and circumstances. Whether choosing full, weekly or flexi boarding, every girl becomes a valued member of her boarding house, with her own bed, dedicated pastoral support and access to the full boarding experience.

Students in Years 7 and 8 share bedrooms with up to two other girls, allowing friendships to develop naturally during the early years of boarding. By Year 9, many girls move into their own room, and from Year 10 every boarder enjoys a private bedroom with space for study, relaxation and personal belongings.

Welcoming communal areas, including the ODR, cosy lounges and house kitchens provide inviting spaces where girls can relax, spend time together, watch films, play games or enjoy baking and cooking with the support of House staff.

Full boarding provides a vibrant seven-day community for girls from across the UK and around the world.

Weekly boarding offers the best of both worlds, allowing girls to enjoy the full school experience during the week while spending weekends at home. For families travelling to and from London, a chaperoned travel service operates on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings, providing a convenient and reassuring option. Flexi boarding offers additional flexibility for busy families and is also an excellent introduction to boarding life, allowing girls to experience the friendships, independence and sense of belonging that boarding brings.

Day students can also experience boarding through ad hoc overnight stays, perhaps before an early sports fixture, rehearsals, examinations or simply to spend time with friends. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy House life, develop greater independence and become even more connected to the Roedean community.

15

My boarding house is like one big family.

There is always someone to laugh with, someone to help and someone to encourage you.

Weekends

Exeats and Half Terms

Weekends provide a welcome balance between organised activities and time to relax. Saturday begins with breakfast in each boarding house, giving girls the opportunity to enjoy a slower start to the day together before sport, private lessons and a varied programme of House activities, including arts and crafts, baking, Just Dance, karaoke, bingo and games evenings. A Friday evening trip to ASDA has become a muchloved tradition, allowing boarders to stock up on their favourite treats for the weekend, while a Saturday evening takeaway, enjoyed with the permission of House staff, is another highlight of boarding life.

Roedean remains open during exeat weekends, offering families greater flexibility and reducing the need for additional travel. While some girls choose to spend these weekends with family, guardians or friends, many enjoy staying at school, where boarding life continues as usual with the support of House staff and a programme of activities. At half term, all boarders are required to leave the campus before coming back refreshed for the remainder of the term.

Sunday begins with brunch before girls enjoy organised excursions, visits to Brighton or other activities beyond the campus. Younger boarders take part in regular supervised trips, while older girls enjoy increasing independence appropriate to their age.

Equally important is the opportunity to spend time with friends in the House, watching films, playing games, baking together or simply relaxing in the ODR and communal spaces.

For a more detailed overview of boarding life, including travel, healthcare, daily routines and practical information, please download our Boarding Guide from our website.

Evening and weekend activities naturally bring girls from different year groups together, strengthening friendships and reinforcing the strong sense of community that defines boarding at Roedean. By Sunday evening, the Houses come together for their weekly House meetings and time with friends, ensuring every girl feels settled and ready for the week ahead.

Everyone is so welcoming. I made friends much more quickly than I thought I would.

16

Joining the Roedean Community Choosing the right secondary school is one of the most important decisions a family will make.

From your first visit to your daughter’s first day, our Admissions team is here to guide and support you every step of the way. Whether applying from a primary school, prep school or from overseas, we take the time to get to know every family and ensure that every girl begins her Roedean journey feeling confident, excited and ready for the opportunities ahead.

Joining Year 7 Roedean offers two pathways for entry into Year 7, allowing families to choose the route that best suits their daughter. Whichever pathway you choose, our Admissions team will guide you through every stage of the process, answering questions and providing support along the way.

17

Early Entrance Programme Admissions Process

Standard Entry Admissions Process

Girls can apply while they are in Year 5, giving families the opportunity to secure a Year 7 place earlier and enjoy additional reassurance as they prepare for the transition to senior school.

Girls apply during Year 6, with assessments taking place during the autumn term before joining Roedean the following September.

Registration Deadline

December of Year 5

Registration Deadline

September of Year 6

Entrance exams

January of Year 5

October of Year 6

Offers and acceptance deadline

March of Year 5

Scholarships and bursary application deadline

November of Year 6

Scholarships and bursary application deadline

October of Year 6

Entrance exams and scholarship assessments

December of Year 6

Scholarship assessments

November of Year 6

Offers and acceptance deadline

Award offers and acceptance deadline

December of Year 6

Joining Year 8

Come and Visit

For some families, Year 8 is the right time to join Roedean. Places are available subject to availability, and our Admissions team will be delighted to discuss your daughter’s individual circumstances and advise on the opportunities available. Entrance assessments can be arranged throughout the year, allowing families the flexibility to apply when the timing is right for them.

The best way to experience Roedean is to spend time here.

Scholarships and Bursaries We believe that talent, potential and ambition should be recognised and nurtured.

Scholarships are available for girls entering Year 7 who demonstrate exceptional ability or promise in Academic, Art, Dance, Drama, Music or Sport. As well as recognising achievement, our dedicated Scholars’ Programmes provide opportunities to challenge, inspire and further develop each girl’s talents, together with an annual fee remission.

We are equally committed to making a Roedean education accessible to talented girls from a wide range of backgrounds. Means-tested bursaries are available to families whose daughters are joining Year 7 and who would benefit from financial assistance.

Applications may be made alongside, or independently of, a scholarship application.

Join us at one of our Saturday Open Mornings or Explore and Connect events on Fridays, enjoy a personal tour led by our students, or arrange an individual visit during term time to see the School in action. Girls can also take part in one of our Roedean Experience Days, where they can enjoy STEM, sport, creative activities and outdoor learning, while getting to know future classmates and experiencing everyday life at Roedean.

We hope to welcome you to Roedean soon Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning with more questions, we look forward to welcoming you and helping you discover what makes the Lower School at Roedean such a special place to learn, grow, and belong.

For further information about Scholarships and Bursaries, please visit our website or contact our Admissions team, who will be delighted to help.

I’ve met so many different people since I joined, and there’s always something going on. It didn’t take long before I started feeling like I was properly part of the school.

18

Roedean School, Roedean Way, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 5RQ +44(0)1273 667500 roedean.co.uk Charity No.: 307063