Joining the
Sixth Form
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Welcome to Roedean The Sixth Form is a time of transformation, when students step forward with greater independence, deeper intellectual curiosity and a growing sense of purpose. These are the years in which young women begin to understand not only what they are capable of achieving, but also the positive difference they can make in the world around them. At Roedean, academic excellence is one dimension of a much broader education. Alongside exceptional teaching, students are encouraged to exercise sound judgement, engage critically with ideas and use their voices with purpose. They acquire the resilience to meet challenge, the maturity to make informed choices and the conviction to pursue futures that reflect both their talents and their interests. Whether the next step leads to university, a degree apprenticeship, the creative industries or a profession yet to be imagined, students leave with the knowledge, character and perspective to flourish. The Sixth Form is also where students become leaders within the School. They mentor younger students, contribute generously to school life and learn that leadership is grounded in service, empathy and the ability to bring out the best in others. In doing so, they strengthen the bonds of a sisterhood that reaches far beyond their time at Roedean. When they finally become Old Roedeanians, they join a global network of women who continue to encourage, support and champion one another throughout their lives. This booklet offers an introduction to the experiences, relationships and possibilities that define the Roedean Sixth Form. We hope it conveys the ambition, warmth and spirit of this important chapter, and offers a warm welcome to Roedean.
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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, the School has believed that girls deserve an education that is ambitious, challenging and rich in possibility. At a time when expectations for young women were often limited, Roedean’s founders imagined something different: a school where girls would be encouraged to think for themselves, assume responsibility, and develop the knowledge and character to direct their own lives. More than 140 years later, that belief continues to shape the Roedean experience.
The Power of an All-Girls’ Education
Wellbeing Through Belonging
An all-girls’ education creates the freedom to participate fully, take intellectual risks and occupy positions of influence as a natural part of everyday life. In lessons, on the sports field, on the stage and through service, every girl is encouraged to find her voice, test her capabilities and pursue her interests without limitation.
Girls flourish when they feel known, valued and connected. Wellbeing is therefore not treated as separate from education; it is one of the conditions that makes ambitious learning possible. When students feel secure in themselves and in their relationships, they are more willing to ask difficult questions, persevere through uncertainty and discover new strengths.
Free from many of the social expectations and stereotypes that can narrow young people’s choices, girls explore a wide range of subjects and activities. They learn alongside peers who challenge and encourage one another, creating a culture in which achievement is celebrated, individuality is respected and aspiration becomes the norm.
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Strong pastoral care, meaningful friendships and a genuine sense of belonging support students academically, socially and personally. Roedean’s setting also contributes to this balance. Open space, fresh air and views across the sea create room to reflect and reset, helping students approach the demands of Sixth Form with perspective.
Beginning the Sixth Form Journey Joining the Roedean Sixth Form means becoming part of a close-knit group of ambitious, curious and compassionate young women who are preparing to make their mark on the world. Academic endeavour is matched by kindness, individuality is celebrated, and each student is expected to contribute to the life around her. Every year, students from schools across the UK and around the world join those progressing from Roedean’s Year 11. Together, they bring new perspectives and experiences to an established Sixth Form culture that is welcoming, inclusive and outwardlooking. Friendships form quickly, supported by a shared readiness to engage fully with the next stage of school life. Dedicated induction, personalised academic guidance and attentive pastoral support help new students settle with assurance. As members of the School’s senior cohort, they are encouraged to take greater ownership of their learning, accept new responsibilities, and develop the judgement required to lead with integrity. The Roedean Sixth Form offers a culture that will stretch and sustain students, recognise their achievements and prepare them for the choices and responsibilities of adult life. That preparation begins with an academic programme designed to foster genuine intellectual independence.
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Sixth Form has given me the freedom to become much more independent while still knowing that there’s always someone there to support me.There’s a real sense that we’re encouraged to be ambitious, but also to look out for each other and make a positive contribution to the community around us. 5
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Academic Ambition The Sixth Form is where students move beyond acquiring knowledge to questioning, analysing and forming ideas of their own. At Roedean, academic success is not measured solely by examination results, but by the intellectual curiosity, independence of mind, and depth of understanding that enable young women to thrive in higher education and beyond. Teaching reflects the expectations of university study. Small classes create space for discussion, debate and collaboration, while specialist teachers ask students to think critically, communicate persuasively and engage with ideas within and beyond the syllabus. Students are expected to participate actively in their learning and to become increasingly self-directed in the way they organise, evaluate and extend their work.
Academic societies, lectures, visiting speakers, competitions and subject enrichment offer further opportunities to investigate ideas in greater depth. These experiences prepare students not only for excellent examination outcomes, but also for the intellectual demands of university and the wider world.
Choosing A Level Subjects
A Level Subjects Offered
Students study three or four A Levels. This allows each student to create a programme that reflects her interests, strengths and longer-term aspirations. Subject selection involves balancing the disciplines a student enjoys, those in which she is most likely to succeed and any requirements associated with future study or career plans. Whether she already has a clear direction or wishes to preserve a broad range of options, individual guidance helps her make wellinformed choices. Roedean offers an extensive curriculum across the arts, humanities, languages, mathematics, sciences and social sciences, enabling every student to build a combination that is both academically stimulating and personally rewarding. For more information about the A Level Curriculum, please scan the QR Code.
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• 3D Design • Physical Education • Art, Craft and Design • Biology • BTEC PE (Level 3) • Business • Chemistry • Chinese • Classical Civilisation • Computer Science • Dance • Economics • English Literature • French • Geography • History • Latin • Mathematics and Further Mathematics • Media Studies • Music • Philosophy • Physics • Photography • Politics • Psychology • Religious Studies • Russian • Spanish • Textiles • Theatre Studies
The Lawrence Programme The Lawrence Programme is a distinctive and integral part of the Roedean Sixth Form curriculum. Built into the timetable, it gives every student dedicated time to acquire practical expertise, broaden her outlook and develop capabilities that will serve well during school, at university, in the workplace and throughout adult life. The programme enables students to gain meaningful life skills with respected qualifications and accreditations. It complements A Level study by connecting academic habits with real-world application, encouraging students to discover new aptitudes and respond resourcefully to unfamiliar challenges. The breadth of the programme reflects the varied interests and ambitions of the Sixth Form. Students might gain qualifications in Personal Finance or Youth Mental Health First Aid; learn Conversational Mandarin or how to use Artificial Intelligence wisely; achieve RYA
Sailing or Pool Lifeguarding certification; build personal assurance through Self-Defence; or explore creativity through Rambert Dance. Each student can shape a combination that adds depth and individuality to her academic programme. By investing curriculum time in these experiences, Roedean ensures that students leave with more than strong A Level results. They carry forward recognised achievements, useful expertise and the readiness to embrace new possibilities.
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Academic Pathways Today’s students will enter a world of work that is changing at an unprecedented pace. Advances in artificial intelligence, automation and technology are transforming industries, while new career pathways continue to emerge. Few young people will follow a single, linear career, and success will depend not only on academic achievement but also on adaptability, creativity, critical thinking and the ability to communicate with confidence. At Roedean, we believe preparing students for this future requires more than outstanding A Level results. Our bespoke Academic Pathways are designed to help every student develop the knowledge, skills and experiences that will enable them to thrive in higher education and beyond. Each pathway complements a student’s choice of A Levels, bringing together opportunities from the Lawrence Programme, Community Action Programme (CAP), co-curricular activities, and specialist enrichment to create a personalised programme that reflects her interests and ambitions. Learning extends well beyond the classroom through pathway-specific lectures, networking lunches with Old Roedeanians and industry professionals, university visits, work-related experiences and tailored guidance from experienced staff. Students gain valuable insights into different professions, explore emerging industries and develop the confidence to make informed
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decisions about their future, whether that leads to university, degree apprenticeships, entrepreneurship or careers that have yet to be imagined. Throughout the programme, students are encouraged to recognise and articulate the transferable skills they are developing, from leadership and teamwork, to resilience, creativity and problem-solving; qualities that are increasingly valued by universities, employers and society. By combining academic excellence with practical experience and meaningful professional connections, our Academic Pathways prepare students not simply for their next destination, but for a lifetime of learning, growth and opportunity.
Academic Pathways include: • STEM Clinical Course Pathway • STEM and STEM-Affiliated Pathway • Innovation Pathway • Economics, Business and Enterprise Pathway • Law and Society Pathway • Creative and Performing Arts Pathway
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Higher Education and Career Guidance With a ‘nothing off the table’ approach, every student is encouraged to pursue the pathway that best reflects her talents, ambitions and aspirations. Whether the goal is university, a degree apprenticeship, art school, a conservatoire, entrepreneurship, a gap year or an international destination, support is highly personalised. One-toone meetings, workshops, mentoring, digital resources and reflective activities help students evaluate their strengths, investigate possibilities and make decisions with clarity. Because each student is known as an individual, advice can respond to both her ambitions and the practical steps required to realise them. A carefully structured programme provides expert preparation throughout the application process. Timetabled workshops, specialist partnerships and visiting speakers help students navigate UK and overseas university applications, degree apprenticeships and competitive courses. Guidance on personal statements, admissions tests and interviews ensures that each application presents the student’s abilities and motivation authentically.
Connections with Old Roedeanians and professionals across a wide range of industries provide valuable insight into university life, emerging careers and the realities of the modern workplace. Through mentoring, networking and work-related experiences, students acquire professional understanding and a broader perspective from which to assess their choices. Whether applying to Oxbridge or another leading university, a specialist institution, conservatoire, degree apprenticeship, international destination, internship or entrepreneurial venture, each student receives informed and purposeful support. She leaves Roedean with strong qualifications, but also with the selfawareness, adaptability and discernment needed to navigate a rapidly evolving world.
Mentorship
International Universities
Students benefit from the guidance of Old Roedeanians working across fields numerous fields, including Medicine, Law, Engineering, Finance, Entrepreneurship and the Creative Arts. Through mentoring, networking events and working lunches, students gain valuable insight into university, careers and professional life, while becoming part of a lifelong community that continues well beyond Sixth Form.
Students considering universities overseas receive personalised advice throughout the application process. Whether applying to institutions in North America, Europe or Asia, guidance includes university selection, admissions essays, standardised testing, interviews and scholarship opportunities, ensuring students can confidently pursue opportunities on a global stage.
Medical and Clinical Applications Students aspiring to Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science receive tailored guidance throughout the application process, including support with university selection, UCAT preparation, multiple mini-interviews (MMIs), work-related opportunities and specialist interview coaching. Applicants to Oxbridge Medicine benefit from additional preparation and panel interview practice.
Oxbridge and Competitive Universities The Roedean Futures team provides bespoke support for applications to Oxford, Cambridge and other highly competitive universities. From admissions tests and personal statements to interview preparation and Early Applicants’ Club, every student receives individual guidance that enables her to present the strongest possible application, supported by insights from Old Roedeanians currently studying at leading universities.
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Life Beyond the Classroom As the senior students in the school, Sixth Form girls are encouraged to embrace experiences that develop leadership, broaden perspectives and prepare them for the next stage of their lives. Whether leading others, pursuing personal interests, engaging with industry professionals or serving the wider community, every opportunity complements academic study while developing the character and skills to flourish beyond Roedean.
Leadership Sixth Formers play an important role in shaping the culture of Roedean. Leadership is understood as both a privilege and a responsibility, with students supporting younger pupils, championing initiatives and contributing actively to school life. Alongside serving as Prefects in Year 13, they may become Big Sisters, Peer Listeners, STEM Ambassadors, Humanities Leaders, Sports Captains, Charity Representatives or House Captains. Through these roles, students learn to communicate thoughtfully, collaborate effectively and influence others through empathy and example.
Roedean Diploma The Sixth Form Diploma recognises the breadth of each student’s achievements beyond academic study, celebrating the commitment, initiative and personal growth that define a Roedean education. Students build a portfolio of experiences across leadership, service, creativity, sport, academic enrichment and personal development, demonstrating the qualities that universities and employers increasingly value alongside outstanding examination results. The Diploma encourages every student to make the most of the opportunities available, reflecting both individual passions and a willingness to embrace new challenges.
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Community Action Programme (CAP) The Community Action Programme (CAP) is a distinctive element of the Sixth Form experience, encouraging students to make a meaningful contribution beyond the school gates. Working with local schools, charities and community organisations, students develop empathy, leadership and a deeper understanding of the importance of service. Whether mentoring younger pupils, supporting educational initiatives or volunteering within the local community, CAP provides opportunities to apply skills in real-world settings while developing empathy, responsibility and a lasting commitment to making a positive difference.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award Students who have completed their Bronze and Silver Awards are encouraged to continue their Duke of Edinburgh journey by working towards the prestigious Gold Award. Widely recognised by universities and employers, the Gold Award develops resilience, independence and leadership through volunteering, physical activity, skills development, expeditions and a residential experience. Completing the Gold Award is a significant personal achievement, reflecting determination and perseverance to embrace new challenges beyond the classroom.
Co-Curricular Opportunities
Music, Drama and Dance
A balanced Sixth Form experience is about more than academic success alone. At Roedean, students are encouraged to continue pursuing the interests they love. With more than 100 co-curricular activities available, students can deepen established interests or discover something entirely new. Sport, music, dance, drama, debating, creative arts and academic societies, to name a few, offer space for enjoyment, experimentation and connection. The breadth of choice helps each student build a Sixth Form experience that is personally sustaining as well as intellectually rich.
At Roedean, students are encouraged to continue pursuing the creative interests they love, recognising that music, drama and dance provide opportunities for self-expression, collaboration and personal wellbeing. Many students take leading roles in productions, concerts and performances, mentor younger pupils or continue working towards LAMDA and music qualifications, demonstrating that creativity and academic ambition can flourish side by side. These experiences enrich school life while helping students develop discipline and the ability to communicate with authenticity.
To explore the many co-curricular activities on offer, please scan the QR code.
Educational Visits and Residentials Educational visits remain an important part of Sixth Form life, bringing learning to life through subject-specific fieldwork, university visits and cultural experiences that enrich academic study. Many departments offer opportunities that deepen understanding beyond the classroom, while international experiences encourage students to develop a broader global perspective. The annual Moldova project is a particularly powerful example, enabling students to support children and local communities through teaching, volunteering and fundraising. Experiences such as these develop empathy, resilience and cultural awareness, reinforcing Roedean’s belief that education should inspire students to engage thoughtfully with the wider world.
Sport Sport continues to play an important role in Sixth Form life, supporting both physical wellbeing and academic balance. Alongside opportunities to represent the School in competitive sport, students can also choose from a growing range of lifestyle activities including spinning, CrossFit, strength and conditioning, yoga and fitness training. This flexible approach encourages every student to remain active in a way that suits her interests and aspirations.
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Boarding by the Sea Sixth Form boarding evolves alongside each student’s growing independence, providing the support, flexibility and sense of community that prepare young women for life beyond Roedean. Boarding offers an environment where students are encouraged to take increasing ownership of their daily lives while remaining part of a caring and supportive community. In Year 12, boarders remain within the main School Houses, where they play an important role as senior members of the community. As trusted role models and ‘big sisters’ to younger students, they help shape House life, offering friendship, encouragement and leadership while contributing to the warm family atmosphere that is at the heart of the Roedean boarding experience. House activities continue to foster a strong sense of belonging, creating opportunities for students across the year groups to connect, celebrate and support one another. In Year 13, all boarders move to Keswick House, creating a distinctive Sixth Form environment that bridges the transition between school and university. Students enjoy greater independence and flexibility, learning to balance academic study with increasing personal responsibility in a setting that reflects the next stage of their journey. While pastoral care remains central, the relationship evolves, with staff providing guidance, encouragement and personalised
support that respects our students’ growing maturity and prepares them confidently for life beyond school. Every Sixth Former enjoys the privacy of her own room, providing a personal space to study, relax and recharge. It offers the independence and quiet reflection that become increasingly important during A Level study, while remaining part of a close-knit boarding community. Throughout the Sixth Form, Keswick serves as the hub of the Sixth Form community for both day and boarding students alike. Purpose-designed spaces provide opportunities to collaborate on group projects, study independently or simply relax with friends between lessons, creating a vibrant community that reflects the increasingly independent nature of Sixth Form life. It is a place where students develop not only as scholars, but also as young adults, learning to manage their time, support one another and embrace the responsibilities that accompany greater freedom.
Exeats and Half Terms As students mature, so too does the rhythm of boarding life. Alongside the structure and reassurance of termly routines, including regular exeats and half terms, Sixth Form students benefit from increased flexibility and opportunities to enjoy time beyond the school campus, whether visiting Brighton or exploring London. Students are welcome to remain at School during exeat weekends should they wish, while boarding closes during half terms. It is this careful balance of independence, trust and guidance that enables every student to leave Roedean with the confidence, resilience and self-assurance to thrive at university and beyond.
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Some of my favourite parts of Sixth Form boarding are the little things – having your own space, coming back to the House after a busy day, and knowing there are always friends around. I’ve really enjoyed becoming one of the older girls and being someone the younger boarders can turn to. It feels like a real community.
The Coastal Advantage Roedean’s exceptional coastal setting continues to shape the Sixth Form experience in ways that extend far beyond its natural beauty. Positioned between the South Downs National Park, the English Channel and the vibrant city of Brighton, our location encourages students to look outwards, to broaden their horizons, embrace new perspectives and engage confidently with the world beyond school. It is an environment that inspires ambition while also providing the balance and sense of wellbeing that are so important during the final years of school. The surrounding landscape provides an inspiring backdrop for academic study, enriching learning through subject-specific fieldwork, creative exploration and access to the cultural, academic and professional opportunities found in Brighton and nearby London. Museums, galleries, theatres, universities, businesses and industry partners all become an extension of the classroom, enabling students to experience ideas first-hand, connect their studies to the wider world and explore the possibilities that lie beyond Sixth Form.
Looking out across the horizon serves as a daily reminder that the future is full of opportunity. As Sixth Form students prepare to take their next steps, whether to university, apprenticeships, careers or destinations across the world, they do so from a place that encourages confidence, curiosity and resilience. At Roedean, our location is a constant source of perspective, possibility and wellbeing, empowering every student to look beyond what is familiar and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
As academic expectations increase, our surroundings offer something equally valuable: space to think. Expansive skies, open green spaces and uninterrupted views across the English Channel provide moments to pause, reflect and regain perspective amidst the demands of A Level study. Whether collaborating with friends in Keswick, walking across campus, training on the sports fields or simply looking out to sea between lessons, students benefit from an environment that supports wellbeing, encourages independent thought and reminds them of the importance of maintaining balance alongside academic success.
Living and studying by the sea makes you feel like your world is bigger than the school gates. There’s so much around us in Brighton and London that connects with what we’re learning, and I think that encourages you to be curious and open-minded. As we start thinking about university and what comes next, being surrounded by that sense of possibility is really inspiring. 20
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University Places across the UK
I’ve felt really supported throughout the university process. The guidance is very individual, so I’ve been able to explore what suits me, ask questions and get practical help with everything from choosing courses to preparing my application. It’s made the whole process feel much more manageable and given me confidence in my choices. 22
Joining the Sixth From Choosing the right Sixth Form is about more than selecting A Levels; it is about joining a community that will challenge students intellectually, support them personally and inspire them to realise their ambitions. At Roedean, every student is encouraged to think independently, lead with confidence and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, supported by exceptional teaching, outstanding pastoral care and a community that believes in her potential. Every student is known as an individual, every ambition is valued, and every pathway is shaped around the person she aspires to become. Most importantly, she becomes part of a lifelong global community of Old Roedeanians, whose friendships, mentorship and professional connections continue long after Sixth Form has come to an end.
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The Admissions Process
Join us for an Open Day or Taster Day
Visit our website to view event dates
Admission to the Sixth Form is based on a student’s academic potential, personal qualities, and readiness to thrive within the Roedean community. Applicants are encouraged to visit the School, meet members of the Sixth Form team and experience the unique atmosphere of Keswick and the wider campus. Offers are typically made following an academic assessment, interview, consideration of a current school report, predicted GCSE grades and a school reference (where applicable), ensuring that every student is well-placed to flourish in her chosen A Level subjects.
Registration Deadline
September of Year 11
Scholarship and Bursary Application Deadlines
October of Year 11
16+ Entry Tests and Scholarship Assessments
November of Year 11
Offers and Awards Offers
December of Year 11
Offer and Award Offer Acceptances
December of Year 11
Scholarships and Bursaries Roedean is committed to recognising talent and ensuring that an exceptional education is accessible to students from a wide range of backgrounds. Scholarships may be awarded in recognition of outstanding academic achievement or exceptional ability in areas such as Art, Drama, Music and Sport. Means-tested bursaries are also available for families who require financial assistance, helping to ensure that a Roedean education is accessible regardless of financial circumstances. A bursary may be awarded alongside a scholarship. Our Admissions Team will be pleased to discuss eligibility, the application process and the financial support available. Further information about Scholarships and Bursaries, including eligibility criteria, application requirements and key deadlines, can be found on the Roedean website.
Experience the Roedean Sixth Form Our Sixth Form Taster Days provide prospective students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in academic life, experience lessons, meet current students and teachers, and discover what makes the Roedean Sixth Form such a distinctive and inspiring community. For families seeking a more personalised introduction, our Explore and Connect visits take place on selected Fridays throughout the year. These individual visits provide the opportunity to meet the Head, members of the Sixth Form team, explore the campus and Keswick, and gain a deeper understanding of the academic, pastoral and co-curricular opportunities that define the Sixth Form experience. Whether joining Roedean from another school in the UK or from overseas, there is no better way to appreciate the warmth of our community, the strength of our academic provision and the confidence with which our students prepare for life beyond school than by experiencing the Sixth Form firsthand. We look forward to welcoming you to Roedean.
Sixth Form has given me the chance to really take ownership of what I’m interested in and where I want to go next. I feel like I’m not just preparing for exams. I’m becoming more confident, independent and ready for whatever comes after Roedean. 24
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Roedean School, Roedean Way, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 5RQ +44(0)1273 667500 roedean.co.uk Charity No.: 307063