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The Roedeanian Autumn 2025

A Roedean Christmas

A Global Sisterhood

Power of Old Roedianian Network

A week full of Christmas cheer and festivities

Connecting with ORs across the globe

Inspiring futures through alumnae support

SCHOOL NEWS

School News 1. Showing our support for those impacted by the hurricane in Jamaica. Thank you to OR and Roedean Trustee, Althea Wolfe for driving the initiative. 2. Roedean Year 10s further their Geography knowledge on a field trip at Chalshot. 3. Swimming for a good cause and demonstrating Roedean support for Rockinghorse. 4. Farm club remains a firm favourite. 5. Broadening academic horizons in Naples 6. Roedean was a sponsor in the annual Rise charity run, showing our support for women affected by domestic abuse. 7. U15A netball team soaring to the quarter finals of the Independent Schools’ National Cup

s 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 that define our community.

From academic endeavour and creative expression to athletic successes and charitable initiatives, our girls have immersed themselves fully in every opportunity. The have dazzled audiences in the Music Gala Concert and production of Blue Stockings, explored global issues through Black History Month, showed courage 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. What has been equally inspiring is the commitment our students continue to show to service and community. Roedean’s ethos of contribution remains strong, and this term alone, girls from across the year groups have raised thousands of pounds for causes close to their hearts, supported local families and children through our partnership with St Mark’s, and given their time generously to charitable projects. These endeavours mean

a great deal, not only to those they help, but to the girls themselves, who are learning the value of empathy, engagement, and purposeful action. Alongside these achievements, it has been a pleasure to reconnect with so many Old Roedeanians over recent months. Whether at the Bluebird in Chelsea, at gatherings across the world, or back here on the cliff tops, each event has been a testament to the enduring bonds of the Roedeanian sisterhood. I am deeply grateful for the warmth with which our alumnae continue to support the School and each other, and for the inspiration they offer to the young women who follow in their footsteps. As we celebrate this festive season, I send warmest wishes to you all. May Christmas bring you peace, joy, and moments of reflection, and may the year ahead be filled with renewed inspiration. Thank you for your enduring connection to the Roedean community. Best wishes Niamh Green Head

Contents 10 Questions with…

OR Events

5-7

The Power of the Roedean Network

8-9

School News No.1 Gets Its Frieze Back! A Roedean Christmas

10-18 19 20-21

Obituaries 22-24 Fundraising 25-28 Dates for your Diary

10 QUESTIONS WITH…

10 Questions with… Merla Atwood Merla finished her A-Levels at Roedean last summer, and is currently on her Gap Year before she begins university. Merla is currently working at Roedean as a Marketing and Admissions Assistant before she goes traveling. Whilst at Roedean, Merla helped to direct Roedean’s first fully student-led production. 1. What is your favourite memory of Roedean? Although it’s not a single moment, it has to be the people. My core memories from those 7 years revolve completely around the laughter and conversations I shared with them - from our English trip in Year 12 to Sheppey (the island with the highest criminal-to-non-criminal ratio!) to our Senior Sunrise, when the Year 13 boarders woke up at 3 a.m. to watch the sun rise over the Downs. I really hope that these people will be part of my life for a long time to come. 2. What was the best piece of advice you were given whilst at School? I remember one of my teachers saying that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about listening, lifting others up, and making space for everyone to be heard. That advice has stayed with me. 3. When you were at Roedean, what did you want to be when you ‘grew-up’? I think what I loved most about Roedean was how I had absolutely no idea. During my time there, I flitted between wanting to be an actress, a midwife, an archaeologist - and a few other things along the way! I’m still not completely sure where I’ll end up, but I know I’m drawn to humanitarian work. 4. What are you now you’ve grown up? Hard to say - I only left last year! I’ve still got a lot of decisions (and probably a few detours) ahead of me. Right now, I’m back at Roedean working in Marketing and Admissions during my year out. Later on, I’m hoping to spend some time doing humanitarian work in Costa Rica and Fiji before heading to university. I haven’t applied yet, I’m in no rush, but I 4 | The Roedeanian – Spring 2025

think something peoplefocused, like anthropology, education, or languages, might be the right fit. 5. What does your job involve? Marketing and Admissions is a great department to be part of - it’s really rewarding to play even a small role in shaping the futures of these young people. At the moment, I do a bit of everything: calling prospective parents, putting together profiles for potential scholars, and even joining the Year 7 and 8s on a trip to see My Neighbour Totoro in London last week! I’m not sure if this is where I’ll end up, but for now, I feel very lucky to work with such kind and supportive people. 6. What have you done that you are most proud of? Alongside more than 50 kind and intelligent students, I was so lucky to have the opportunity to direct Roedean’s first fully student-led production. My dad worked in technical theatre for many years, so I am lucky to have grown up surrounded by its magic. The lack of women involved in technical and creative roles was (and still is) hard to see, and I wanted to help change that. There had always been a small, familiar group of students who got involved in theatre, but this time it reached far beyond that — and seeing how much it meant to everyone, cast and crew, audience and staff, was honestly such an honour. I’m really proud of it. 7. What are the three objects you would take with you to a desert island? A stack of books, a board game, and my OR friends (if I’m allowed to bring them!). With a sandy beach, and warm weather, I’m not sure anyone could convince me to leave! 8. What books have had a significant influence on you and why? My parents gave me a copy of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by

Charlie Mackesy for Christmas the year it came out. There’s such gentle kindness to it - it’s simple and beautiful. I also grew up reading Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, and honestly, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve read it. It has this quiet strength and warmth that I come back to whenever life feels a bit messy. It’s just wonderful. 9. What is on your bucket list? Children have always been a big part of my life; they are such amazing changemakers. One day I’d love to foster or adopt children. Creating a safe, loving space for those that really need it is something that really matters to me. 10. If you had one year and unlimited funds, what would you do? Oh man, what a question! I think I’d like to travel and help to set up accessible schools in places that really need them. Education is the foundation of everything, especially for girls in places where access is still limited. The situation in Afghanistan, for instance, weighs on me a lot. My sister and I both grew up with learning difficulties, and we were so lucky to have access to a school like Roedean. It troubles me that so many children, particularly those with additional needs or who learn differently, are held back simply because education systems are designed for one kind of learner. I’d love to change that one day.

OR EVENTS

Celebrating Our Global Roedeanian Sisterhood Over the past few months, Roedean alumnae around the world have come together to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the enduring strength of their community. Whether in North America, Africa, Asia, or the United Kingdom, each gathering has carried the same unmistakable sense of belonging that defines the Roedeanian sisterhood. No matter how many years had passed or how far they had travelled since their school days, it is the shared Roedean experiences that effortlessly sparks conversation, laughter, and meaningful connection at every event.

What shone through most was the warmth and generosity of spirit that filled each occasion. Conversations often began with fond memories of school days and quickly evolved into reflections on the many paths alumnae have taken since. Despite the distances between attendees, the sense

of connection remained immediate and genuine, a testament to the enduring values instilled at Roedean and the lifelong bonds that continue to unite its alumnae.

Hong Kong Dinner At the Hong Kong Dinner gathering, Old Roedeanian Danielle So offered inspiring reflections on how the confidence and resilience developed at Roedean have shaped her personal and professional journey. Her words resonated with many, prompting a collective appreciation of the formative impact Roedean has had and will continue to have on generations of women around the world.

Shanghai Reception

Lagos Reception

A Shanghai Reception was initiated this year and while it only drew a small number of guests, including current and prospective parents, we hope that the event will draw a larger group of ORs next year.

The Lagos Reception, held at The George Hotel, was a wonderful evening of connection and conversation. ORs spanning generations came together, creating a special opportunity to reconnect in person and engage in meaningful discussions around growing Nigerian interest in the school. The strength of the Roedean

sisterhood was evident throughout the evening, not only in shared memories of school days, but in the enduring support, inspiration and friendship that continue long after leaving the school gates. Thank you to all our alumnae who joined us; it was truly special to celebrate the continued strength of our Roedean community in Lagos.

OR EVENTS

OR London Lunch The OR London Lunch returned to the Bluebird in Chelsea on Thursday 25th September and it was wonderful to welcome ORs from the Class of 1946 all the way to the Class of 2023. Guests enjoyed welcome

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drinks before sitting down to a delicious three-course and it was lovely to see old friends catching up as well as meeting other ORs for the first time. Niamh Green gave updates on the School, talking about the

fantastic exam results achieved as well as sharing future plans for Roedean. Thank you to everyone who made the afternoon so enjoyable, we are already looking forward to next year!

OR EVENTS

ORA Lunch in LA The ORA’s USA representative, Diana Oreck-Webster (No.4 197175), organised another fantastic reunion event in Los Angeles in September. A lunch was held at the iconic Garland Hotel in North Hollywood and enjoyed by all who attended. The lunch also gave the President of the ORA, Noëlle Chase (Thompson, No.4 1970-75) the opportunity to update ORs on the School and the ORA’s Heritage Projects. She showed the film that was made to celebrate 125 years of Roedean and gave an illustrated talk on the progress of the Heritage Projects. Whilst doing so there was a discussion about the OR Scholarship Fund and the opportunity for ORs – even those in the US - to mentor current and past students. Zoom and Teams have after all changed the way we can connect!

“It is always lovely to meet ORs from different eras and places. After all we all inhabited the same corridors, and we have plenty of reminiscing to do!” Noëlle Chase

ORA Christmas Drinks in London ORs gathered at the aptly named Antelope Pub off Sloane Square on the first Thursday in December for our traditional ORA Christmas Drinks. It is always lovely to meet new ORs and rekindle friendships! Donations were received for the St Mungo’s Wix’s Lane Project. “They are so grateful for our continuing support. Our donations of supermarket gift cards, toiletries, chocolates, socks and gloves filled a suitcase!” said President of the ORA, Noelle Chase. Thank you so much to all those ORs who donated.

It is always a wonderful occasion when Old Roedeanians come together, whether reconnecting with familiar faces from previous events or meeting new members of the global community. These gatherings serve as a powerful reminder of the Roedeanian spirit, the shared values alumnae cherish, and the enduring friendships that flourish long after school days are behind them.

Looking ahead, all Old Roedeanians are warmly encouraged to stay connected. If an invitation to recent events did not reach you, or if your contact details have changed, please contact the Alumnae Office

at alumnae@roedean.co.uk. The office will be delighted to ensure you are included in future communications and have every opportunity to join in the celebration of the vibrant, global Roedeanian sisterhood. 7

ROEDEAN NETWORK

Connecting Ambition with Opportunity: The Power of the Roedean Network At Roedean, we are committed to equipping our students with current, relevant, and insightful information about the career pathways they are preparing for. A cornerstone of this work is the incredible support that we get from our Old Roedeanian community. The power of a Roedean education extends far beyond the classroom. It is amplified by the global sisterhood of Old Roedeanians and the remarkable network that continues to open doors for students long after they leave the School. By sharing their expertise, experiences, insights, and providing work experience opportunities, ORs help our students to envision the possibilities ahead, inspiring them to dream ambitiously and pursue meaningful careers.

“I attended a girls’ school myself and feel like my work here is, in some way, giving back; it is so affirming and important for our students to have, and then go on to be, empowering female role models, who continue to hold that unique combination of intellectual ambition, creativity, and just a little bit of mischievousness, that makes an OR such a formidable presence in the world.” Quote from Helen Boobis (Assistant Head: Futures)

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Futures Friday This academic year, we launched Futures Friday, a weekly programme aimed at providing students opportunities to explore the world of work and to prepare for life beyond Roedean. These sessions take the form of tutor time sessions and working lunches, where students meet professional individuals in an informal and engaging setting. The initiative allows students to connect their learning with the wider world, gain insight into the skills and experiences required for success, and see how their passions can translate into fulfilling careers.

Professionals share their career journeys, offer guidance, and answer students’ questions about their sectors and working life. So far this term, we have been delighted to welcome:

• Dr Georgia King, OR, 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, CTO at CoverageBook

ROEDEAN NETWORK

Mentoring Programme

How You Can Get Involved

The Mentoring Programme has brought significant benefits to both students and the OR community. By connecting students with exceptional mentors, the programme continues to provide unparalleled insight into careers and workplace experiences, strengthens engagement between alumnae and the School, and equips students with the confidence to navigate their future pathways. Many students who have participated in the programme are inspired to give back in the future, perpetuating the cycle of guidance and support.

The Roedean network continues to showcase its strength through a variety of initiatives, from Pathway Lectures and School Event Speakers to International Women’s Day and Mentorship. These events provide students with invaluable insight into professional life and the diverse careers that their interests can lead to.

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 for ongoing guidance or work experience, benefiting from the wisdom and insight of women who have navigated diverse career paths.

If you would like to get involved, we would love to hear from you. Whether you can mentor a student, speak at an event, or provide guidance through work experience, your insight and expertise can make a difference. Please contact the Alumnae Office at alumnae@ roedean.co.uk to find out more.

Jane Harvell said of the experience:

“It was a pleasure to come along and meet your students and to talk to them about my work […] I really enjoyed the fact that we could have a conversation as part of the session and that the students had so many clever and insightful questions […] There are a lot of myths about what it’s like to work, and have a career, in archives and libraries and it was great to be able to bust some of those as well as promote all of the lovely and special parts of the role.”

SCHOOL NEWS

Roedean’s Production of Blue Stockings: A Celebration of Courage, Learning, and Legacy

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 recently 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 who are determined to win the right to graduate at a time when women’s education was still considered radical. The term “Blue Stocking” dates to 18thcentury 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, and not a kind one. It was used to mock women who were seen as too clever, too opinionated, or too interested in learning, as opposed to “lady-like” pursuits, such as becoming a wife and a mother. Today, the expression Blue

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Stocking has been reclaimed as a proud declaration of curiosity and intellectual courage. These are qualities that Roedean students continue to embody. It is the story of the resilience and conviction of the four women in Blue Stockings, that resonates deeply with our community. It offers a powerful reminder of how far women’s education has come, and why it must continue to flourish. Roedean’s longstanding commitment to exceptional and enriching education, established by the Lawrence sisters in 1885, remains firmly at the heart of the School. This commitment continues to shape a curriculum that challenges students academically and nurtures 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, who is a living symbol of the ongoing fight for girls’ education. This dedication highlights the continued relevance of the play’s themes and closely reflects the values that align with Roedean’s mission. Our students approached the production with energy, empathy, and commitment. They created a performance that was both theatrically impressive and emotionally resonant.The staging of Blue Stockings stands as a proud celebration of Roedean’s history. It also honours the bright and courageous young women who continue to shape its future. A message to our Roedean cast from Play Writer Jessica Swales

SCHOOL NEWS

A Gift That Set the Girls Sailing When a loyal Old Roedeanian donated four Fusion Dinghies to the School, she offered far more than boats, she gave our students the opportunity to discover a new interest. A passionate sailor herself, her generosity has enhanced our Wild Fridays programme, and ignited a growing love for sailing within Roedean. The Fusion Dinghies have proven ideal for our students. Exceptionally stable and wonderfully versatile, they are forgiving enough for complete beginners, while still offering excitement and progression for more experienced sailors. They can be sailed solo or accommodate up to four students, and their design, removable jibs, and easily reefed mainsails allow the boats to be enjoyed in all conditions. Even the occasional capsize, just four so far, has been met with confidence, as the girls quickly learn how easy the boats are to right again.

Saturday Sailors and Rising Skills Interest has taken off so strongly that our Saturday Sailors group is thriving. Last term, ten students regularly attended, with five already achieving their RYA Level 1 or 2 qualifications, and the rest are well on their way. Last year, an extraordinary opportunity saw Roedean students racing Sonar keelboats at Cowes on the Isle of Wight, alongside Sixth Formers from Ryde School. An incredible 64 girls expressed interest in just six available places, a sign of the excitement sailing has generated. The weather was perfect, the experience unforgettable, and we are thrilled to have been invited back for 2026. This year, we have already held a fixture against Lancing. From Autumn 2025

onwards, students have been developing racing skills, with the aim of launching regular team racing and entering the BSDRA Southeastern Championship in June 2026. Demand for more time on the water continues to grow, and we are exploring the possibility of a Summer Sailing Week for those unable to attend Saturday mornings, and even offering sailing as an afternoon PE option for Year 12.

A Lasting Legacy Roedean is deeply grateful for the generous gift of the boats. It has inspired an entire cohort of young sailors, opened doors to new experiences, and created a legacy that will continue to grow with every splash, every gust of wind, and every smile on the lake.

Our boats are proudly stored and sailed at Piddinghoe Lake, part of the Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club. To mark their arrival, we held a boat-naming competition, and the Saturday Sailors (our students who sail as an extra activity at the weekends) chose a theme close to the spirit of adventure, birds. And so, Swift, Robin, Kestrel, and Jay took to the water. The students now even have their own branded sailing kit, enabling them to sail all year-round.

Wild Friday Sailing Takes Off Every student in Years 7 and 8 now takes part in a structured water-skills and dinghysailing programme during their weekly Wild Fridays activity. The course leads to the Roedean Wild Fridays Certificate of Achievement, which is awarded in Assembly, accompanied by proud photographs of our girls in action on the water. Already, around 80 students have completed the certificate.

SCHOOL NEWS

Sleep Matters: Nurturing Mind, Body, and Spirit

Roedean’s engagement with the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) Sleep Champions programme reflects the School’s holistic ethos of nurturing mind, body, and spirit, and equipping students with lifelong strategies for success. In today’s increasingly complex world, young women face pressures and challenges that can affect every aspect of their wellbeing. Balancing academic demands, friendships, sports, and the transition to independent boarding life places a significant strain on both body and mind. At Roedean, the boarding community plays a proactive role in supporting students’ mental health, recognising that sleep is a cornerstone of physical, emotional, and cognitive wellbeing. By promoting healthy sleep routines and embedding good habits into daily life, the School ensures that boarders are equipped to thrive, not just academically, but in every area of life.

and the Boarding House staff, revealed the negative impact that late night screen had on sleep patterns and in return how this impacted mental health.

A recent sleep audit, led by Deputy Housemistress, Ms Arnell, with the support of Senior Boarding Housemistress, Mrs Waller

The benefits of quality sleep are profound. Attention, memory, creativity, and physical health all improve, and for young people

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The audit has led to several positive changes across the boarding houses. Tech-free spaces have been introduced, and a comprehensive survey of tech use has informed a current review of digital privileges. Evening routines now include activities that promote wellbeing, alongside healthier pre-bedtime options like fruit teas. Collaboration between boarding and the Health Centre also ensures students receive educational and healthcare support on sleep and other wellbeing topics.

managing the complexities of school life and boarding, these gains are even more important. Roedean’s engagement with the BSA Sleep Champions programme reflects the School’s holistic ethos, nurturing mind, body, and spirit, and equipping students with lifelong strategies for success. Simple sleep hygiene practices now encouraged include maintaining a consistent routine, creating a calm environment, limiting evening screen use, and practising mindful relaxation techniques. By embedding these habits into daily life and leading by example, Roedean ensures that healthy sleep becomes a shared value within the boarding community.

SCHOOL NEWS

Roedean Archive Club Our community at Roedean is fortunate to be part of a rich and empowering history, full of strong and entrepreneurial women who paved the way for girls to gain an exceptional education. So, to have ‘The Firm’ be named on our blue plaque would be a great way to kick off our brand-new initiative: the Archive Club! Blue Plaques are meant to celebrate people who have made significant contributions to human welfare or happiness, and/or have made an impact in their field, community, or society, and we believe the Lawrence sisters fit that perfectly. The Archive Club is dedicated to organizing historic documents and sharing the story of Roedean and its students both within our school and with the wider community. In 2002, Roedean School received a Blue Plaque at 25 Lewes Crescent, the site where the Lawrence sisters initially found Wimbledon House. However, this plaque is incomplete: It simply that the school was

founded by ‘two teachers and ten students’ omitting the name of the Lawrence sisters whose vision brought Roedean to life.

reach our target of £1,500 which covers the cost of the production and installation of the plaque.

For the inaugural project, the Archive Club decided to fix something long overdue.

By naming the Lawrence sisters on the Blue Plaque, we honour their vision, their courage, and their extraordinary contribution to education.

Over the past few weeks, we have been researching and getting in contact with the Brighton & Hove Blue Plaque scheme to gather the information needed for our application. Should it be successful, we will then need to secure sufficient funding to cover the creation and installation of the revised plaque. We are reaching out to the Old Roedeanians and the wider community to ask for your support. Alongside a school-based fundraiser we are appealing for donations to help us

With your support, we can make this long-overdue correction and ensure that Roedean’s story is told fully and accurately, not just within our school walls, but for all who pass by 25 Lewes Crescent. Let’s give the Lawrence sisters the recognition they deserve. Please contact alumnae@roedean.co.uk if you wish to show your support.

Black History Month This October, Roedean celebrated Black History Month with a programme of events and activities that encouraged students to explore, reflect, and engage with the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Black individuals across the world. The School community embraced the opportunity to deepen understanding, challenge assumptions, and celebrate diversity in meaningful ways.

perhaps more important than ever in UK society today, encouraged students and staff alike to celebrate and revel in the diversity of our community at Roedean.

It was a pleasure to welcome Dr Bashair Ahmed to Roedean as our Black History Month guest speaker. An expert in diaspora communities from the Horn of Africa settling in Europe, Dr Ahmed spoke thoughtfully about the negative impact of ‘othering’ people who are different. Her message,

Black History Month at Roedean served as a reminder of the importance of education, dialogue, and celebration in shaping a community that is aware, compassionate, and inspired by the achievements and resilience of others.

SCHOOL NEWS

Council Proposes Exciting Merger with Mill Hill Education Group In December 2025 the trustees of the Roedean charity announced an exciting and forward-looking proposal for the School to join the Mill Hill Education Group (MHEG), which is one of the largest charity schools’ groups in the country and operates 13 schools within the Mill Hill family of schools. Our community of Old Roedeanians have an important and valued role in this merger process, as Governors will vote on the proposal at an EGM in Spring 2026. Under this proposal, the School would join the Mill Hill charitable family of schools as part of a charity merger, and benefit from the range of financial, operational and educational advantages that come with joining a successful group, whilst proudly maintaining our unique name, single-sex status and ethos which lie at the heart of Roedean’s identity.

One of the main questions we have received from the community is why now?

Roedean is in a strong position for the time being. However, there are clear and well-documented challenges facing the independent sector, and their impact over the next 5-10 years require prudent planning now to maintain a high-quality and exceptional educational experience for students at Roedean. Our strategy and analysis is forward-looking, and assesses

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long-term risks and the challenges we are seeing across the sector. These include the imposition of VAT and removal of business rate tax relief, visa changes and reduced international recruitment, cost-of-living crisis for families, and declining birth rates. Following a comprehensive review, Council concluded that change is needed in order to address these long-term strategic challenges facing the School and the sector. By joining a thriving family of schools and one of the largest charitable schools’ groups in the country, this step will give us access to wider opportunities for students and staff, enhanced resources, such as a larger marketing and admissions presence and reach, and greater financial resilience. In terms of school life, students will see no change in the day-to-day running of Roedean, their teachers will remain the same, as will much that makes Roedean so special. However over time we believe the support provided by MHEG will enrich every aspect of School life.

There will be changes to our governance and some of our traditional structures, such as the Royal Charter and the role of Governors. We believe that these are necessary changes in the overall picture and that the merger is firmly in the best interests of Roedean, our community, current and future students, and the School’s long-term sustainability. Our ORA community will remain as strong and important as ever under MHEG. Each individual school within MHEG is fully responsible for its own relations with former students, meaning the School will continue its vibrant, enduring and deeply-rooted relationship with Old Roedeanians, and events, communications and school visits will continue as normal. As per our Royal Charter, Governors will vote on this proposal at an EGM in Spring 2026.

SCHOOL NEWS

Opportunities to hear more about the proposal The School and Council will continue to provide progress updates to the community in the new year. There will also be sessions for Governors led by Roedean and MHEG on the following dates:

Should Governors wish to attend any of these meetings, please indicate this by signing up using the link provided in the Governor AGM communications.

• 7 January: in-person event at the

There will be many opportunities for our community to consider this proposal in more detail in the new year, before a final decision is taken by our Governors in 2026.

Caledonian Club in London at 18:00 • 8 January: online meeting at 11.00, and a second online meeting at 19.00 • 13 January: in-person event at the Caledonian Club in London at 18:00

We look forward to discussing this with our community and warmly encourage all Governors and ORs to engage in this process, and learn more about the proposal, as

we look to secure and build on Roedean’s historic legacy as an iconic School for educating young women.

If you have any questions regarding this news, please do not hesitate to contact us via clerk@roedean.co.uk.

SCHOOL NEWS

Remembrance Day at Roedean To mark Remembrance Day, the School gathered for a service in the Front Quad on, standing silently as the wind swept across the cliff tops. It was particularly special to welcome Old Roedeanians Noelle Chase, President of the Old Roedeanians’ Association (ORA), and Mary Henderson, President of the Corporation, to join the School in this moment of reflection. The service included a reading of McCrae’s poem In Flanders Fields, and wreaths were presented by the youngest student in the School alongside Noelle. A Sixth Form student performed the Last Post and the Rouse, their notes carried movingly by the wind. On the 80th anniversary of the Second World War, the Kohima Epitaph was read: “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.” The service was moving and contemplative, a solemn reminder of history and courage and the sacrifices made by so many.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Music Spectacular Our girls 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, Star Wars, Grease, The Addams Family, Saturday Night Fever, Jaws, Pitch Perfect, and many more. The evening was a joyful celebration of music-making. 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, 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.

SCHOOL NEWS

House Spirit Shines at the Annual House Dance House Spirit remains as strong as ever. When you think of House competitions, we are sure it is impossible not to be transported back to your days at Roedean, recalling the fierce competition, energy, camaraderie, and pride of competing for your House. That same spirit continues to define our House events today. In early November, the much-anticipated annual House Dance Competition took place, and it was nothing short of spectacular. Each House was challenged to create a lively 1970s disco routine, followed by a second performance inspired by a decade of their choice. The energy was high, the costumes were excellent, and every House brought something unique to the stage. All Houses performed exceptionally well, showcasing creativity, teamwork, and impressive choreography. The audience

18 | The Roedeanian – Spring 2025

was treated to inventive routines, dynamic formations, and spirited displays of House pride. Behind every performance were hours of collaboration, practice, and fun, highlighting the strong sense of community and camaraderie that these events inspire. It was House 2, who’s incredible ‘Dirty Dancy’ lift and overall performance dazzled the judges and secured the overall trophy. Every dancer deserved congratulations, and we were proud of the immense effort from each House.

Additional recognition were awarded as follows:

• Best 70s Choreography: House 3 • Best Decade Choreography: House 2 • Most Creative: House 1 • Best Performance and Choreographic Input: House 4

ORA HERITAGE PROJECTS UPDATE

No.1 Gets Its Frieze Back! The frieze painted by Sylvia Lawrence has been reinstalled in the drawing room of No. 1 over the recent half term. The frieze painted by Sylvia Lawrence has been reinstalled in the drawing room of No. 1 over the recent half term. This beautiful artwork, originally painted on paper and mounted onto textile before being affixed to the wall, had deteriorated significantly since its creation circa 1890– 1900. Executed in body/watercolour with gold paint, the frieze showed areas lifting from the wall, tears in the paper, paint losses and cracking, and the effects of damp. There was also evidence of several past repairs. Thanks to the generous support of a number of ORs, the frieze has now been fully conserved by wallpaper specialist Mark Sandiford in his studio, with reinstallation expertly assisted by Stig Evans.

Before the frieze was removed from the wall, its surface was cleaned and fragile areas of paint were stabilised with gelatine. Once in the studio, it was supported and stabilised further, then washed to remove the textile backing and thick layers of glue. The frieze was subsequently re-lined with two layers of Japanese paper, after which paper losses were filled and retouched. A coat of methyl cellulose was then applied to size the surface and consolidate the delicate pigments. The reinstallation process was equally meticulous. After the wall was filled and sanded, the conservators applied a first layer of machine-made, archival European paper. This was followed by a second layer of Japanese paper, applied in small overlapping sections and adhered only around the edges to create a series of pockets. These pockets

allow the installation to respond safely to fluctuations in the room’s relative humidity, reducing stress on the frieze and enabling straightforward, non-invasive removal should this ever be required in the future. This is the third of Sylvia Lawrence’s friezes to be conserved through the ORA Heritage Projects. We have also recently found a photograph from the early 1900s which shows there used to be a frieze in No.4 as well!

How to Donate Donate via QR code: Please scan code to donate online.

A ROEDEAN CHRISTMAS

A Roedean Christmas Over the last week of term, Roedean was filled with the unmistakable magic of Christmas. A joyful blend of tradition, celebration, and community spirit that brought warmth to the chilly and wet weather. The Christmas was a cheerful and busy morning. Students ran a variety of stalls offering handmade items and thoughtful services, all in support of charity. Thanks to their efforts, along with a generous £5000 contribution from the Parents’ Guild through their stalls and activities, the Fair raised an impressive £7600 - a wonderful result for a single morning. We also had the wonderful House Decorating competition. Each House excelled with wonderful storytelling, outstanding commitment and participation, and so much festive joy! The winner of the Best Performance of a Carol category was Keswick, for their lovely performance of Hark the Herald, with adapted words, all accompanied by a string quartet! House 4 most definitely had the ‘best-looking’ Christmas Tree, with beautiful ribbons in vertical lines. House 2 won the category for Best Atmosphere of Christmas Cheer, with their feel-good carousel of festive activities, and a lovely rendition of Joy to the World (Joyful Joyful by Phil Wickham). House 1’s impressive home-made decorations and theme won them the Most Festive ODR category. The category for the Best Tree-Topper was won by House 3 - someone with fabulous red shoes had fallen through the ceiling onto the tree! The overall

20 | The Roedeanian – Spring 2025

winner of the House Christmas Decorating Competition for 2025, for their brilliant festive take on The Wizard of Oz, was House 3 – no wonder they had the red shoes on top of the tree! What a wonderful evening of showcasing positivity and House spirit. The Choir and Senior Singers filled the Chapel with beautiful carols at our Carol Services. Parents and ORs joined us for this special occasion, and we are grateful to everyone who attended. For those who could not be there, the shared recording offers a small glimpse into the service. Please use the link provided. The Choir and Senior Singers at the Roedean Carol Service The Staff Panto is always a much-loved tradition, and this year’s performance of Hansel and Gretel did not disappoint. Written and directed by three Year 13 students, the show was full of light-hearted moments. Students enjoyed seeing their teachers take to the stage, making it a fun and memorable way to wrap up the term.

A ROEDEAN CHRISTMAS

Wishing our ORs a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. This year, our Prefect Team has created a digital Christmas Card, featuring their own rendition of Mariah Carey’s iconic “All I Want for Christmas.” Filmed and produced by the prefects themselves, the video takes us on a joyful tour of the school. Our thanks to everyone who took part in this fun-filled festive project.

OBITUARIES

Jane Cathie (Rankin, no.2, 1949-54) Born in St Albans in 1936 as an only child, Jane was sent to join her friend Lalage Hall at Roedean. My brother and I were fascinated to discover her old school reports including a letter from headmistress Norah Horobin to parents detailing changes to the summer term dates in 1953 allowing a 3 day school holiday to celebrate the Queen’s Coronation. To the bottom of this letter a 16 year old Jane added “If we go out Lloydy (presumably her housemistress) has decreed: no cinemas, theatres, restaurants or cafes. No public places of any description because of all the flu, mumps, chicken pox etc in Brighton. What does she think we are going to do? Sit on the Downs and freeze? In this weather?” The photo below shows Lloydy won out. Jane on the left with possibly Celia, Susan, Alison, Dot, Mackie or Judy Cooke, all friends at the time.

She was key to selecting lines and running variety trials. Days on her motorcycle in oilskins working in all weathers looking after Redbournbury and Buncefield farms where she propagated the first strands of poppies for Australian trials were not in vain. The early lessons learnt in the UK provided a valuable basis for today’s Tasmanian poppy production providing over 50% of the world’s morphine and codeine requirements.

Her school years being blasted by sea winds (often mentioned later in life) put Jane in good stead when working with Stephen Mappin King literally digging the foundations of a future poppy industry.

After divorce and a second marriage to Ian Cathie, Jane attended John Ruskin College to learn chair canning and set up her own business repairing, teaching courses and exhibiting skills at craft events at Luton

Sadly, unable to emigrate to the antipodes Jane went on to work in research at Coopers in Hemel where she met and married our father Bev Austin. Army life followed living in six different houses and countries in ten years. Every new posting presented the opportunity to create a garden oasis of plants and make her mark no matter how short a stay.

Museum, RHS Rose society and Hatfield House. Jane’s life was punctuated with adored rescue dogs and horticulture, as Audrey Hepburn once said “to plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow”. We thank mum for the many happy memories she has left us for our tomorrows.

Peta Austin

Dilys Jordan

(Dunn, No 3, 1939-44) Dilys was a cup fully full person, who believed that you just take whatever you are delt in life

of her jobs was to record the V.D. count amongst the troops and have it published everyday!

get up and get on with it. Ma always said, how during the war after her brother a bomber pilot was killed, that Roedean was her haven. She was a prefect and head of the choir. Hopeless at games but a great actress and she regretted not taking it further after the war.

Post war she held several fascinating secretarial posts including replying to Churchill’s European correspondence. Running her own secretarial business. A long standing Magistrate, eventually becoming Chairman of Cambridge Bench, which she said was not as fun as the rural Bench in Somerset.

Towards the end of the War she went to France as the youngest female allied person and was attached to The American Army to help her father Colonel Jack Dunn who was Anglo American Liaison Officer. Billeted:in Paris and Versailles. Despite the post war deprivations she had, by all accounts a seriously good social time, but was terrified of the very intimidating Russian troops. One 22 | The Roedeanian – Spring 2025

Dilys always kept in touch with Roedean which enabled me to have a Bursary as daughter of an Old Girl. She was ORA President whilst | was at School in the 70’s. In the last sixteen years she helped me fulfil my life time dream of having my own farm and we decamped to North East

Aberdeenshire. Though she enjoyed it up here — even the freezing winters and the strange local dialect — she drew the line at dealing with sheep prolapses, but helped with lambing,.and numerous poultry, dogs, horses, cats and cattle. Cheerful:-and optimistic to the end she died after a short illness.

Tryphaena Jordan

OBITUARIES

Hazel Fox (Stuart, No 1, 1941-1946) When the question of whether General Pinochet, the Chilean dictator, should be granted diplomatic immunity came before the British courts, legal eyes turned to Hazel Fox, whose name

of Justice over the correct interpretation of former colonial boundaries that had an impact on which of the two African nations owned a valuable cache of diamond deposits.

was once described as “synonymous with the law of state immunity”. Pinochet had been detained in October 1998 while Travel Obituar in London for medical treatment after an international arrest warrant issued by a Spanish magistrate accused him of involvement in the killing of dozens of Spanish citizens.

Her most colourful case involved a libel action by Mohamed Al Fayed against a former United Arab Emirates ambassador to Britain. The now-disgraced Harrods owner complained about an embassy memorandum accusing him of obtaining VIP passes for Heathrow airport by pretending to be acting on behalf of the embassy and an adviser to the country’s ruler. Fox’s team had the case thrown out based on the ambassador’s immunity.

As a former head of state, Pinochet claimed immunity under the State Immunity Act of 1978. His case reached the House of Lords, whose initial ruling against him was set aside because one of the judges had ties to Amnesty International. Lord Slynn, one of the law lords who heard the case, old the Journal of Law and Society that he had two “lively discussions” about the case with Fox. “She opined that if Pinochet’s criminal conduct was in his public capacity, then he was entitled to immunity unless parliament had decreed otherwise,” Professor David Sugarman from Lancaster Law School added.

In 1982 Fox was appointed director of the British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL), taking on an organisation with a good reputation and a respected journal, which she later edited. “But I saw that BIICL could and should be doing more than it was, so that became the focus of my directorship,” she told an interviewer.

A later ruling held that Pinochet could only be prosecuted for certain crimes, paving the way for his extradition to Spain. However, his deportation was blocked by Jack Straw, the home secretary, who in March 2000 dismayed human rights campaigners by allowing him to return to Chile where he died in 2006.

Supported by a small team, she began running events, lectures and conferences, using her network of contacts to attract major figures in the field. She also established groups on issues of international law, one of which was the BIICL’s armed conflict group which sought to persuade the British government to ratify sections of the Geneva Convention establishing standards for humanitarian treatment in war, which it eventually did in 1998.

Fox not only advised judges, such as in Jones v Saudi Arabia (2006) in which the British courts were asked to consider allegations of torture against the Saudi government, but also appeared in several high-profile actions. On one occasion she acted for Botswana against Namibia at the International Court

Hazel Mary Stuart was born in Maymyo, Myanmar, in 1928, the second of three children of John Stuart, an engineer, and his wife Joan (née Elliott Taylor); her siblings, Pauline and John, predeceased her. The family returned to Britain, where her father died in 1942. Three years later, her mother

married Sir Alfred “Tom” Denning, later Lord Denning, a widower described by Margaret Thatcher as “probably the greatest English judge of modern times”; her stepbrother, Robert, became a distinguished chemist and also predeceased her (obituary, June 28, 2013). She was educated at Roedean School and took a first in jurisprudence at Somerville College, Oxford, where she became the first law fellow and later an honorary fellow. Called to the Bar by Lincoln’s Inn in 1950, she practised for four years until her marriage to Michael Fox, a barrister who served as a lord justice of appeal from 1981 to 1992; he once rejected an appeal by Lindi St Clair, better known as “Miss Whiplash”, against a ruling that the profits of prostitution are taxable. She resumed her career when their children were older. Her final work, The Law of State Immunity (2002), has run to three editions and is regarded as the standard reference work in all aspects of state immunity, though she was quick to point out that there are always new treaties, agreements and rulings to be considered. “As an authoritative monograph, it will be of inestimable value to practitioners,” Anthony Aust wrote in a review for International & Comparative Law Quarterly. “And its careful review of the many theoretical issues will be valuable in helping to fashion the law in many countries.”

OBITUARIES

Eleanor Dixon (Blake, No 2, 1947-1950) Eleanor was born on 16th August 1932 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She was often found to remark that she was nearly born on an aeroplane as it was touch and go on whether they would land in time! And was certain that the closeness of her birth to the flight resulted in her not suffering from travel sickness on any form of transport. Her parents Arthur and Millicent Blake lived in Patagonia, Argentina on the family sheep farm where she grew up with her brothers John and Hugh and her younger sister Rosemary. She taught by her mother at home up to the age of ten, and then boarded on her own until Rosemary arrived two years later, at St Hilda’s English School in Buenos Aires. After the war, the family returned to England. Eleanor then attended Roedean School, Brighton originally a Unitarian Foundation, (Her mother and grandmother had also been educated there). She then went on to the Frobel Educational Institute to study for her three year Teacher Training course. Once she had graduated, she had concurrent teaching posts at Colwyn school and Embleton Road school, Bristol and both were Primary Schools. As both her parents were lifelong Unitarians, it was only natural that Eleanor became an active member in the Lewin’s Mead and Oakfield Road Unitarian Chapel congregations, in Bristol; she took part in Choir, FOY (Fellowship of Youth) and the Dramatic Society and led Sunday School. She met Christopher Davis whilst at Lewins Mead, they married in 1957 and honeymooned in Paris. They had three Children; Penny, John and Robert. They moved to Crewkerne in 1961 when his employers opened an office there. Christopher died suddenly in 1963 of a Cerebral ulcer. Eleanor met Peter Hodge, acquiring four more children, a family now of 7, leaving no time for teaching but making great

24 | The Roedeanian – Spring 2025

demands on home-making attributes and they spent 12 years together. He died in 1976 of cancer. Eleanor had since 1972 been involved with the Crewkerne Unitarian Chapel as treasurer and helping with the Sunday School, she also became the Youth Secretary for the Western Union in 1975. Whilst she was on various committees for the Western Union, she met Rod Dixon. They married in 1978. He was Lay Charge and Minister at Taunton, Bridgwater and Bridport where she supported him. Rod died in 2013. Eleanor was greatly honoured to be the President of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches in April 1982 following in the footsteps of her father Arthur Blake in 1960. Following many years of hardship and lack of support following the deaths of Christopher Davis and Peter Hodge, Eleanor was determined to make other women’s struggles easier with grief, hence her journey to become a Lay Pastor, she also became a Cruse Councillor. She became Lay Charge of Crewkerne Unitarian Chapel in 1989 to 1991 and then Lay Pastor from 1991 to 2002. In this time, she was also Chaplain of the Crewkerne Royal British Legion for which she was very proud to represent. Eleanor retired from the Crewkerne ministry to spend more time with Rod at Bridgwater, however in 2003 she became an Honoured Citizen of Crewkerne for services to the town. In May 2012, Eleanor was invited back to Crewkerne in her role as Honoured Citizen to meet Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh. Eleanor was Lay Pastor for Bridgwater Unitarian Chapel from 2002 to 2014 and then Lay Pastor Emeritus for five more years.

In June 2013 she was given honorary life membership of the Western Union of Unitarians. Eleanor loved gardening, playing the piano, singing in the choral society, cooking, knitting and meeting with friends and watching her extended family grow. Eleanor endeavoured to keep in touch with every part of her family and her partners families, she wanted to keep them all included. Over the last few years dementia hid Mum away, but her dignity, calmness, politeness, joy and love was ingrained in her and she never lost that with the other memories of her life. She may not have remembered our names, but she knew us deep down and loved us to the end. Now, let us remember her as the fully rounded loveable and wonderful person she was before dementia stole her away.

FUNDRAISING

Amplifying Creativity at Roedean The Roedean SoundLab will be a place where imagination and ambition inspire young women to shape the sound of tomorrow. Performance has always been at the heart of life at Roedean. From classical ensembles and musical theatre to contemporary collaborations, generations of students have discovered their confidence and creativity through music. The Roedean SoundLab will build on this proud legacy. It will be an inspiring environment where creativity, technology and talent come together to form a dynamic and forward-looking centre for musical exploration. The SoundLab has been designed as a hub of innovation and opportunity. It will equip students with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving creative world, and it will offer an experience that blends advanced technology with expert guidance. Within this space, student will be able to experiment with digital production, sound engineering, live performance and multimedia

collaboration. They will be able to compose, record, produce and perform, supported by our Roedean music staff who inspire curiosity, confidence and independence. The ethos behind the SoundLab reflects Roedean’s enduring belief in the transformative power of creativity. It recognises that artistic expression does not merely enrich school life but equips young women with the imagination, discipline and resilience that will serve them well in every sphere of life.

Target: £100,000

Raised: £13,800

Those who would like to support the Roedean SoundLab, please use the link provide below: Support us | Roedean Community

FUNDRAISING

Inspiring the Scientists of Tomorrow Roedean’s Digital STEM Hub will empower young women to imagine boldly, think creatively and shape the future with confidence. Roedean has a long and distinguished tradition of educating young women in the sciences, and this legacy continues to evolve in bold and exciting ways. For more than a century, Roedeanians have pushed boundaries in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, from early pioneers breaking barriers at Cambridge to alumnae today who are shaping research and innovation around the globe. The School is taking another ambitious step forward with the development of the Roedean Digital STEM Hub. This centre is being designed to ignite passions, develop skills, and inspire future pathways for the next generation. The Hub will offer access to innovative technologies and digital tools. These include robotics, 3D printing, games design, virtual reality experimentation and the development of sustainable materials. These disciplines are increasingly central to the future, and Roedean is committed to ensuring that our students are prepared with confidence. Roedean’s commitment to STEM is reflected in the achievements of Old Roedeanians across many decades. Eily Keary was the

Project Value: £150,000

Raised: £16,600

26 | The Roedeanian – Spring 2025

first woman to take the Mechanical Science Tripos at Cambridge. She became the first full member of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects and went on to contribute pioneering work on naval and seaplane hull design. Dr Eugenia Cheng has followed a different but equally inspiring path. She studied Mathematics at Cambridge, became a respected academic and author, and is also an accomplished concert pianist. These trailblazers, amongst, are joined by many more alumnae who continue to excel in STEM fields. Recent Old Roedeanians are studying Theoretical Physics at Imperial College London, Computer Science at Cambridge, Mathematics at Cambridge and Architecture at the University of Edinburgh. Their achievements embody the ambition and curiosity that the new Hub aims to foster from the earliest stages of a Roedeanian education. The School’s current STEM performance is already exceptional. At A Level, more than half of grades in Chemistry, Physics and Biology are at A or A*. In Mathematics and Further Mathematics, 70% of results reach A or A*. GCSE results are equally impressive. 75% of grades in Biology, Chemistry and Physics are at grade 7-9, and 65% of

Mathematics grades are at grade 7-9 These results reflect both the academic strength of the students and the dedication of the staff. For example, Ms Colleen Reesink Wells, who leads the Science Faculty, recently guided a group of students to first prize representing the United Kingdom at the Science on Stage Conference in Finland. The Digital STEM Hub will elevate this excellence even further. Its purpose is to spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and provide hands on opportunities that combine creativity, technical understanding and problem solving. Whether experimenting with robotics, designing sustainable materials, or developing immersive digital environments, students will be able to experience STEM in dynamic and collaborative ways. This approach empowers them to think boldly and to see themselves as future innovators and leaders. Those who would like to support the Digital STEM Hub, please use the link provide below: Support us | Roedean Community

FUNDRAISING

Together We Make An Impact Roedean’s social conscience is both impressive and tangible, and the girls and staff are justifiably proud of the difference they make, both locally and further afield.

Through a wide range of partnerships and philanthropic activities, Roedean has deep roots in the local community. Contributions come through the Community Action Programme and daily lunchtime outreach activities, supporting a variety of institutions and initiatives. Niamh Green, Head, says,

“At an age when some young people have a very narrow perspective on society, it is wonderful that Roedeanians can develop a deeper understanding of our community and expand their horizons through charitable fundraising and philanthropic endeavours. This encourages them to make a meaningful impact, while also empowering others.” Each year group in School has both a dedicated charity and a partner institution that they support. Throughout the year, the girls raise valuable funds through bake sales and non-uniform days, while also contributing directly to their partner institutions through weekly visits and activities. To make these efforts more tangible, representatives from each charity visit the School at the start of the year to speak in assemblies and share the impact of their work.

Over the past academic year, Roedean students have been actively involved in their year-group charities: Year 7 – Rockinghorse Charity: Supporting children with life-limiting conditions at the Royal Alex Children’s Hospital in Brighton. The Year 7 cohort abseiled 50 metres down Peacehaven Cliffs in June, raising £4,544 as a finale to their Wild Fridays programme. Year 8 – Motor Neurone Disease Association: In memory of Rob Burrow, Year 8 challenged the rest of the School to cover 777 kilometres. Walking through the night for 24 hours, they surpassed their target, covering 2,628 kilometres in total and raising £7,687. Year 9 – Raystede Animal Sanctuary: Caring for animals in need across Sussex, 32 students and staff undertook the SkyWalk, walking atop the i360 pod, 165 metres above Brighton, and raised an impressive £5,943.

Year 10 – Off The Fence: Supporting homeless people in Brighton and Hove, 15 members of Year 10 and staff spent the night sleeping on cardboard outdoors, gaining insight into the challenges of homelessness and raising £2,879. Years 11 and 12 – Project Moldova 125: Each July, a group of Year 11 and 12 students travel to Moldova to teach English to children in orphanages, primarily from Syria and Ukraine. Roedean has pledged to fund 3% of the annual running costs of the institution – around £5,000 per year – for the next decade. Over the last three years, the School has raised more than £18,500. In addition, Roedean has worked closely with St Mark’s Primary School in Brighton for nearly a decade. This partnership includes weekly enrichment at Roedean, lunchtime activities, and a wide range of workshops and events, from Samba drumming to theatre visits. Every child in Years 4–6 benefits from a term of academic and sporting enrichment each Thursday.

FUNDRAISING

Roedean also offers transformational bursaries, widening access to a Roedean education and supporting families who might not otherwise have the opportunity. These potentially lifechanging awards complement scholarships recognising exceptional achievement and potential across different areas of school life. For more information about the outstanding work being done, please read our Impact Statement.

Together We Make An Impact 2024-2025

£48K+

solo cross-Channel swim for charity

raised for school charities in 2024-2025

The social value of Roedean’s DofE volunteering was

£16K+ in 2024/2025

students have taught English in Moldova to orphans and refugees over the last 3 years

2628

£22K+

kilometres covered in the 24-hour overnight challenge for MNDA

donated over 9 years to support 10 girls around the world through PlanUK

Over the last four years

20K+

£148.5K was raised for national and international charities

meals donated to Off The Fence to support the homeless in Brighton since 2016

If you wish to show your support for any of the projects mentioned above, please contact the Alumnae Office at alumnae@roedean.co.uk. 28 | The Roedeanian – Spring 2025

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Dates for your Diary Thursday 12th February 16:00

Founders Day

Roedean School Chapel

You are warmly invited to join us for our annual Founders’ Day Commemoration Service. During this service we will remember those we have lost in the last year, and celebrate the legacy of our founders and past head teachers. If you would like to attend please email alumnae@roedean.co.uk You can see the remembrance list here Remembrance - Roedean.

Thursday 22 January 2026 19:00-20:00 Roedean Theatre

Roedean Dance Showcase Join us for a vibrant celebration of Roedean School’s talent as Years 7–13 take the stage in an exciting dance showcase. The event will present a vibrant and diverse collection of dance works, celebrating the creativity, passion, and dedication of our talented students. The programme showcases a range of dance styles and themes, from Contemporary and Lyrical to Jazz and classical Ballet. This year’s highlight is an exhilarating performance of a specially commissioned work from Amy Morvell, created for our talented dance scholars. Please use the link provided to book a ticket: Roedean Theatre Bookings

11 - 13 February 2026 TBC

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Roedean Theatre

Join us for a magical, golden-ticket evening as our students bring Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to life. The ticket system will be live in January for you to book your tickets. Roedean Theatre Bookings

Friday 6th March 2026 14:15 Roedean School

Careers Fair Can you help? The girls would be thrilled to meet and learn from you if you are able to support them to make their best next steps. The fair will be attended by all year groups (ranging from 11-18 years old). Our girls will also be joined by students from the Roedean Academy – a programme we run with local state schools for Year 10 pupils. Each contributor will have a ‘stall’, and the students are able to move around and ask questions about areas they are interested in. Questions will typically include ones such as training routes into the profession, roles available within it, and salary expectations. Please email alumnae@roedean.co.uk if you are interested

April 2026 Time: TBC

ORs vs the school Netball

Roedean School

The OR vs the School Netball Match will take place at the School on a Saturday in April 2026 followed by a match tea in the Clubhouse. Players and spectators are welcome. Further details to follow in the new year

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