the benefits of boarding

Families choose a boarding education for a variety of reasons. Among them are the significant academic, extra-curricular, social and practical benefits of working, living and growing up around young people.

It is important that the decision to board is a family choice so that everyone involved feels committed to, and excited about, the opportunities that will be open to the pupil. In this way, the joys can be shared and the more challenging times (there may be some as pupils adapt to being more independent and away from home) are worked through together in partnership with the school.

Making the decision to join a boarding school is life-changing for both parents and their children. It is a choice that remains popular in the UK. There are 67,000 pupils who have chosen this route, and nearly 10,000 of the students are at girls’ only schools.

a life-changing experience

Boarding school is a place where young people grow up together, share great experiences, learn to get on and develop a mature personality

Mrs Frances King, Headmistress

At Roedean, nearly 70% of our pupils are boarders. Some come from across the South East and London. Some have British parents working overseas in business or in the Armed Forces. Others travel thousands of miles from home to join our vibrant community.

I would be delighted to welcome you for a visit to the School to discover more about the Roedean boarding experience.

Mrs Frances King MA (Oxon), MA (London), MBA (Hull) Headmistress

Within this supportive and informal setting, each girl can develop at her own pace and take part in the vast range of House and inter-House activities, visits and competitions.

Girls are well cared for by an experienced Head of House who leads a dedicated team of friendly residential staff. There is always an adult member of staff present within each House to supervise and support.

Each pupil also has an Academic Tutor, to monitor and discuss her educational progress and ensure that she has a healthy balance of work and extra-curricular activities.

There are four boarding houses for girls from 11 – 17 years, each with its distinctive character and charm. These provide comfortable accommodation and study facilities, are connected to the main school, and have stunning sea views.

Each House quickly becomes a home and the centre of each girl’s community life. The House is a place where each girl has fun and feels happy, safe, secure… and is very busy. It is a place where friendships are established with girls from across the world that last a lifetime.

a second home

‘The Head of House is really nice and caring. She comes round every evening and says good night to each of us. She is always there if you need anything. She is like a friend, but she still has our respect as a teacher.’

The House is a place where each girl belongs – their place to sleep, work and have fun with friends

Miss Marilyn Drury, Head of House 3

The stunning location of Roedean overlooking the open sea, dramatic sky and distant horizon is a healthy and invigorating setting. The School is within easy reach, yet away from the hustle and bustle of London and the South East of England. The award-winning catering team pride themselves in preparing healthy, balanced and locally sourced meals for all national, religious or dietary requirements.

health and well being

‘The greatest attraction to Roedean was the location – being within view of the sea really makes you happy and it always looks different.’

Roedean has a fully qualified nurse in the medical centre on campus 24 hours a day to help girls with any issues, with a doctor who visits the school twice a week and who is on 24 hour call.

The well being of our girls is our highest priority; we take an holistic approach to pastoral care

keeping in touch

As well as half term and end of term holidays, there are exeats (free weekends) every three weeks so there are plenty of opportunities to return home or stay with local friends. If girls do not go away, the school remains open during exeats and have some quieter time over these weekends as they ‘take a breath’ from the intensity of the term.

Our girls’ families are always welcome to attend the concerts and plays in the theatre, sports matches and Open Days, as well as the regular parents’ and information meetings.

The girls are kept busy during the week and at weekends with their studies, activities and socialising. However, we encourage them to keep in touch with their parents by phone and email (the school has wireless internet access throughout).

Open, regular, formal and informal communication is also established between the Heads of House and parents and guardians. This partnership of care is essential to the wellbeing of the pupil.

‘At first I was homesick but got to enjoy boarding school really quickly and then didn’t want to come home. I love having all my friends just down the corridor from me.’

Even though life is very busy at Roedean, there are plenty of opportunities to keep in touch with family and friends

outstanding facilities and opportunities

We work hard to ensure that there are opportunities for boys and girls from other schools to attend events at Roedean.

As well as superb teaching facilities, pupils can pursue their interests at the fully equipped gym, an indoor swimming pool, a large sports hall, dance and music studios, a 320 seat theatre, netball, squash and tennis courts.

Girls particularly enjoy Horizons café where they can relax over a drink or snack as well as purchase a wide range of everyday stationery and toiletries from a well stocked shop.

As a full boarding school we are able to offer a wide range of facilities and activities so that girls can explore and discover their individual talents and interests.

There are around 60 clubs and societies at Roedean ranging from Archery to Astronomy, Ballet to Basketball, Climbing to Community Service, Duke of Edinburgh Award to Horse Riding, and Scuba Diving to Young Enterprise.

Weekends are busy with organised trips to Brighton with its superb shopping, regency buildings, theatres and beaches, or outings further afield to galleries or theme parks. These activities run alongside those which are organised at Roedean itself: ‘free’ swimming, ‘in house’ craft activities and even Bingo!

‘I used to travel three hours a day to get to Roedean from near Eastbourne and now I board it is great. I have more time to do my prep and get involved in dance and ballet as well as play sports such as netball and hockey.’

Outside the classroom, students can take part in clubs, societies, sports matches, drama productions, music recitals, Duke of Edinburgh Award and many national and international trips

ideal preparation for university

The Sixth Form experience for any teenager can be intense as they strive to achieve outstanding academic results and remain involved in community life. As a boarding school, Roedean’s Resident Tutors and subject experts are available to provide additional academic support on individual subjects during the evenings or weekends.

Sixth formers progress with maturity and self confidence onto leading universities, ready to take advantage of every opportunity and enjoy a successful and fulfilling career.

In their last year at school, girls move into Keswick House, which is a short walk from the main buildings and more like a university-style residence.

Keswick has its own café, study, social areas and some individual en suite bedrooms so the senior girls can benefit from their status and responsibilities in the School. They wear smart casual clothes, rather than school uniform, and enjoy the respect of the staff and the younger girls.

‘I have felt a lot more independent since becoming a boarder and have grown in confidence and become my own person.’

The Sixth Form is an opportunity to take responsibility for day to day living and is the ideal preparation for success at leading universities

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StanstedLuton

Swanage

Buckingham

Woodbridge

Letchworth Baldock

HaywardsHeath

Folkestone

Dover

HastingsLewes

Horsham

Petersfield

Farnham

Sevenoaks

Ashford

Canterbury

Harwich

Sudbury

Bishop’sStortford

Stroud

Stratford-upon-Avon

Evesham

Chichester

Uckfield

Tonbridge

Woking

Bedford

Colchester

Chelmsford

Felixstowe

LONDON

StevenageLuton

MiltonKeynes

HemelHempstead

HighWycombe

Watford

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EastbourneBrighton

Portsmouth

Southampton

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Bournemouth

Ipswich

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ROEDEAN SCHOOL

Gatwick

Heathrow

Oxford

ChannelTunnel

Ferry Port

50 mile radiusfrom Roedean

Ferry Port

Reigate

T: +44 (0)1273 667626 E: admissions@roedean.co.uk Registered charity 307063

Roedean School

Roedean WayBrighton, East Sussex BN2 5RQ www.roedean.co.uk

an accessible location

Roedean’s ethos is inspired by its stunning location

For full travel directions please refer to our website at www.roedean.co.uk

Design and production www.carrkamasa.co.uk