6 March 2026 – Issue 7
HEAD’S REVIEW Head’s Introduction
What a wonderful day we have had to mark International Women’s Day at Roedean! This morning, fifteen inspirational speakers covered diverse topics from girls’ education in Nepal and song-writing to contemporary dance and the geology of the moon. After attending three talks of their choice, the girls took their inspiration from the morning to find out more at the futures fair, at which fifty professions and institutions were represented. I am delighted that our girls have had this wonderful opportunity, and I am very grateful for all of the work behind the scenes which has gone into making this such a success.
IWD 2026
Roedean Half Marathon
At the weekend, eight members of staff and students ran the Brighton Half Marathon, and, despite the wind and the rain, they all ran amazing times around the two-hour mark, which is so impressive. As a school, I was proud that Roedean was a sponsor of the event, underlining how embedded the School is in the local community. Well done to everyone who took part, to all those who supported, to our cheer-leaders encouraging the runners on at the point where they turned back towards Brighton near Roedean, and to Mrs Wienekus and her team for all the work which went on unseen in the build-up! World Book Day yesterday was the finale to a week of activities organised by Mr Woodhouse and Mrs Bailey. Both students and staff dressed as their favourite characters from books (some more recognisable than others), and there has also been a literary quiz, activities in lessons, literary karaoke, and much more. Well done to everyone! I am delighted that we can now celebrate six offers of places at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge – this is remarkable, and represents the largest number in at least a decade. Huge congratulations go to Natalie, Maria, Lydia, Rosa, Claire, and Claire. It is wonderful that many of our Year 13s now have all five university offers, and our Medics are also receiving offers. As ever, the range of chosen degree courses is incredible, and this highlights the breadth of the girls’ interests and talents. This Oxbridge success coincides with our Oxbridge Conference, held at Roedean this week. Students with high academic aspirations from Roedean and local schools in the maintained sector learned first-hand about strong applications, the experience of being an Oxbridge student, and what is required in the years building up to a successful application. The event was a great success, and I am grateful to Mr Homer and Ms Boobis for organising it, and to our OR contributors too. Well done to the Year 11s, who completed their assessments earlier this week, and I hope that their dinner-dance with Tonbridge goes well this evening. I am looking forward to welcoming our exchange students from Roedean South Africa who arrive over the course of the weekend, and I hope you all enjoy a restful exeat weekend.
World Book Day at Roedean
U15D Win 19-13 Netball vs Sevenoaks