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Life at an independent girls’ boarding school

When the three Lawrence sisters founded Roedean, they saw it as an extension of their own lively, boisterous family home. With 11 siblings, they knew it was essential that the younger and older children worked together in order to get things done.

These days, it is equally important for our day and boarding students to spend time together. It is also worth noting that while new girls adjust to life at boarding school they can go home virtually every weekend if they choose.

Boarding school life at Roedean: the Houses

Lower and Middle School girls work and play together in the two main school Houses, Lawrence and Tanner. We have limited boarding (available on a first come, first served basis) for Year 7 and 8 girls in shared bedrooms. They have a desk in the Junior Prep Room (JPR).

In the Middle School (Years 9, 10 and 11), boarders share a prep study but usually have their own bedroom, with shared bathrooms.

Upper Sixth girls move out to Keswick House, which feels more like a university hall than a private boarding school. Keswick has its own cafe, study and social facilities so the girls really feel their senior status in the school is recognised.

The school day

After breakfast, the day starts with registration at 8.25am and then Chapel or assembly. Lessons are punctuated by breaks mid-morning, at lunch and teatime. After tea, many girls have lessons before doing their prep, taking part in one of the evening activities or relaxing with friends.

The times of lights out vary from 9pm for Year 7, 9.45pm for Year 9 and 10.15pm for Year 13.

Boarding staff

Like most private boarding schools, girls are cared for in each House by a Head of House, usually a teacher, who leads a team of residential staff. The older girls assist by developing the House spirit – for example, they organise activities to let off steam such as paintballing - and supporting the younger girls. In this way, the Lawrence sisters’ original vision thrives and there is no room for any cliques to take root.

However, friendships are not restricted by House membership and girls are always welcome to visit other Houses. They can also use the music rooms, libraries, computer rooms, theatre and studios together whenever they want to in the evenings and at weekends.


Find out more from the students and staff in Roedean's blog. Request a prospectus to read full details about life at Roedean.