Month: August 2026

How the Roedean Academy Is Creating Opportunity Beyond the School Gates

 

At Roedean School (SA), Inspiring a Life of Significance is about more than individual achievement. It is about what becomes possible when education, opportunity and influence are used to open doors for others.

The Roedean Academy brings this commitment to life.

The Academy supports academically promising young women from under-resourced schools through additional academic support, access to educational resources, mentorship and experiences that broaden horizons and strengthen pathways beyond school.

Working with learners from partner schools, including Barnato Park High School and Newgate College, the Academy extends Roedean’s resources and expertise beyond the School gates. The aim is not to define success for these young women, but to give them greater opportunity to define it for themselves.

And the impact is visible in the lives Academy alumnae are building.

 

From opportunity to lives of significance

For Caslida Paine, a former Barnato Park High School learner, it started with her first opportunity to use a computer at Roedean. That experience sparked an interest in digital literacy that would ultimately shape her career.

Caslida went on to earn a Bachelor of Education from North-West University, ranking in the top 15% of her class, before teaching at leading independent schools in South Africa. Today, she is based in Thailand, where she works as a Coding and Robotics Specialist supporting ICT teachers, alongside her work as an Educational Consultant in the EdTech sector.

Reflecting on the Academy’s role in her journey, Caslida says:

“The Academy gave me access to better resources. It was at Roedean where I first used a computer and discovered my passion for digital literacy. It improved my academic performance and opened doors to university and opportunities such as the Realema bursary, which supported me throughout my studies.”

For Nabintu Birindwa, the Academy opened her mind to what might be possible. After completing a BCom Accounting degree at the University of Johannesburg, she joined Integram as a trainee analyst in 2024. Within two years, she had progressed to Senior Analyst, researching JSE-listed companies with a particular focus on ESG and sustainability.

As Nabintu reflects:

“The Academy opened my mind to new possibilities, encouraging me to dream bigger.”

Their stories are part of a growing pipeline of Academy alumnae progressing into higher education and meaningful careers.

Sibongile Chiumi qualified as a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) in 2026 and is completing her articles at Deloitte, having gained valuable workplace experience while still a student. Thabisile Dhliwayo began her career in financial services in February 2026, joining Integram as a trainee analyst.

Different journeys. Different ambitions. A shared foundation of opportunity.

 

When opportunity comes full circle

The Academy’s impact does not end when a student leaves school. It grows through a wider community that continues to open doors as these young women move into tertiary education and the workplace.

The relationship between the Roedean Academy and Integram, a stockbroking company owned by Roedean alumna Dominique Laroque, is a powerful example.

Three Academy alumnae have gained professional experience through Integram. In opening her professional network to the next generation, Dominique is demonstrating what paying it forward looks like in practice. The Academy, in turn, helps connect young women with opportunities where they can learn, grow, and begin building meaningful careers.

This is where opportunity begins to multiply.

Access to resources creates possibility. Education opens a door. Professional experience opens another. And, in time, those who have benefited are themselves in a position to contribute, mentor, and create opportunities for others.

This is what paying it forward means at Roedean.

 

Impact beyond the School gates

The Roedean Academy reflects a belief that the impact of education should extend beyond those who sit in our classrooms.

By sharing resources, expertise and networks, Roedean is helping to build connections between school, further education and the world of work, creating pathways through which talented young women can realise their potential.

Academy alumnae are becoming educators, accountants, analysts and technology specialists. They are contributing to organisations and communities in South Africa and internationally, while building the foundations from which they can create opportunities for those who follow.

This is Inspiring a Life of Significance in action: not only in what a young woman achieves, but in what she goes on to make possible for others.

 

Be part of what comes next

Discover the impact. Help open the next door.

Learn more about the Roedean Academy and the young women turning opportunity into possibility. Discover the Roedean Academy.

Help create the next opportunity by supporting the Roedean Legacy Fund and investing in the next generation. Donate today.

 

When we speak about a holistic education, we are describing something deeply embedded in the experience we seek to create for every student. It is not simply an idea expressed in words. It is reflected in the opportunities our students embrace, the values they live by and the young women they are becoming.

For us, education has always been about more than academic achievement alone. We believe in developing the whole person: intellectually, creatively, physically and personally. We want our students to leave us not only with knowledge and qualifications, but with confidence, curiosity, resilience, compassion and the courage to contribute meaningfully to the world around them.

The achievements of our students provide a wonderful opportunity to see this philosophy in action.

Excellence Has Many Expressions

Young women should have the freedom to discover and develop the many dimensions of who they are.

A student can be an academic and a musician. An athlete and a public speaker. A performer and a leader. She can pursue excellence in one area while continuing to discover her potential in another.

Our students demonstrate this breadth of possibility in remarkable ways.

Perhaps one of the clearest expressions of this is the White Blazer, the highest honour bestowed upon a Roedean student.

The White Blazer recognises a young woman who has consistently upheld the values upon which Roedean was founded: Truth, Honour, Freedom and Courtesy. It recognises achievement, but importantly, it also speaks to character. A recipient has demonstrated commitment, respect and loyalty while serving the School and contributing meaningfully to the wider community.

We proudly celebrate Caitlyn Bagley and Kerapetse Mampheko, our newest White Blazer recipients, both of whom achieved Honours in Academics and Pro Arte.

Their recognition reflects an important dimension of a Roedean education: the opportunity to pursue and achieve excellence across different spheres.

We are equally proud of Kuhlesibonge Buthelezi, Ane Du Plessis, Esme Du Plessis, Zi-Yan Li, Gabriella Morrell and Greta Carnelli, who received re-awards of their White Blazers for sustained excellence across Academics, Pro Arte and Sport.

There is particular significance in a re-award. Achieving an exceptional standard is worthy of celebration; sustaining it over time requires consistency, humility, discipline and purpose.

Giving Creativity Its Place

Culture is an integral part of the educational experience at Roedean. Through music, drama, public speaking and other creative disciplines, students are given opportunities to find their voices, develop confidence, collaborate with others and experience the discipline required to transform talent into excellence.

At Roedean, Pro Arte Honours recognise exceptional achievement across our rich cultural programme. They acknowledge students who have demonstrated outstanding ability and sustained commitment across multiple cultural disciplines.

We celebrate Caitlyn Bagley for Drama and Public Speaking; Kuhlesibonge Buthelezi for Music Ensemble and Public Speaking; Lumbani Gondwe for Drama and Music Ensemble; Zi-Yan Li for Music and Public Speaking; and Kerapetse Mampheko, Liyabona Mgobozi and Grace Moyo for Drama and Music Ensemble.

We also celebrate Greta Carnelli, who received a re-award of Pro Arte Honours for her achievements in Music, Music Ensemble and Public Speaking.

Behind these honours are countless hours of rehearsal, preparation and practice. There is courage in stepping onto a stage, humility in receiving feedback and discipline in returning to one’s craft again and again.

This spirit is beautifully reflected in the achievement of Khumo Maciel, who was selected as one of only 14 soloists from 42 candidates between the ages of 14 and 24 to perform with the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra at the Senior Concerto Festival 2026.

Khumo has also achieved a Distinction in Grade 7 Vocals through RSL Rockschool and received Half Colours for Music.

Her journey reminds us of what can happen when talent is nurtured, challenged and given opportunities to flourish.

What Sport Teaches Beyond the Scoreboard

Sport provides another important dimension of the Roedean experience.

We celebrate results and exceptional performance, while also recognising the qualities developed through participation: perseverance, teamwork, discipline, resilience and the ability to respond constructively to both success and disappointment.

Sports Honours at Roedean recognise students who have achieved Full Colours in two or more sporting disciplines.

Esme Du Plessis received a re-award for Water Polo, Swimming and Netball, while Ane Du Plessis and Gabriella Morrell received new awards for Water Polo and Netball.

To achieve at this level across more than one sport while participating fully in school life requires exceptional discipline, resilience and commitment.

The award recognises sporting excellence. The journey develops qualities that extend far beyond the field of play.

The Young Woman Behind the Achievement

This is ultimately where the meaning of holistic education lies for us.

The certificates, Colours, Honours and White Blazers are important moments of recognition, and we celebrate them with immense pride. Yet behind every accolade is a much richer story of growth.

It is the student who learns that she can pursue academic excellence while nurturing her creativity. The athlete who discovers that resilience on the field can become resilience in life. The performer who finds her voice on stage and learns to use it with confidence elsewhere. The high achiever who understands that excellence carries with it an opportunity to serve and contribute.

At Roedean, we want our students to have the freedom to discover the many dimensions of themselves.

We want them to understand that they do not have to be only one thing.

And while we celebrate what they achieve, we remain equally invested in who they are becoming through the pursuit of those achievements.

For us, this is holistic education in action. It is found in the interplay between Academics, Culture, Sport, service and character. It is grounded in Truth, Honour, Freedom and Courtesy and reflected in young women who are developing the confidence to know themselves, the courage to pursue their potential and the awareness to use their gifts in service of something greater than themselves.

This is holistic education, lived at Roedean. This is how we inspire a life of significance.

For 123 years, Roedean has been shaping young girls into confident, compassionate and courageous women. Every generation has added to our story, and every girl who walks through our gates begins one of her own.

That is why families continue to choose Roedean, generation after generation. They know they are investing in more than an excellent education. They are choosing a school with a proven legacy of nurturing potential, inspiring confidence and preparing girls to thrive at school, in their careers and throughout their lives.

Every Roedean journey begins in Grade R.

From the moment your daughter joins our community, she is known, supported and encouraged to discover her strengths. Through purposeful play, inspiring teaching and a nurturing environment, she develops the academic foundations, curiosity and confidence that will carry her through every stage of her education.

As she grows, so too does her sense of self. Guided by our enduring values of Truth, Honour, Freedom and Courtesy, she learns not only to achieve but also to lead with integrity, resilience and compassion.

This is the Roedean difference.

It is why mothers enrol their daughters at the school they once attended. It is why sisters follow sisters. It is why generation after generation of families continue to place their trust in Roedean.

For 123 years, we have helped shape countless futures.

Yours could be next.

The Board of Roedean School (SA) is pleased to announce the appointment of the Reverend Roger Cameron as Interim Rector.

Rev. Cameron will join the School on 1 September 2026 and will serve until the end of Term 1, 2027. During this period, he will provide experienced educational leadership while supporting the School through the transition to the appointment of a permanent Executive Head.

One of South Africa’s most respected educational leaders, Rev. Cameron brings more than four decades of distinguished experience in independent and state education. His appointment reflects the Board’s commitment to ensuring stability, direction and confidence during this important period, while maintaining the high standards of education and care that define Roedean.

Rev. Cameron served for many years as Executive Headmaster of St John’s College, Johannesburg, and was the Founding Headmaster of Penryn College. He later led the Anglican Board of Education for Southern Africa, where he mentored and supported school leaders across the region. Most recently, he has been establishing the Gauteng branch of the Principals Academy Trust, an organisation dedicated to developing school leadership through coaching, mentoring and professional learning.

A devoted family man, Rev. Cameron is married to Ann Cameron, and together they are proud parents of four daughters. His experience as a father to four young women gives him a personal appreciation of the importance of girls’ education, development and wellbeing.

From September, Rev. Cameron will work alongside Executive Director Lindi Dlamini to ensure a seamless leadership transition. During this period, he will focus principally on educational leadership, while Lindi continues to oversee the operational management of the School. Following her departure, Rev. Cameron will assume responsibility for both the educational and operational leadership of the School until the permanent Executive Head takes office.

An ordained Anglican priest, Rev. Cameron also brings a deep understanding of the values and traditions that have shaped Roedean throughout its history. His Anglican experience will support the School’s values and work with the Anglican Diocese of Johannesburg to finalise the appointment of the School’s Chaplain.

Commenting on the appointment, Board Chair Nicky Fitzgerald said:

“We are delighted to welcome Rev. Roger Cameron to Roedean School (SA). Roger is one of South Africa’s most experienced and respected educational leaders. Throughout his distinguished career, he has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to educational excellence, the development of people and the leadership of schools. His experience, wisdom and sound judgement make him exceptionally well placed to guide Roedean during this important period as we prepare for the appointment of our permanent Executive Head.

His immediate focus will be our pupils, teachers, parents and the continued pursuit of academic excellence. His Anglican experience also complements Roedean’s heritage and values and will provide valuable insight as the Board finalises the appointment of the School’s chaplaincy. We look forward to the contribution he will make to every aspect of School life.”