Welcome to our Senior School
Ranked as one of the top independent schools in the country, our Senior School provides a progressive and high-quality education as our pupils begin their final journey towards obtaining their IEB Matric certificate.
Message from the Head of Senior School
Welcome...
The little girl in me never imagined she’d be entrusted with the responsibility of nurturing possibility, building confidence, and inspiring purpose in others. And yet, here I am — standing in the reality of a dream I didn’t even know I was allowed to have. A dream that now becomes the fertile ground for the futures of the girls we serve.
I once believed I’d pursue a life in Law — it made sense at the time. But something stirred in me, something more dynamic and connected to people. It was in sport that I found the first glimpse of that calling: not only playing, but witnessing growth, teamwork, and tenacity in others. That spark led me to education — where I discovered not just a profession, but a purpose. A space where I belonged.
In the classroom, I found my voice. In girls’ education, I found my place. And in every child I’ve taught — even for a moment — I’ve left a piece of myself, a fingerprint of belief in their potential.
Roedean School’s legacy of educating girls with conviction, compassion, and courage is not lost on me. Our shared values — truth, freedom, honour, and courtesy — are not mere words; they are the compass by which I lead. To be a steward of such a legacy is more than an honour. It is a responsibility I carry with reverence and gratitude.
I believe in the power of education. Especially the power of educating girls on the African continent. When we invest in girls, we invest in communities, in futures, and in lasting transformation.
My vision is simple, yet bold: that Roedean continues to be a place where girls are not only educated, but empowered — to lead, to grow, and to thrive. I want each student to leave here having discovered her voice, her strength, and her purpose. Whether in the sciences or languages, in arts, service, or sport — I want our girls to know that leadership is not something you wait for; it’s something you step into, now.
A girls’ school like Roedean doesn’t just eliminate distraction — it illuminates possibility. It allows girls to be bold without apology, ambitious without restraint, and curious without fear. Here, leadership is shaped by empathy, resilience, and courage — and it is nurtured intentionally through every aspect of school life.
Through rigorous academics, a vibrant co-curricular programme, meaningful mentorship, and student-led initiatives, we are not just building scholars — we are growing character, integrity, and vision.
To join Roedean is to become part of a sisterhood — one that challenges you, champions you, and cheers you on. This is a place for those who believe in the boundless potential of girls — and choose to invest in who their daughters can and will become.
This is the school I’ve joined. This is the legacy I honour. And this is the future I am proud to help shape — one girl, one voice, one leader at a time.
Head of Senior School
Be kind curious and love life active creative and think equal
Senior School Overview
A world-class education
A team of highly qualified, experienced and deeply committed teachers work to assist Roedean students to achieve to the best of their ability across their five-year journey in the Senior School, from their entry in Lower V (Grade 8) to their final Matric year (Grade 12) when they write the National Senior Certificate examinations offered by the Independent Examinations Board (IEB).
Each year, we are filled with pride when we receive the results of our Matric pupils as these are, without fail, superb. While we are always thrilled by the large number of distinctions, we often derive even greater joy from the achievements of those pupils who have required significant, sustained support to obtain their certificates.
While it is always gratifying that our pupils enjoy overwhelming success in their placement, in the courses of their choice, at local universities, we are also very proud of those students who have gained places at international universities, as this illustrates the international competitiveness of the education offered at Roedean.
Pupils have the opportunity to enrich their lives through participation in an extensive range of sports and co-curricular activities which lead to the development of leadership and other critical skills. The holistic excellence of a Roedean education ensures our pupils are fully equipped, as they journey through the school, to lead lives of significance when they venture into the world.
Message from the Senior School Head
Shine brightly at Roedean
Welcome to a school where we all belong. Each person who joins us is created as part of the Universe and upon arriving here, becomes a part of Roedean.
One hundred and twenty years of developing young minds and souls, against the backdrop of Truth, Honour, Freedom, and Courtesy as values, have resulted in a space where the dignity and authenticity of each person are appreciated and grown. Roedean is a sanctuary of peace where pupils are afforded the privilege of outstanding academic guidance as well as the opportunity of developing their whole selves in areas of sport, culture, service, and spirituality.
The exquisite physical space and the optimally developed facilities create an ideal environment in which to raise young people who will live lives of significance. Significant people are not only academically qualified but have also learnt to master their emotional interactions. Kindness, care, and compassion are all part of what Roedean stands for. We raise each other up.
We all stand on the shoulders of giants and we have the opportunity to see further and expect more with each passing generation. So, we arrive at Roedean humble, knowing that we have a duty to be part of raising this magnificent school even higher. I encourage every pupil to use this platform to find their natural talents and invest their energy in becoming the best that they can be. You will be supported fully in realising your dreams.
In a South African space, we are committed to honouring the diversity and brilliance that our country has to offer as well as spreading our positive influence beyond the gates of our school.
Our pupils are the leaders of the future and must begin modelling leadership and influence within our context while they are still at school.
Education is not only a privilege but should also be a joy. Roedean welcomes you into a happy space where laughter and opportunities to celebrate the splendour of life abound. Our team of teachers are committed to making each pupil feel safe and comfortable – at home.
Our campus is abuzz with activity and prospects, and I encourage each one of you to immerse yourself in an exceptional school experience. We are all destined to shine. I invite you to shine brightly at Roedean.
Annabel Roberts
Senior School Head
Academics
Academic Overview
The five-year journey through the national curriculum culminates in the writing of the National Senior Certificate examinations of the Independent Examinations Board (IEB).
The academic curriculum for Lower and Middle V (Grades 8 and 9) has been re-designed to reduce academic stress for our students. Subjects are taught in six-week modules and are assessed using a combination of formal and informal methods.
From Upper V (Grade 10), pupils are required to select a minimum of seven subjects that they will take to Matric. These comprise four compulsory subjects and three electives. Pupils also have the opportunity to take an eighth subject if they wish. Our curriculum is audited annually to ensure that we offer Afro-centric content wherever possible.
Senior School
About our curriculum
There is a wide range of subjects on offer, including a number of foreign languages.
Although we follow the national curriculum, we also add extra value to it, striving to equip our pupils with the special skills required in the 21st Century. With the present explosion in knowledge, pupils must be equipped to access, analyse, and evaluate information, and they require excellent cognitive and social skills.
There is extensive use, throughout the curriculum, of Information Technology, while a special Cognitive Education Programme, which began in earnest in 2011, focuses on developing critical and creative thinking skills, and encourages self-directed learning. It also aims to develop responsible citizens who are aware of topical issues and are able to consider and evaluate possible solutions.
Nurturing Environment
Pastoral Care
Roedean Senior School has an established and structured Pastoral Care System.
Pupils are nurtured, through the House system, by their peers, Tutors, and Housemistresses as well as the Deputy Head of Pastoral Care.
The Pastoral Care system is aimed at providing individual and group support, as well as at creating awareness regarding socio-emotional challenges. The work of our Pastoral Care Team aims to ensure that every pupil feels cared for and valued during her time at Roedean.
Co-Curricular Activities
See what we’re up to.
A large number of cultural and service activities are offered at Roedean, alongside activities that are structured around the six IDEALS or pillars that are central to the philosophy of Round Square schools.
Senior School Co-Curricular Activities
We are a place where a values-led vision for holistic education is enshrined.
Parents should be aware that Roedean is a busy environment, where individuals’ talents and aspirations are nurtured. In practice this means that every facet of a student’s development is embraced, and our pupils are expected to participate in a range of sporting, cultural and service co-curricular activities. Various compulsory weekend and late-evening activities support our commitment to this holistic approach to education.
Co-Curricular Activities
Sports Offering
Sport is, and has been since the school started, both an integral and a critically important aspect of life at Roedean.
We believe that it is vital for the physical and emotional well-being of every pupil for her to participate in some form of sport every week. The benefits are wide-ranging and sport is a critical element of an holistic education; it is as much a part of learning at Roedean as any academic subject.
Social Responsibility
Social Responsibility is one of our core tenets.
Our Social Responsibility Programme is based on putting Roedean’s core principles into practice. The community in which Roedean is located is diverse and dynamic, creating unique opportunities for pupils to engage with a variety of community-based organisations.
Social Responsibility
We work on many outreach projects.
At Roedean, social responsibility is not seen as charity but rather as the development of sustainable projects that involve reciprocal learning. As an educational institution, our focus is often centred around education.
Sustainable social development and social justice are at the core of all projects that are conceptualised with Roedean’s community partners. Learn more by clicking the link below.
Mary Williams Boarding House
Comfortable student accommodation
This secure and comfortable House can accommodate 78 senior pupils from Grades 8 to 12. They are housed in spacious single and double rooms, creating both an intimate and a people-friendly communal living environment.
Boarding House
Safe, homely accommodation for our students
Living away from home can often be a daunting prospect for young students; however, we believe the Mary Williams House has been built and furnished in such a way that every student will feel cared for in a warm, comfortable, and happy environment. The resident matrons serve as surrogate mothers and provide a structured environment for those in their care, while never forgetting the need for the pupils to become responsible and independent young women.