Above: The school was designed by Sir John Simpson, the architect for the original Wembley Stadium which has echoes of his iconic twin towers, which he first designed for Roedean. Far right: The school's founders and first three joint principals, Penelope, Dorothy and Millicent Lawrence.

SHAPING THE FUTURE Interview with Mrs Frances King, Headmistress

As Roedean celebrates its anniversary this year, we look back at the aspirations for the school 125 years ago, review how it relates that vision to education today and look forward to an exciting future for one of the country's most famous girls schools.

How would you summarise the . of the founders 125 years ago? In the words of the original prospectus, the founders established the School to give girls "a thorough education, physical, intellectual and moral." High aspirations were expected as the School declared itself ready to prepare students for Newnham and Girton Colleges at Cambridge University.

The girls were encouraged, however, to keep a perspective through the many activities provided - balancing work, play and an awareness of the needs of others. It was not to be an academic hothouse.

How did the school differ from others at the time? Roedean was ahead of its time in providing science teaching for the girls. It also offered a variety of sport including hockey and cricket, activities which were frowned on by many of that period as unsuitable for girls.

The community life of the school was also very important. There was an emphasis on the "family" ethos. The founders were keen to allow the girls to develop as individuals and to provide "as much liberty as is consistent with safety."

continued How is that Roedean today? Roedean continues to strive towards a balance in education. We take great pride in the academic achievements of the students and encourage them to engage in the excitement of the learning process.

The School however also maintains a strong extra curricular programme that all girls are encouraged to follow. They can involve themselves in music, drama, and dance; they can take up astronomy, debating and contribute to the school newspaper as well as many other activities. Sports are well supported with girls not only playing hockey and netball, but also squash, basketball, football, sailing and, indeed, cricket.

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How are the girls involved in life outside School? The strong community ethos encourages girls to understand how to live with others and how to mature as responsible citizens. They engage in community service both within the school and the society. Through this they develop a sense of tolerance, compassion and forgiveness of others.

The school has a strong interest in developing an awareness of the wider world. The ability to travel allows many to come to Roedean to enjoy our education and for our students to exchange with schools across the globe to learn from them.

Our pupils want to take a role in shaping the future, whether this is at home in the UK or in business or politics across the globe.

The early founders' desire to develop within the pupils a moral education still holds strong; now is extended to a wider platform than they might have first envisaged.

There are nearly 100,000 pupils at independent girls' only schools in the UK. Why does girls only education continue to be so popular? Roedean is a school that presents itself first as a very good school offering a broad and stimulating education. Parents and girls chose the school because they like its atmosphere and ethos; they tell me it is a happy school where they feel they can grow and thrive.

ROEDEAN, ONE OFTHE WORLD'S MOST FAMOUS GIRLS' BOARDING SCHOOLS, CELEBRATES 125 YEARS. Established by three entrepreneurial sisters from London, Penelope, Dorothy and Millicent Lawrence chose Brighton to locate their new school because "the air is healthy...and it is where all schools succeed."

The school was originally located on a small site in Lewes Crescent in Kemp Town and had just ten pupils. Thirteen years later it had expanded significantly and building began on the new school in a spectacular cliff top setting.

Today the school educates 400 girls from the ages of 11 to 18 years from Brighton, Sussex, across the UK and overseas. Students continue to progress onto some of the world's top universities and pursue illustrious and successful careers in areas including business, medicine, science, sport and politics.

The school also plays an important role in the local community. It employs over 280 teachers and support staf and its resources such as the 320-seat theatre, indoor pool and sports pitches are used frequently by Brighton's theatre groups, swimming clubs and schools.

Roedean was even home to 30,000 sailors over ive years during the Second World War. In 1941, the school was transformed into HMS Vernon, a training school for the Royal Navy.

In this special anniversary supplement we explore Roedean's positive impact on Brighton, pupils' experiences of Roedean from the past to the present and new developments on the horizon in the future.

I/Syears of RQEDEAN

The Sixth Form at Roedean prepares students with the skills required for university.

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The first recorded cricket match at Roedean was in 1899 and the game is still played today

Some parents and pupils will choose us because we are an all girls' school. Many others select the school because it is offers a high quality education, a range of educational programmes and a vast array of opportunities to extend their horizons. For others, they join Roedean to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures.

That Roedean is an all girls' school is important to many parents as it provides teenage girls a chance to learn in an environment focussed on their learning and development needs.

Educationalists have long argued over the advantages of single sex or co-educational education without coming to any sound conclusion. We are keen that choice exists and are proud to be offering an excellent level of education to those who are attracted to our particular ethos and vision.

How are community links being further enhanced? In furthering the girls' sense of community, we are working both to develop the involvement of the pupils both in the local area and further afield.

I am delighted that this year we have representatives on the Brighton Youth Council and one pupil has been elected from the Youth Council to represent Brighton and Hove on the United Kingdom Youth Parliament.

On the global stage, a group of Roedean students have been invited to represent the UK at the United Nations in New York in February to speak about the place of young women in the country today.

We are delighted to be developing links with schools across the globe, from Germany to Canada and China, in order to encourage dialogue and exchanges.

In Roedean we are pleased to have a varied cultural background amongst our students; girls from Saltdean mix with students from Vietnam or Russia.

I am keen that we continue to provide the best of a British education whilst developing global citizens. We are also looking to extend further the opportunities for dialogue and communication between our students and staff across a range of schools both abroad and in the UK.

How are you .shaping the future for Roedean? I am privileged to be responsible for shaping the future of one of the country's most famous girls' schools. The school is rightly proud of its excellent reputation both academically and pastorally.

Roedean girls learn to appreciate the val of teamwork

The majority of girls are involved in musical groups ranging from choirs to jazz bands and orchestras.

As with any community however it must continue to look to shaping its own future with exciting and stretching aspirations.

Over the next couple of years the school is aiming to sharpen up its academic reputation, building on its existing success to ensure that we are encouraging all to share in the excitement of learning and in the challenge of academic success.

Our inspirational teachers help to encourage this approach and we are working to extend the success of all in their studies.

What is your vision for the next few years? Roedean has an enviable reputation. It is known throughout the world, and often quoted in films and novels, as an example of excellence.

I have the challenge of ensuring that Roedean is known, however, not by people's assumptions of its past, but by the exciting new developments which will shape its future into the 21st century. It is very much a school proud of its traditions and heritage but one that is distinctly looking forward with a sense of eager anticipation to the future and its role in helping to shape this through its students.

Roedean has an enviable reputation. It is known throughout the world, and often quoted in films and novels, as an example of excellence.

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125 YEARS In the Roedean timeline 1885 School opened by the Lawrence sisters in Lewes Crescent, Brighton

1890 School now known as Wimbledon House. Acquired 35, 36 and 37 in Sussex Square, previously occupied by a boys school.

1895 Plans afoot for the purchase of land for a purpose build school

1896 Wimbledon House School Site and Buildings Company Ltd formed

1897 Foundation stone laid on 26th July for building of School House, Music Wing and four Houses

1898 Houses One and Two ready for occupation

1899 Houses Three and Four completed. School bell hung at the eastern side of the central tower, donated by Lady Ritchie. Sun-dial installed, gift of Sir John Simpson

1903 Theresa Lawrence and Katherine Margaret Earle open Roedean South Africa in Jeppestown

1905 Chapel foundation stone laid on 18th July

1909 Millicent Lawrence introduces scouting

1910 Tunnel to the beach opened

1914 Four white Ensigns presented to four Royal Navy ships (later returned to Roedean in 1919 when the ships were put out of commission)

1915 Sir Robert Baden-Powell inspects scouts at Roedean on 3rd July

1918 Irene Edwards donates stained glass window to south aisle of Chapel

1923 Three Lawrence sisters announce their retirement as Headmistresses

1929 Site at Rottingdean bought for £700 and house erected for £3,400 for School Mission

1938 Royal Charter granted by King George VI on 14th December

1940 School moves to Keswick, Lake District for the war with a party of 50 to Edgehill School, Nova Scotia

1941 On 7th April Admiralty took over occupation of Roedean from The War Office. The school becomes HMS Vernon, the Training School for Torpedoes and Mining and for the electrical branches of the Royal Navy

1946 School reopens on Roedean site on 24th January. HMS Vernon gives donation for marbling in Chapel

1955 70th Birthday celebrations attended by the Queen Mother on 22nd July

1959 First television set purchased by the School

1964 Dining Room block opened on 22nd October by Princess Margaret

1966 Seven new tennis courts laid in spring

1967 New drive built and original school gates are closed except for pedestrian use

1970 Indoor swimming pool opened

1971 Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme started

1982 BBC broadcast a film on Roedean

1986 Centenary Sports Hall opened

1990 New Medical Centre completed in New Wing

1994 Performing Arts Centre opened by the Prince of Wales

2006 Chapel celebrates centenary

2008 Main school exterior painted with cream limewash during summer vacation

2009 St. Mary's Hall School in Kemp Town closes and many of their pupils join Roedean

2010 Roedean announces endowment to fund scholarship and bursaries for local girls to be educated at the school

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FIRST IMPRESSIONS of Roedean and Brighton from the pupils

Sport for aŁ Supportive School

I really love sports and at Roedean they give you as many opportunities as possible

to find what you are good at and which sports you enjoy. The standard of sports coaching here is really high so you are

encouraged to achieve your best. Everyone is involved in sports, whether you are in a

team or not, it really is sport for all. 11

Caitlin, 17, is a day girl from Lewes who is in the Sixth Form.

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I found it really easy to settle in. Everyone was so welcoming. Roedean is secluded and peaceful compared to

London, but there is everything you need nearby at the Marina and Brighton. The highlights in the summer include trips

through the 'secret tunnel' to the beach. Georgia, 14, from Chelsea joined Roedean four years ago with a scholarship in Performing Arts.

I Roedean is a very friendly school. From the young girls to the older sixth

• formers, there is a happy, relaxed and family atmosphere. I really enjoy going to school each day. The teachers are really

approachable and supportive; they encourage you to achieve

your potential.

Gaby, 16, lives in Sussex and is in the Sixth Form.

A second home

I am lucky enough to have lived on three different continents, but nowhere else

have I received such a full education. I still remember, in autumn 2006, arriving at this huge building with my two heavy suitcases

and thinking, 'How will I ever fit in?' The answer to that question is 'Better than I

could ever have imagined. J J Sharon, 18, is in the Sixth Form and is from The Netherlands.

Ska's the limit

• I was overwhelmed at how welcoming & friendly everyone is. Roedean is not a school you just go to, it is somewhere you belong. Everyone supports you to achieve what you

can - the sky's the limit. J J Emma, 16, from Hove is in the Sixth Form

Boarding sfw

Boarding is really fun because you have lots of people to talk to and the ones you

share your room with become your closest friends. I would recommend boarding and

I know a lot of the day girls here would love to be boarders. We have so many activities at the weekend that many of

them come back to take part.

12, n in Surrey.

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ROEDEAN ANNOUNCES major scholarship and bursary programme for local community

In December 2010, Roedean announced that it had completed a £10 million sale of the former St Mary's Hall senior school site, which merged with

Roedean in April 2009 to Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals (BSUH).

The Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals serve the whole of East and West Sussex, as well as the city of Brighton and Hove. They are about to launch a £500 million redevelopment to replace aging hospital buildings and establish the Royal Sussex County Hospital as the Major Trauma Centre for the whole of the South East of England.

Through the acquisition of this land by the BSUH, the local community will clearly benefit from the enhanced hospital provision. Roedean will continue to maintain its links with the hospitals and the Brighton and Sussex Medical School, who can do so much to inspire our talented scientists to consider a career in medicine.

Overall this sale is a very worthwhile legacy for St Mary's Hall whose founders were so inspired by serving their community. Roedean's intention is to invest the £10 million as an endowment, using the income to fund scholarships and bursaries for local girls to be educated at Roedean. In this way they will continue to promote girls' education at Roedean as a positive choice for the local community.

Through an extended scholarship programme Roedean will attract the most able students who can benefit from the high quality of a Roedean education. Through bursaries, Roedean is also looking to extend its support to local families of limited means.

Applicants for 2012 entry are likely to be the first significant beneficiaries of this endowment. For further information, contact Diana Banham, Roedean's Admissions Manager, on 01273 667626 or dba@roedean.co.uk.

SUPPORTIVE INVOLVEMENT > in the local community Roedean is a keen and active

supporter of the local community - through events ranging from hosting the Brighton Fringe

Festival, supporting schools in science, music, languages and sport, fundraising for local charities and opening its doors for the English Heritage open days.

Most importantly, Roedean tries to share its education expertise whenever it can. Local primary schools are frequently invited to attend author talks and workshops, and local sixth form schools come to lectures or masterclasses.

In the creative arts, Roedean has become a regular venue for the Brighton Fringe Festival. Its Chapel plays a superb venue for concerts by outside groups and also Roedean girls themselves. The School also takes part in the Brighton Festival of Artist's Open Houses and last May displayed work by the school's pupils alongside local artists. The 320-seat theatre is a popular venue for external dance and drama groups including Brighton Dance and the Brighton Theatre Group.

Other schools use Roedean's sports facilities for competitions and Brighton Swimming School use the large indoor

heated pool throughout the year, notably for its Pool to Pier sea swimming training. Many local and regional charities benefit annually from Roedean's fundraising efforts. For example, pupils competed to raise the most funds for Matt Rhodes from St. Dunstan's (a charity providing lifelong support for blind and visually impaired servicemen & women) during his Brighton marathon challenge. The School also hosts special one off events, such as the Kent and Sussex Air Ambulance Service's 'Thank You' event for volunteers, which saw their helicopter landing in the school grounds.

Most importantly, Roedean tries to share its education expertise whenever it can.

Above: Roedean girls raise funds for St. Dunstan's. Right: The Kent & Sussex air ambulance helicopter at a special event for volunteers.

'hoto courtesy of Tony Mould

AN OVERVIEW of Roedean today... Broadening horizons Roedean remains committed to the founding family's emphasis on academic excellence. Roedean girls discover the excitement of learning in the classroom, on the stage or sports field and throughout the local community.

They are exposed to a rich variety of cultures and encouraged to grow in personal, social and spiritual awareness.

A Roedean education ensures that, alongside excellent results, the students also have the necessary skills and self assurance for fulfilling careers in a fast-changing world.

Inspired teaching From its earliest years, Roedean has been renowned for its reputation in maths, physics and chemistry. Small classes, a practical approach to science and enthusiastic teachers ensure that pupils achieve consistently outstanding grades.

As a result of inspired teaching and exceptional resources, a high proportion of Roedean girls progress each year to world class institutions such as the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, Imperial College (London) or University College (London).

Education beyond the classroom Whilst achieving top GCSE and A level results, Roedean girls also develop their whole character. Roedean achieves this by giving their students opportunities to experience a rich variety of cultures both within the school and through overseas trips to Iceland and the United Nations in New York.

Home away from home Boarding is a way of life for many Roedean students. By being on site, the girls can get the most out of their days, evenings and weekends.

The five boarding houses provide warm, comfortable accommodation and social areas, with stunning sea views. The House system ensures that friendship groups are never too big and it is easy for the day girls to feel involved.

Poise and self confidence Roedean may have a fully equipped theatre, former West End technicians, and a celebrity-standard Green Room but it would be nothing without the raw talent of the pupils and the hard work of school staff in nurturing it.

The School's performers develop a composure, grace and self assurance beyond their years. Roedean actors, dancers and musicians regularly achieve merits and distinctions in the advanced grades of external examination boards including LAMDA, Royal Academy of Dance and Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.

Sport for all Sport has always been an important element of life at Roedean. There are records of school cricket matches dating as far back as 1899.

Beyond developing physical fitness and a healthy glow, the girls learn valuable team skills and demonstrate their commitment to Roedean values of fairness and honesty. Roedean girls are encouraged to play at school, county and national level, or just for fun.

As well as all the standard school sports, Roedean also offers horse riding, scuba diving, and sailing.

A Roedean education ensures that, alongside excellent results, the students also have the necessary skills and self assurance for fulfilling careers in a fast-changing world. j j