Roedean School: 2026 GCSE & A-Level Results, Fees, Admissions and Boarding Guide
ROEDEAN SCHOOL: WHAT SHOULD INTERNATIONAL FAMILIES KNOW?
Roedean School is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11–18 in Brighton, Sussex.
Founded in 1885, Roedean has developed into one of the UK's best-known girls' boarding schools, combining academic study with sport, music, drama, art, STEM and a wide range of co-curricular activities.
For international families, Roedean is particularly interesting because it combines a strong academic profile with boarding provision and a distinctive coastal location.
But there is an important reason to look at Roedean again in 2026.
The school's latest GCSE and A-Level results are exceptionally strong.
At GCSE, Grade 9 was the most common grade in the 2026 cohort, with almost three quarters of all grades at 9–7. At A-Level, 58% of grades were A*-A and 81% were A*-B, making 2026 the school's strongest A*-A performance in a decade.
For parents considering a British independent school, however, examination results are only the starting point.
The real question is whether Roedean is the right environment for a particular student.
This guide looks at the latest academic results, fees, scholarships, admissions, boarding and the practical issues that Korean and other international families should consider before applying.
IN BRIEF: 7 THINGS PARENTS SHOULD KNOW
• Roedean is an independent girls' day and boarding school for ages 11–18.
• Grade 9 was the most common GCSE grade in 2026.
• 72% of the 2026 GCSE cohort achieved at least one Grade 9.
• Almost three quarters of all GCSE grades were 9–7.
• 58% of A-Level grades were A*-A in 2026.
• Four students secured Oxbridge places.
• Scholarships are available in academic subjects, art, dance, drama, music and sport for UK-based and international applicants entering Years 7, 9 and 12.
ROEDEAN GCSE RESULTS 2026: HOW STRONG ARE THEY?
Roedean's 2026 GCSE results are among the most impressive aspects of the school.
According to the school's official results:
• Grade 9 was the most common grade by a significant margin.
• 72% of students achieved at least one Grade 9.
• 19 students achieved six or more Grade 9s.
• One in five students achieved all Grades 9–8.
• One in three students achieved all Grades 9–7.
• Almost three quarters of all grades awarded were Grades 9–7.
• One third of all grades were Grade 9.
These results demonstrate a very strong academic performance across the year group rather than simply a small number of exceptional students.
Why Parents Should Not Read GCSE Results as a Guarantee
A school's examination results should always be interpreted in context.
Roedean is a selective school, which means students entering the school already meet academic requirements.
Therefore, a family should not assume that a student joining Roedean will automatically achieve the same grades as the published cohort.
For an international student, a more useful question is:
Does my daughter have the academic preparation, English ability and learning habits to succeed in this environment?
This distinction is particularly important for students transferring from an overseas curriculum.
ROEDEAN A-LEVEL RESULTS 2026: A STRONG SIXTH FORM PROFILE
The latest A-Level results are equally significant.
In 2026:
• 58% of all grades were A*-A.
• 81% of all grades were A*-B.
• Almost one in four grades was an A*.
• Five students achieved straight A* grades.
• Twenty-four students achieved all A*-A grades.
• Four students secured Oxbridge places.
Roedean describes the 58% A*-A result as its strongest performance at these grades in a decade and the strongest since the current A-Level specifications were reformed.
The university destinations are also broad.
Students are progressing to universities including Cambridge, Imperial College London, UCL, King's College London, Edinburgh, Exeter, Manchester, St Andrews and York, alongside universities in the US, Australia, Hong Kong and Europe.
Why the EPQ Result Is Worth Noticing
One additional detail deserves attention.
Roedean reported that 22 of the 29 students taking the Extended Project Qualification achieved A*-A.
The EPQ can be valuable because it requires students to conduct sustained independent research and develop an extended project beyond the normal A-Level curriculum.
For students aiming for highly selective university courses, the ability to research independently and develop academic interests beyond the syllabus can be useful.
However, parents should remember that an EPQ is not a substitute for strong A-Level performance or course-specific admissions requirements.
ROEDEAN, OXBRIDGE, MEDICINE AND STEM
Roedean's latest university outcomes are particularly relevant to families considering competitive courses.
Four students from the 2026 cohort secured Oxbridge places.
The school also reports strong progression into STEM-related subjects and specialist university destinations.
This makes Roedean worth investigating for students considering areas such as:
• Medicine
• Veterinary Medicine
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence
• Mathematics
• Natural Sciences
But parents should avoid one common mistake.
A school's Oxbridge or Medicine results do not mean that simply attending the school will make a student competitive for these courses.
University applications remain individual.
Subject selection, predicted grades, admissions tests, academic enrichment, personal preparation and interviews can all matter.
For families considering Oxbridge, it is useful to understand the wider admissions process early.
Our related guide:
G5 Universities Explained: Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, LSE and UCL
https://studyukglobal.blogspot.com/2026/07/g5-universities-explained-ultimate.html
And for families researching the changing Oxford admissions-test landscape:
Oxford Admissions 2027: ESAT, TMUA and TARA Guide
https://studyukglobal.blogspot.com/2026/07/oxford-admissions-2027-esat-tmua-tara-guide.html
WHAT MAKES ROEDEAN DIFFERENT FROM OTHER GIRLS' SCHOOLS?
Roedean's location is one of its most distinctive features.
The school is located in Brighton, close to the English Channel, giving students access to a coastal environment that is quite different from the countryside setting of many traditional British boarding schools.
The school also offers an unusually broad range of activities.
Students can participate in areas including:
• Sport
• Music
• Drama
• Dance
• Art
• STEM
• Sailing
• Outdoor activities
• Academic competitions
Roedean's recent school updates also highlight success in mathematics and science competitions, including Maths Challenges, Chemistry Olympiad, UK Biology Challenge and British Physics Olympiad.
For academically ambitious students, this type of enrichment can provide opportunities to explore subjects beyond the formal curriculum.
BOARDING AT ROEDEAN: WHAT INTERNATIONAL PARENTS NEED TO CONSIDER
For overseas families, boarding is one of the most important parts of the school decision.
Roedean offers day, flexi boarding, weekly boarding and full boarding options.
This gives families flexibility, but parents should not assume that choosing a boarding school automatically solves every practical issue.
An international student may still need arrangements for:
• Airport transfers
• Half-term travel
• Exeat weekends
• School holidays
• Guardianship
• Visa arrangements
• Medical support
• Emergency contacts
• Communication with the school
• Travel between the UK and Korea
Is Your Daughter Ready for Boarding?
Academic readiness and boarding readiness are different things.
A student can achieve excellent grades but still struggle with living away from home.
Parents should consider whether their daughter can:
• Manage her own belongings
• Follow a daily routine
• Complete homework independently
• Ask adults for help
• Live comfortably with other students
• Deal with homesickness
• Communicate problems before they become serious
This is particularly important for students entering Year 7 or Year 9 from overseas.
ROEDEAN SCHOOL FEES 2026–27
Families should always use the school's latest published fee schedule when calculating costs.
For the 2026–27 academic year, Roedean publishes the following termly fees including VAT:
| Year group | Day | Flexi boarding | Weekly boarding | Full boarding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 7 | £8,586 | £12,576 | £15,462 | £16,932 |
| Year 8 | £9,654 | £13,752 | £15,540 | £17,766 |
| Year 9 | £10,746 | £14,064 | £15,594 | £18,714 |
| Years 10–13 | £11,220 | £15,204 | £17,244 | £20,316 |
There are three terms in the academic year. Therefore, a Years 10–13 full boarder has a published annual tuition cost of £60,948 including VAT before additional charges. The corresponding fee excluding VAT is £16,930 per term.
Roedean also lists additional charges for areas such as English as an Additional Language, individual tuition, music, sport, dance and other activities.
International families should therefore calculate the total cost of attendance, rather than looking only at tuition.
Results and fees were checked against information published by Roedean School for the 2026–27 academic year. Families should confirm the latest figures directly with the school before applying.
Other Costs Parents Should Budget For
The total annual budget may also include:
• Guardianship
• Flights
• Airport transfers
• Uniform
• Trips
• Private lessons
• Specialist activities
• Insurance
• Personal spending
• Examination-related expenses
The school also publishes a pre-paid fee scheme under which families paying at least one year's fees in advance may receive a discount at the current published rate, subject to the scheme's terms.
ROEDEAN SCHOLARSHIPS: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Scholarships are available for applicants entering Years 7, 9 and 12.
Roedean currently offers scholarships in:
• Academic
• Art
• Dance
• Drama
• Music
• Sport
These opportunities are open to UK-based and international applicants.
A scholar receives £2,500 fee remission annually, provided the required scholarship level is maintained.
This makes scholarships worth investigating early.
What Academic Scholarship Candidates Need
Roedean states that academic scholarship candidates entering Years 7 and 9 should expect to be within the top 5% of their current cohort.
Year 12 applicants should have predicted GCSE grades of 7+ across all subjects.
For specialist scholarships, applicants are expected to demonstrate ability and potential in their chosen field.
The application process can include a personal statement, evidence of ability and an assessment.
Importantly for international families, candidates studying abroad may complete scholarship assessments and interviews online.
HOW DOES ROEDEAN ADMISSIONS WORK?
Roedean offers several entry points, including:
• Year 7
• Year 8
• Year 9
• Year 10
• Year 12
The school also operates an Early Entrance Programme for 11+ applicants.
For applicants to the Sixth Form, the admissions process includes assessments, an interview and requirements relating to GCSE/iGCSE grades.
International applicants take assessments in their country of residence where applicable.
This is an important practical advantage for overseas families because the application does not necessarily require every stage to take place in the UK.
When Should International Students Start Preparing?
Parents should ideally begin well before the formal entrance assessment.
Preparation may include:
• Reviewing current academic results
• Assessing English comprehension
• Strengthening mathematics
• Practising reasoning questions
• Developing interview skills
• Researching scholarship options
• Reviewing boarding readiness
• Preparing school reports and references
• Planning guardianship
• Understanding visa requirements
The earlier these areas are identified, the more time the student has to address weaknesses.
WHAT SHOULD KOREAN PARENTS PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO?
For Korean families, there are several issues that can easily be underestimated.
English Ability Is More Than an Entrance-Test Score
A student may have a strong English score but still find British classroom communication difficult.
At GCSE and A-Level, students are expected to understand complex explanations, participate in discussions, read independently and produce extended written answers.
Academic English therefore needs to be developed alongside entrance-exam preparation.
Boarding Readiness Matters
Parents often spend considerable time preparing for an entrance examination but very little time preparing the student emotionally for boarding.
For a younger student, this can become a much bigger issue after arrival.
Guardianship Should Be Arranged Early
International families should establish guardianship arrangements before the student begins school.
Parents need to know who will support the student during holidays, exeats and unexpected situations.
School Fit Is More Important Than a League Table
Roedean's examination results are excellent.
But academic performance should not be the only selection criterion.
A student interested in STEM, music, drama, sport or outdoor activities may benefit greatly from Roedean's broad programme.
Another student may be happier in a different environment.
The best school is not necessarily the most famous school.
It is the school where the student can thrive.
ROEDEAN AND LONG-TERM UNIVERSITY PLANNING
One of the biggest advantages of entering a British independent school earlier is the amount of time available for academic development.
A student entering in Year 9, for example, has several years to:
• Develop academic English
• Explore subjects
• Choose GCSE options carefully
• Build super-curricular interests
• Develop independent study skills
• Identify potential university courses
• Prepare for competitive admissions
For students interested in Medicine, Oxbridge, Engineering, Mathematics or Computer Science, this longer preparation window can be valuable.
The important point is not to begin formal UCAS preparation too early.
Instead, families should gradually build the academic foundations that will later support a strong application.
WHO IS ROEDEAN SCHOOL LIKELY TO SUIT?
Roedean may be particularly suitable for a student who:
• Enjoys academic challenge
• Wants a girls-only environment
• Is interested in boarding
• Enjoys sport or outdoor activities
• Has strong STEM interests
• Enjoys music, drama or art
• Wants extensive extracurricular opportunities
• Is considering competitive UK universities
• Is ready to become increasingly independent
Parents should think more carefully if their daughter:
• Finds academic competition stressful
• Has difficulty living independently
• Strongly prefers co-education
• Is not interested in extracurricular activities
• Is not emotionally ready for boarding
The goal of school selection is not simply to find the school with the strongest statistics.
It is to find the environment in which the individual student is most likely to succeed.
ROEDEAN SCHOOL APPLICATION CHECKLIST
Before submitting an application, international families should be able to answer the following questions:
Which year group are we applying for?
Does the student's academic profile meet the school's expectations?
Is her English strong enough for British classroom learning?
What entrance assessment will she take?
Is she prepared for the interview?
Should she apply for a scholarship?
Is she ready for boarding?
Who will provide guardianship?
Where will she stay during school holidays?
What is the realistic total annual budget?
What academic pathway is realistic for her after entry?
What support will she need to adapt to GCSE or A-Level study in English?
Does Roedean fit her personality?
Does the school offer the activities she genuinely enjoys?
Does Roedean support her likely longer-term academic and university goals?
Answering these questions before applying can help families avoid choosing a school simply because it has an impressive reputation.
FAQ: ROEDEAN SCHOOL
Is Roedean School a boarding school?
Yes. Roedean is an independent girls' day and boarding school for students aged 11–18 in Brighton, Sussex.
What were Roedean's GCSE results in 2026?
Grade 9 was the most common grade. Seventy-two per cent of students achieved at least one Grade 9, while almost three quarters of all grades were 9–7.
What were Roedean's A-Level results in 2026?
Fifty-eight per cent of A-Level grades were A*-A and 81% were A*-B. Four students secured Oxbridge places.
How much is full boarding at Roedean?
For Years 10–13 in 2026–27, full boarding is £20,316 per term including VAT. The corresponding fee excluding VAT is £16,930 per term.
Does Roedean offer scholarships to international students?
Yes. Scholarships are available to UK-based and international applicants entering Years 7, 9 and 12. Academic, art, dance, drama, music and sport scholarships are available.
How much is the Roedean scholarship?
A scholar receives £2,500 fee remission annually, provided the required scholarship level is maintained.
Can overseas applicants complete assessments online?
Roedean states that candidates studying abroad may complete scholarship assessments and interviews online, with overseas arrangements also available for relevant entrance assessments.
Is Roedean suitable for students aiming for Oxbridge or Medicine?
It can be. The 2026 cohort included four Oxbridge places and the school reported strong progression into STEM and specialist university destinations. However, individual academic performance, subject choices and university admissions preparation remain essential.
CONCLUSION: IS ROEDEAN WORTH CONSIDERING?
Roedean School deserves serious consideration from international families looking for a selective British girls' day and boarding school.
The latest 2026 results are particularly impressive.
At GCSE, Grade 9 was the most common grade, 72% of students achieved at least one Grade 9 and almost three quarters of all grades were 9–7.
At A-Level, 58% of grades were A*-A and 81% were A*-B, while four students secured Oxbridge places.
The school also offers a broad programme of sport, music, drama, art, STEM and other activities, together with a distinctive coastal environment.
For international families, Roedean’s academic results should be considered alongside boarding readiness, English ability, guardianship, total cost and long-term university ambitions. The key question is not simply whether Roedean is a good school, but whether it is the right environment for your daughter.
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