Roedean School for Girls is a private English medium and boarding school for girls situated in the suburb of Parktown in the city of Johannesburg in the Gauteng province of South Africa.
History
The school was founded in 1903 by Theresa Lawrence and, Katherine Margaret Earle: two young women in their early thirties, both educated at the University of Cambridge. They acted as joint Heads of School during the years 1903–1930. It is a sister school of Roedean School in Brighton, England which was founded by three older sisters of Theresa Lawrence, namely Penelope, Millicent, and Dorothy.
The school began with 22 pupils, and was situated in a small house in Jeppestown, Johannesburg. In 1904, it relocated to its current site in Parktown, Johannesburg.
Sir Herbert Baker, a prominent architect responsible for many of Johannesburg's most historical houses and monuments, designed the original school buildings. The oldest structures include St. Ursula's Building and Founder's Hall. Over the years, additions have been made, but the signature Herbert Baker features, with arches, colonnades, unwashed brickwork, and courtyards have been maintained.
Notable alumnae
Mary Maytham Kidd, botanical artist
Sheena Duncan, social activist
Jani Allan
Camilla Waldman, actress
Maud Sumner, artist
Lauren Beukes, author
Jillian Becker, writer
Sarah Calburn, architect
Kate Otten, architect
Rapelang Rabana, entrepreneur
Academics
Roedean's leavers write the Independent Examinations Board exams.
Sport
Roedean Senior School has been performing very well on sports during the year.
The sports that are offered in the school are: