This is because through Roedean’s Big Sister initiative, Sixth Form students write to a new Year 7 before they join the school, offering a friendly introduction and a familiar face from the outset. It might be a simple welcome, a piece of advice or an invitation to come and say hello. For a younger student transitioning into our Brighton-based boarding school, knowing there is an older girl looking out for her can make a real difference. The same spirit can be seen in our Peer Listener programme, where trained Year 12 students provide a friendly and approachable space for younger students to talk.

A Familiar Face and Trusted Leadership

A Big Sister has already experienced many of the moments that can seem unfamiliar to a new Year 7, from finding her way around school to understanding the general rhythm of the day. The relationship continues beyond those first introductions, with Big and Little Sisters meeting for tea and a catch-up. Crucially, Big Sisters are someone Year 7s feel they can easily approach and talk to, giving them a real sense of grounding and providing another safe person to turn to.

For a Sixth Form student, being a Big Sister is an opportunity to take on a student leadership role and share what she has learnt. Peer Listeners offer another point of contact for younger students, while giving Year 12 students the opportunity to develop their own skills and contribute to the wider pastoral network.

As our Lennie, our Pastoral Prefect explains:

“The Big Sister programme is incredibly key to the school community, as a Big Sister you have the chance to step in a role of support, wisdom and comfort for somebody who has just began a new and exciting journey ahead. As a little sister you enter the school knowing someone will always be looking out for you for whatever you need. This skill of supporting younger students is built in year 12 through Peer Listeners, as a Sixth form student it has taught me how to make students feel heard and bringing a bit of fun into the school day. Not only have i learnt how to be a part of the school’s support network but my teamwork skills have flourished. As a group, we’ve launched initiatives such as the Kindness Jar which promoted positivity and overall, Peer Listeners was something we’re truly able to develop further as a unit. These connections across the school are vital in the well being of younger years as well as strengthening Roedean’s community for all.”

Building Community Across Year Groups

The connections between students extend beyond these initiatives. Co-curricular activities and House events regularly bring different year groups together.

Some clubs and activities are led or supported by Sixth Form students, giving younger girls the chance to share an interest with someone further along in her Roedean journey. House events provide another opportunity to work towards a shared goal, take part in competitions and spend time together.

A Year 7 and a Year 12 may have very different experiences of school, but these opportunities allow them to meet, learn from one another and become part of a wider school community.

Role Models in Action

For younger students, older girls can become role models simply through the parts they play in school life. A Sixth Form student might be someone a Year 7 sees performing on stage, representing the school in sport, leading a club or taking on a position of responsibility.

Seeing older students involved in different aspects of Roedean can give younger girls an idea of the opportunities they may discover as they progress through the school.

Part of Something Bigger

A Year 7 who receives a letter from her Big Sister will, in time, become one of the older students herself. From a letter before the first day to tea with a Big Sister, a conversation with a Peer Listener, a shared activity or a House event, these experiences help build relationships across the years.

In this way, students become part of a community where younger girls can look to older students for inspiration, while older students gain invaluable leadership development and have opportunities to contribute to the experience of those who follow.