At Roedean, giving back is an important part of school life. Through fundraising, volunteering and community action, students develop compassion while making a meaningful difference to others. Throughout the 2025–26 academic year, the Roedean community has come together to support local, national and international causes, raising an incredible £29,291 for charity.

Each year group has its own chosen charity, with students raising awareness and funds through activities and a major annual challenge. From endurance events to international outreach, each initiative has reflected the kindness, determination and sense of responsibility that define the Roedean community. This commitment was recognised at the Education Choices Awards 2026, where Roedean received a Special Mention for Working with Local Charities.

Year 7: Easter Donation

Year 7’s chosen charity is Rockinghorse, the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton, supporting projects that improve healthcare experiences for children and young people across Sussex.

Their sponsored abseil down Peacehaven Cliffs was postponed due to exceptionally hot weather, but students have already shown their commitment through creative fundraising activities. A Year 7 Easter cake design competition saw the winning design transformed into a special cake, which was delivered alongside the largest donation of Easter eggs received from the Roedean community to date, as a thank you to NHS staff at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital.

Year 8: 24-Hour Walking Challenge

Year 8 supports the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), which helps people affected by motor neurone disease while funding research and improving care.

For the third year running, students completed the school’s 24-hour overnight walking challenge. Together, Year 8 covered 2,362 kilometres, beating the previous record by more than 300 kilometres, while the whole school contributed to a total of 3,466 kilometres.

The challenge became a true community effort, with students, staff, families, boarders and even dogs joining in. Twenty-two Year 8 students completed a marathon distance or more, helping to raise £4,859 for MNDA.

Year 9: Brighton i360 Sky Walk

Year 9 supported Raystede, a local animal welfare charity providing care for vulnerable animals.

Twenty-three students and four members of staff took part in the i360 Sky Walk in Brighton, stepping outside their comfort zones while supporting one another through the challenge. Taking place 138 metres above the ground, the event gave students a unique opportunity to fundraise while experiencing something outside their usual routines.

The challenge raised around £5,200 for Raystede.

Year 10: Sleep-Out

Year 10 supports Off The Fence, a Brighton-based charity helping people experiencing homelessness and hardship. Through its work supporting access to training, employment opportunities and essential items, Off The Fence helps people rebuild their lives, and students are proud to contribute to this important cause.

The annual Sleep-Out encourages students to engage with important social issues and develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by others. This year, 42 students and five members of staff took part, raising £2,811.

Year 11: Brighton Women’s 8K Undercliff Run

Year 11 supports RISE, a charity providing vital support for individuals affected by domestic abuse, including advice, advocacy and refuge accommodation.

This academic year, Roedean was proud to sponsor the Brighton Women’s 8K Undercliff Run in support of RISE. Students took part in the event and volunteered throughout the day, helping runners, marshalling the route and supporting organisers at water stations.

“Participating in the women’s only RISE 8k, to raise awareness and funds for domestic abuse is a powerful opportunity for us at Roedean to stand together in compassion and solidarity.”

Sixth Form: Project 125 Moldova

Project 125 Moldova is a Roedean initiative supporting children and communities in Moldova through fundraising, teaching and partnerships with local organisations.

Throughout the year, students organised bake sales, car washes and other fundraising activities, raising £7,302. During their visit to Moldova in July, students presented these funds to the Rainbow of Hope orphanage.

Returning to Moldova for the fourth year running, students worked alongside the Chişinău-based NGO Hope4 to teach English to more than 80 Moldovan and Ukrainian children. They also visited communities experiencing poverty, spent time with children at the orphanage and gained a deeper understanding of life in the region.

Cycling from Brighton to Harare

The whole school came together for the Cycle to Harare challenge, supporting the Catalyst Foundation, which works to improve opportunities for children and young people.

Roedean provides monthly donations through the Foundation to support Natasha, Esther and Josephine with class materials and daily lunches.

Students and staff collectively cycled the 8,350 kilometres from Brighton to Harare using spin bikes around the school. The challenge helped raise funds for bicycles to enable the girls to travel to school more safely and efficiently.

A Year of Giving and Making a Difference

This year’s fundraising reflects the generosity and commitment of the Roedean community. Across the school, students have supported causes close to their hearts, taken on challenges and given their time to help others.

From Brighton and Sussex charities to communities overseas, students have shown the difference that can be made when people come together. We are incredibly proud of everyone who contributed to this remarkable year of giving.