A former students’ collective is marking the news that a prestigious educational institution has decided against combining with a charitable network of independent schools.
Roedean, an independent day and boarding establishment for girls located in Brighton, has contacted parents to verify that it will not be proceeding with a combination with the Mill Hill Education Group (MHEG).
The school revealed in December 2025 that it was evaluating a potential combination with MHEG, a charitable collection of educational institutions encompassing Framlingham College, Mill Hill School, Cobham Hall and Heathfield School.
Such combinations are typically motivated by practical considerations like consolidating resources, sharing infrastructure, and maintaining institutional viability amid various financial challenges, notably the recent implementation of VAT on educational fees.
Back in December, a joint communication from headmistress Niamh Green and Delva Patman, interim chair of Roedean council, appeared on the school’s online platforms.
The message indicated that the institution was actively seeking methods to build upon its robust foundations to ensure it not only continues to prosper but also creates fresh possibilities for its pupils, both presently and moving forward.
Taking into account the constantly changing educational environment, they felt that aligning with a cluster of successful institutions represented the optimal approach to reinforcing their standing and elevating the outstanding experience Roedean provides to girls.
They further noted that under such an arrangement, the school would become part of the Mill Hill charitable network of institutions and gain from the benefits associated with joining a thriving group, while preserving its distinctive name, principles, academic benchmarks and historical character as a prominent all-girls establishment.
A collective of former students managing a Facebook page called Roedean Governors Page contended that the school would derive no real advantages from joining MHEG while MHEG would derive substantial gains from the arrangement.
They also maintained that such an acquisition presented dangers for preserving the culture fundamental to the school’s achievements and to their lasting prospects as an all-girls institution on their historic grounds.
The collective expressed concern that the school might transition to co-educational status under MHEG, following the pattern of several girls’ schools already purchased by the group.
Roedean has now affirmed that the combination will not move forward.
A communication signed by Delva Patman to parents stated that although both entities entered initial discussions with firm conviction that a charitable combination would prove advantageous for both Roedean and MHEG, following thorough evaluation and a cooperative process, the mutual choice has been made not to continue based on various considerations, meaning Roedean will accordingly not be joining MHEG.
The correspondence noted that they retain complete regard for MHEG and have valued a close and constructive partnership throughout recent months.
The discussions regarding a potential combination were grounded in long-term strategic planning and in securing Roedean’s position of strength within an increasingly demanding educational climate.
While both organisations have now mutually agreed not to proceed, the institution maintains a robust financial position, as demonstrated in recently released financial statements.
Their priority remains ensuring Roedean is exceptionally positioned to flourish in the years ahead.
Roedean values its history as a prominent provider of all-girls’ education, supported by academic aspiration, pastoral excellence and a lively school community.
These attributes continue to direct their strategic approach as council examines possibilities that reinforce the institution’s enduring strength.