Roedean School in Brighton decides against merger

Roedean, a Brighton independent day and boarding school for girls, has written to parents to confirm they will not be merging with Mill Hill Education Group (MHEG).

In December 2025, the school announced that it was considering a merger with MHEG, a charitable group of schools including Framlingham College, Mill Hill School, Cobham Hall and Heathfield School.

These mergers are often driven by practicality – combining resources, sharing facilities, and keeping schools viable in response to a number of financial pressures, including the introduction of VAT on school fees last year.

Back in December, a statement from headmistress Niamh Green and Delva Patman, interim chair of Roedean council, was shared on the school’s social media.

It said that the school was “actively exploring ways of building on our strong foundations to ensure that the school not only continues to thrive but also unlocks new opportunities for our students, both now and in the future”.

“With that in mind – and taking account of the rapidly-evolving educational landscape – we believe that joining a group of thriving schools is the best way to strengthen our position and enhance the exceptional experience Roedean offers girls,” they said.

The team added: “Under this proposal, the School would join the Mill Hill charitable family of schools and benefit from the range of advantages that come with joining a successful group, whilst also maintaining our unique name, ethos, educational standards and historic identity as a leading all girls’ school.”

A group of alumni who run a Facebook page called Roedean Governors Page argued there were “no tangible benefits to Roedean from joining MHEG” but that MHEG “would gain a lot from the transaction”.

They also argued that the takeover posed risks for “maintaining the culture which is integral to the school’s success and to our long-term future as an all-girls school on our iconic site”.

The group feared the school could become co-educational under MHEG, following in the footsteps of a number of girls schools already acquired by the group.

Now Roedean has confirmed that the merger will not go ahead.

A letter signed by Delva Patman to parents said: “Although both organisations entered into initial discussions with the strong belief that a charity merger would prove beneficial for Roedean and MHEG, following careful consideration and a collaborative process, the decision has been made together not to proceed based on a number of factors, and Roedean will therefore not be joining MHEG.”

The letter added: “We maintain absolute respect for MHEG, and have enjoyed a close and positive working relationship over recent months.

“The discussions around a possible merger were rooted in long-term strategic planning and in ensuring Roedean remains in a position of strength within an increasingly challenging educational landscape.

“While both organisations have now mutually agreed not to proceed, the school continues to operate from a strong financial footing, as reflected in our recently published accounts.

“Our focus remains firmly on ensuring that Roedean is exceptionally well placed to thrive in the decades ahead.

"Roedean is proud of its heritage as a leading provider of all-girls’ education, underpinned by academic ambition, pastoral strength and a vibrant school community

"These qualities continue to guide our strategic direction as council explores opportunities that support the school’s long-term resilience.”