Roedean Academy turns 16: changing student outcomes

The Roedean Academy, a donor-funded educational initiative by Roedean School (SA), marks 16 years of empowering academically promising girls from under-resourced schools in Johannesburg.

Launched in 2009, the academy set out to create a sustainable support system that could offer more than just extra lessons but change outcomes. Since then, the programme has grown steadily, with clear and measurable impact.

What began as a partnership with neighbouring Barnato Park High School in Berea has expanded to include Newgate College in Hillbrow. Today, 52 learners from Grades 10 to matric receive additional tuition in Mathematics, English, Physical Sciences and Information Technology.

The academy’s strength lies in its structure. Small classes, experienced educators – including university lecturers – and a clear focus allow it to deliver quality teaching where it’s needed most. Each grade attends lessons three times a week. Every session begins with a hot meal. Learners receive textbooks, stationery, scientific calculators and, in matric, iPads with data. They are also supported with transport allowances, grocery vouchers, counselling and eye care.

“Our support extends far beyond academic tuition,” says Roger Bourquin, Co-ordinator of Roedean Academy.

“We address the whole person, creating an environment where young women can thrive despite challenging circumstances.”

The Learn-to-Swim programme, teaches academy students basic water safety and drowning prevention. The Sacred Circle provides counselling support and Saturday seminars help students cope with the demands of school and home life. A leadership camp in the Magaliesberg gives Grade 11 students the chance to test themselves in new ways. And for those approaching the end of school, the Academy’s Next Step programme offers practical support to matric girls in finding tertiary opportunities – from applications for further studies and bursary guidance to career counselling and internship referrals.

And it has paid off.

The Academy’s class of 2024 achieved an 83% bachelor’s pass rate – far above the national average for government schools (48%). The top students earned multiple distinctions, with one outstanding achiever getting four. In 2023, the students achieved a 100% pass rate.

“These results show what’s possible when academic talent is matched with real support,” notes Roedean Academy administrator Caroline Green.

Graduates of the programme have chosen varied paths. Akani Khumalo, who matriculated in 2017, is now a medical doctor. Nonhlanhla Mbele, who matriculated in 2019 works as a teacher’s assistant at Roedean’s junior school (St Margaret’s). Kalenga Mwamba, who matriculated in 2018 and graduated top of her class in audiology at the University of the Witwatersrand, is doing a pre-medical degree in the United States.

“Not every student chooses university,” says Bourquin. “Some pursue technical or vocational careers. What matters is that they’re prepared – and progressing.”

Phuti Mogale to lead Roedean Senior School as new Head of Senior School

Mrs Phuti Mogale has been appointed as the new Head of Senior School at Roedean, starting 1 July 2025. This appointment brings a leader with proven success in girls’ education to one of South Africa’s most prestigious schools.

“Mrs Mogale has a stellar track record in girls’ education and embodies the leadership spirit that will guide our school into its next chapter. Her legal background combined with her hands-on experience in education gives her a unique perspective that will benefit our students,” says Roedean School Executive Director Lindi Dlamini.

Mrs Mogale currently serves as Deputy Headmistress and Head of Boarding at St Mary’s School, Waverley. She holds an LLB degree from the University of the Witwatersrand and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of South Africa (Unisa), specialising in senior and further education training phases. She also holds a Certificate in Practical Legal Training from Unisa.

Mrs Mogale’s path to educational leadership began at Waverley Girls’ High School, where she was a student leader. After studying law, she chose to pursue the field of education starting at Rembrandt Park Primary and quickly rose to leadership positions at Bryanston High School, Pretoria High School for Girls and St Mary’s School Waverley.

“What stands out about Mrs Mogale is her deep understanding of girls’ education from multiple angles – as a former student, a legal professional and now as an educational leader. She’s also passionate about educating young women,” notes Dlamini.

Her leadership programmes have made an impact both at the schools where she has worked and through her collaboration with other institutions. These programmes focus on developing student confidence and practical leadership skills that serve young women beyond the classroom.

Roedean School is a prominent independent girls’ boarding and day school in Johannesburg. Founded in 1903, the school seeks to prepare its approximately 750 students to lead a life of significance, buoyed by its values, heritage and academic excellence. The school plots a complete journey for each student, starting in Grade 0 and leading up to matric, with a strong emphasis on pastoral care and holistic development.

Introducing Roedean’s new Senior School Head

We are delighted to announce that Ms. Phuti Mogale has been appointed as the Head of Senior School and will assume her responsibilities on 1 July 2025.

Ms. Mogale has a Bachelor of Laws degree from Wits University, and Certificate in Practical legal Training from UNISA. She also holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) (Senior and FET Phase) from UNISA. She is currently the Deputy Headmistress and Head of Boarding at St Mary’s Waverley.

Ms Mogale is deeply passionate about educating the girl child. As a product of Waverly Girls, where she was a student leader, she went on to study law before choosing to pursue education. She has started teaching and quickly found herself appointed to leadership positions in Bryanston High, Pretoria High School for Girls and St Mary’s School Waverley. She enjoyed successful and respected tenures in these spaces. She deeply understands the dynamics of the Girls’ Independent Schools sector from multiple vantage points and recognises the expected rigour of our environment.

Through the leadership programmes that she runs, within the schools that she has worked in and in collaboration with other schools, Ms Mogale is widely respected by the educational community. On hearing of her appointment, the outgoing Head of Senior School, Ms Roberts was delighted saying that she is such a fabulous fit for Roedean since during their interactions, they share so many philosophical and practical ideals.

Senior School Executive remarks

Quoting the rest of the Senior School Exco, we feel confident that Ms Mogale will ben warmly welcomed and ably supported as she takes over the reins of a happy, stable, full, and high achieving school.

Anel Natali – Deputy Pastoral Care ‘I am excited to welcome Phuti to our Roedean team. I have had the privilege to hear her speak at a couple of SAGSA workshops on leadership. Her insights and practical tools on building relationships in schools has been inspiring. Welcome Phuti!’

Claire Hochstadter – Deputy Curriculum ‘I am really looking forward to working with Phuti. She has a genuine passion for education and empowering students through leadership. I am so excited to work with her in further developing our students in becoming global citizens.’

Roger Bourquin – SS Exco ‘A big welcome to Phuti. I have no doubt that her leadership and pastoral care expertise will provide further insight into optimising the Roedean Academy and Bursary Program.’

Nthabiseng Raseala – SS Exco ‘Mrs Phuti Mogale is a dynamic and steadfast leader with a forward-thinking vision and passion for girls’ education. I am excited that she is joining Roedean Senior School.’

Please join us in welcoming Phuti, her husband and children to the Roedean Community. We look forward to the valuable contribution she will make, working with the wonderful team at the Senior School, supported by all of us, ensuring that Roedean continues to be a bastion of excellent girls’ education

Matric Results 2024

Roedean School’s holistic approach sees more than half its candidates scoring above 80%

Roedean School’s Matric Class of 2024 has achieved jaw-dropping results, with a 100% Bachelor’s Degree Pass rate and more than half the students scoring above 80%. Overall, students achieved an impressive combined average of 79.4% and an average of 4.42 distinctions per student. Additionally, 18 results ranked in the top 1% in various subjects.

According to Annabel Roberts, Head of Senior School at Roedean, “The key to our success is our focus on holistic well-being, which supports the child as a whole, rather than just academically.”

She adds, “Because of this, we’ve seen the greatest improvements in students’ marks from the end of Grade 11 to Grade 12. Our approach demonstrates that the solution lies not in hyper-focusing on academic excellence only but in taking care of the student as a whole – emotionally, physically and spiritually. This has resulted in us achieving the second-best results we have ever achieved.”

To make this happen, Roedean implemented several important changes. “We increased break times, set aside time for meetings, sports and cultural activities, and created small, integrated tutor groups that encourage mentorship. We also reduced academic time, allowing students to pursue sporting and cultural activities and better manage their time and well-being.”

This shift has been very successful.

Roberts continues, “These impressive Matric results were achieved while keeping our holistic approach in mind. We believe our students have not only excelled academically and in sports and cultural activities, but they have also developed as individuals.”

Roedean School is known for its excellent academic programmes and offers a dynamic curriculum that emphasises creativity, critical thinking and character development. Students are encouraged to explore a wide range of interests – from sciences and humanities to arts and sports – in a supportive environment that helps them develop their own strengths. 

Additionally, Roedean School promotes a strong sense of social responsibility among its students. Various programmes encourage them to engage with both local and global issues, helping to shape young women who are not only knowledgeable but also compassionate and determined to make a difference.

This commitment is reflected in the achievements of our two top students, who both earned nine distinctions and ranked in the IEB’s top 5% in six or more subjects. In addition to achieving academic excellence, they also excelled in various sporting and cultural co-curricular activities. 

“In fact, at the end of 2024 Roedean was ranked the seventh-best sporting school and the top water polo school in South Africa, according to SuperSport. That is the balance we’re passionate about,” adds Roberts.

For the school’s Executive Director, Lindi Dlamini, Matric marks the end of a magical time spent preparing students to take their rightful place in society, inspired to live a life of significance. 

“We take pride in the work we’ve done to equip these young students to be reliable, ethical global citizens who have not only grown in their academic, sporting and cultural abilities but who have grown in their characters, too,” says Dlamini.

Roedean School’s achievements demonstrate how effective a holistic approach to education can be. The results speak for themselves – a 100% Bachelor’s Degree Pass rate and a remarkable number of distinctions show that when students feel supported and balanced, they can shine in all areas.

Key highlights:

  • Second-highest results achieved in the history of the school
  • 100% Matriculation pass rate
  • 100% Bachelor’s Degree – BD (university entrance) – pass rate
  • 292 distinctions from 66 students
  • An average of 4.4 distinctions per candidate
  • The overall average of the cohort was 79.4% 
  • Three candidates on the IEB Outstanding Achievements List: Kajal Jogi, Mia Loizides and Neo Leseilane were ranked in the top 5% of IEB learners in six or more subjects and achieved a rating level of 7 in Life Orientation
  • One candidate on the IEB Commendable Achievements List: Ammarah Ismail was ranked in the top 5% of IEB learners in five or more subjects and achieved a rating level of 7 in Life Orientation

Key statistics: 

  • Two students received nine distinctions
  • 12 students were ranked in the top 1% across 18 subjects
  • Eight students received eight distinctions
  • 10 students received seven distinctions
  • Four students received six distinctions
  • 10 students received five distinctions
  • All subjects with more than three students were above the IEB average
  • Subjects that were 10% or more above the IEB average: Geography (16%), Mathematics (15%), Afrikaans FAL (15%), Physical Sciences (13%), Visual Arts (12%), Life Sciences (11%), Music (11%), Accounting (10%), History (10%) and English HL (10%) 

PRESS RELEASE: Roedean School (SA) partners with CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa.

Rallying together to support childhood cancer Roedean School (SA) partners with CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa.

  • September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
  • Buy your Childhood Cancer ribbon to show your support and raise awareness.

Around 80% of all childhood cancer cases globally occur in low- and middle-income countries yet less than a third of children are diagnosed in these countries and of those that are treated, less than 20% survive (South African Government Official Information and services, 2024).

We are proud to announce our partnership with CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA, a non-profit organisation that advocates for the health and wellbeing of children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders and their families. “Our shared and non-negotiable core values of service and teamwork with the aim of transforming our world continues to be the pillars that encourage us to stand up and support the well-being of our communities” said Lindi Dlamini, Executive Director.

We call our community to come together in support of our efforts to spread awareness of childhood cancer, early diagnosis as well as treatment. From 13 September to 20 September, you will be able to buy a gold ribbon for as little as R15,00. The ribbon will serve as a way for individuals to show their allegiance and advocate for research and resources.

We would really like to make an effort befitting of Roedean, so we urge our community to fully support us in meeting our target of R100 000. We encourage you to #PlayYourPart to ensure that affected families have the means to send their children to hospital for cancer treatment. Unfortunately, for most families sending a child to hospital has an adverse impact on necessities of daily living such as food and shelter.

#PlayYourPart and donate now via:

Ribbons can be collected from Junior School Reception or Senior School Reception upon confirmation of payment.

May we continue to live our values and participate actively in social responsibility. Like and follow us on our social media channels to learn more about Childhood Cancer and how you can #PlayYourPart

Warm regards

Mrs Lindi Dlamini

Executive Director

Matric Results 2022

Congratulations to the students and staff of Roedean School (SA) on an outstanding academic performance

Almaaz Mudaly involved in Learning Planet Youth Empowerment Circle

On Tuesday 11, May at 3pm, Almaaz Mudaly will be participate in the international launch of the Learning Planet Youth Empowerment Circle.

This is a result of the links that Mrs Majorie Brown, HOD History and 2018 Varkey Foundation Global Teacher top 10 finalist made last year with Learning Planet around Model UN and Climate Action work. Almaaz continues to make a huge impression with international coordinators.

The coordinators are linked to UN committees such as WHO, UNESCO, UNICEF to name a few, who are interested in youth voices playing a larger role in policy making, but also in protecting youth at a time of Covid and several related pressures.