Benenden School Review: A Comprehensive Guide
Explore the world of Benenden School—one of the UK’s finest institutions for girls, set in the heart of Kent’s countryside. With notable alumni such as Princess Anne, the school nurtures the next generation of bright, confident leaders in a stimulating boarding environment.
Table of Contents
Benenden School Summary
- Type of school: all-girls full boarding school
- Age range: 11-18
- Pupils: 560; sixth formers: 186
- Boarders: 100%
- Fees: £18,900 – £20,790 per term
- 2024 GCSE Results: 84% 9-7
- 2024 A-Level Results: 71% A*/A
Overview
Benenden School is one of the UK’s leading girls’ boarding schools, offering a full-boarding experience in the heart of the Kent countryside. Founded in 1923, the school provides an exceptional all-round education, combining academic excellence with a focus on personal development, leadership, and community values.
Benenden is one of the few remaining full-boarding schools, fostering a close-knit and vibrant environment where students develop independence, resilience, and lifelong friendships. The school attracts students from across the UK and internationally, with many coming from top London prep schools.
Set within 250 acres of parkland, Benenden offers state-of-the-art facilities alongside its historic Victorian country house setting. The school has a strong alumnae network of over 5,000 members worldwide. Among its distinguished graduates, Princess Anne is the most well-known, having served as Head of House for Guldeford.
Benenden School Courses and Programmes
Benenden School offers a well-rounded and forward-thinking academic programme designed to challenge and inspire students. The curriculum balances academic rigour with flexibility, allowing pupils to tailor their studies to their strengths and interests.
GCSE and A-Level Programmes
Students follow a structured GCSE curriculum before progressing to A-Levels. The school adopts an innovative approach to A-Level teaching, allowing students to choose any combination of subjects that best suit their future aspirations.
In addition to A-Levels, students can opt for the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)—a research-based project that encourages independent study and critical thinking, preparing them for university-level learning.
Science and Vocational Studies
Science is one of Benenden’s most popular and well-resourced subjects, with a state-of-the-art science block featuring:
- Three dedicated laboratories per science subject (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics)
- Specialist experience rooms exclusively for Sixth Form students
- A 150-seat lecture theatre hosting visiting speakers and research events
Beyond traditional academics, Benenden offers vocational courses designed to be realistic and practical, ensuring students gain hands-on experience in applied fields.
Professional Skills Programme
Launched in 2016, the Professional Skills Programme is a unique initiative aimed at Sixth Formers, equipping them with essential business, finance, and life skills. The programme bridges the gap between academic study and real-world applications, preparing students for university and beyond.
Benenden Diploma
For students in Fourth and Upper Fourth (Years 7–8), Benenden has developed a two-year bespoke curriculum known as the Benenden Diploma. This programme goes beyond traditional subject teaching, incorporating:
- High-profile speakers
- Workshops by expert guests
- Interdisciplinary learning experiences
The diploma encourages creativity, problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of the world, ensuring students develop a broad knowledge base alongside their academic subjects.
Benenden School Fees
For the Spring and Summer Terms of 2025:
- Boarding: £15,750 + £3,150 VAT = £18,900
- Day: £11,300 + £2,260 VAT = £13,560
- Weekday lunches: £290 per term (additional charge)
International Boarding Fee:
- From September 2025, a higher fee applies to overseas students joining Benenden for Sixth Form.
- The exact fees for 2025-26 will be confirmed in June 2025.
- Based on current rates, the estimated total fee, including VAT, is £20,790.
Benenden School Rankings and Results
Benenden School consistently delivers exceptional academic results, reflecting the dedication of both students and teachers.
In 2024, the school achieved:
- 84% of GCSE grades at 9-7 (equivalent to A*-A)
- 71% of A-Level grades at A-A*
These results place Benenden among the top-performing girls’ schools in the UK, demonstrating its commitment to academic excellence while ensuring students receive a well-rounded and enriching education.
Boarding Experience At Benenden School
Benenden School offers a full-boarding experience that provides structure, independence, and a strong sense of community. While all pupils are full boarders, they have the flexibility to go home on weekends, allowing for a balanced boarding lifestyle.
Benenden has ten boarding houses, each with its own distinct character:
- Junior Houses (Years 7–11): Echyngham, Guldeford, Hemsted, Marshall, Medway, Norris
- Sixth Form Houses (Years 12–13): Beeches, Elms, Limes, Oaks
Boarding rooms are bright, homely, and thoughtfully decorated. Younger pupils share rooms with up to five girls, fostering friendships and connections. As they progress, they can choose smaller rooms with fewer roommates. Sixth Formers enjoy private, modern en-suite rooms in a purpose-built, deluxe boarding block, ensuring a comfortable and independent living environment.
Dining and Food Experience
Benenden takes exceptional pride in its food, offering freshly prepared meals made from local ingredients. The school provides a wide variety of dishes, catering to all dietary requirements, from home-cooked comfort meals to gourmet dining options.
Wellbeing and Medical Support
Student health and wellbeing are a top priority. Benenden has a 24-hour Medical Centre staffed by registered nurses, ensuring round-the-clock care. A visiting physiotherapist and School Counsellor are available for additional support.
Benenden’s boarding environment provides a safe, welcoming, and enriching experience, allowing students to thrive academically and personally while fostering lifelong friendships.
Pastoral Care At Benenden School
Each student is part of a boarding house, providing a strong sense of belonging and community. Within the houses, pupils receive close pastoral support from:
- Housemistresses/Housemasters – Oversee the welfare and development of students
- Deputy Housemistresses/Housemasters – Provide additional support and supervision
- House Tutors – Teaching staff who offer academic and pastoral mentorship
- Matrons – Help with daily life, ensuring students feel at home and well cared for
Each student also has a personal tutor, who meets with them weekly to offer guidance, academic support, and wellbeing advice.
Benenden is also committed to emotional wellbeing and provides comprehensive mental health support:
- 24/7 Medical Centre with registered nurses
- On-site School Counsellor for confidential emotional support
- Wellbeing Programme integrated into school life
- Mindfulness, yoga, and resilience-building workshops
Benenden School Application Deadline
The school must receive applications for boarding spots by September of the year before the student wants to start the academic year. Applications, for instance, must be submitted by September if they are to be considered for admissions in the next year’s intake.
Benenden School Extracurricular Activities
Benenden offers a wide range of social activities outside of academics to encourage students to develop their talents, explore new interests, and enjoy a well-rounded school experience.
Arts and Music
Benenden has a thriving arts scene, providing opportunities in drama, music, and visual arts.
Drama: The school boasts a fully equipped theatre with two full-time technicians, where students can gain hands-on experience in lighting, sound, and set construction. There are at least two major drama productions each year, along with numerous student-led performances. LAMDA qualifications are also popular.
Music: From instrumental lessons and ensembles to choirs and orchestras, Benenden nurtures musical talent at every level. Students can explore classical, contemporary, and experimental genres through various music groups and performance opportunities.
Art and Design: The school’s art and design programme is particularly impressive, offering a wide range of creative disciplines, including Etching and lino printing, sculpture and ceramics, as well as textile arts such as embroidery.
Sports
Benenden has a strong sporting tradition, offering both mainstream and niche sports.
Traditional girls’ sports: Lacrosse, netball, hockey, tennis, athletics
Specialist activities: Scuba diving, pool, mountain biking, and archery
Dance: A dedicated dance studio offers classes in ballet, tap, and contemporary dance. The school also offers GCSE Dance.
Fitness and Facilities: A modern fitness suite, an all-weather sports pitch, and a sports pavilion provide top-tier training environments.
The Weekend Programme
Benenden’s Weekend Programme ensures that boarding students enjoy a variety of fun, social, and enriching activities beyond academics. Activities include:
Sports and Adventure: Canoeing, windsurfing, rock climbing, volleyball, ice skating, dry skiing, and abseiling
Creative Workshops: Jewellery making, movie makeup sessions, cookery, card making, circus skills, T-shirt painting
Trips and Cultural Outings: Theatre trips, overnight camps, shopping excursions, Tate Modern visits, cinema and museum trips
Events and Socials: Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, themed dinners, chocolate fountain parties, and discos with boys’ schools
In addition, the school fosters social interaction with boys’ schools through shared events, dinners, and discos, making for an enjoyable and well-rounded experience.
Benenden School Reviews
“It was not the extensive, manicured grounds or state-of-the-art facilities, or the exam results that most impressed us. It was the charming, confident, fulfilled and happy girls we met that convinced us that we had concluded our school search.”
“Benenden has been such an amazing experience for me so far – I haven’t stopped smiling since I got here and I’m so excited to be here for years to come.”
“Our daughter has been at Benenden for two years now and has grown in confidence and maturity while achieving more academically than we had thought she could.”
Benenden School Contact Information
- Official website: https://www.benenden.school
- Email: registry@benenden.school
- Phone number: 01580 240592
- Location: Benenden School, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 4AA
Frequently Asked Questions About Benenden School
The majority of Benenden students progress to top Russell Group universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, Durham, and Edinburgh. Popular cities among graduates include London, Bristol, and Exeter, with some students choosing to study in the USA and Canada. The school provides strong academic support, university preparation, and career guidance to help students achieve their ambitions.
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Apply To Benenden School Today!
Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!