Benenden School Overview
Founded in 1923, Benenden School is a prestigious all-girls full boarding school located in Kent, Southeast England—just an hour from London by train. Known for its traditional British charm and heritage, Benenden has long been associated with royalty and prominent families, with some students said to be princesses from around the world. The Good Schools Guide calls it “everyone’s idea of what an English boarding school looks like.” Highly sought after by UK and overseas families alikes, Benenden maintains a competitive admissions process due to its high academic standards.
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Academic Matters
The school offers the GCSE and A-Level programme and aims to give each girl a complete education in which she achieves her academic potential and grows as an individual. The average class size is 16, with a teacher pupil ratio of 1:7. Trips and events, which are organised by departments throughout the year to supplement the curriculum, including trips to museums, the theatre, fieldwork centres, exhibitions and lectures.
Benenden School Courses And Programmes
GCSE and A-Level Programmes
Benenden offers both GCSE and A-Level qualifications, providing students with a broad academic foundation followed by a more specialised curriculum. The A-Level programme stands out for its flexible subject combinations and balanced teaching approach—combining innovation with practical sense.
Students are free to choose any mix of subjects based on their strengths and interests. For those seeking additional academic challenge, the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) offers a structured opportunity to explore a topic in depth.
Vocational Courses
Benenden offers a range of vocational subjects that are both practical and engaging. These courses focus on real-world application and are designed to appeal to students interested in hands-on learning experiences. This balance between academic rigour and practical relevance helps students develop key skills for both university and the workplace.
Professional Skills Programme
Introduced in 2016, the Professional Skills Programme prepares Sixth Formers for life beyond school. It covers essential topics such as business fundamentals, financial literacy, and everyday life skills. The programme is aimed at developing confident, capable young adults ready to take on leadership roles and navigate the complexities of adult life.
Benenden Diploma
The Benenden Diploma is a bespoke two-year curriculum for pupils in the Fourth and Upper Fourth (Years 7 and 8), designed to capture the energy, curiosity, and creativity of students in their first years at the school. Unlike exam-led programmes, the Diploma offers the freedom to explore learning through dynamic, interdisciplinary experiences that emphasise both academic content and essential life skills. Built around the acronym CREATE—Collaboration, Resilience, Empathy, Analytical thinking, Technological literacy, and Empowerment—the course focuses on a core skill each half term, reinforced across subjects, assemblies, and House activities. The curriculum blends traditional 50-minute subject lessons with special cross-curricular projects, including termly off-timetable days led by staff and industry professionals. Highlights include collaborative initiatives such as establishing a school vegetable garden while engaging external agencies. The programme culminates in a graduation ceremony and exhibition where pupils showcase their achievements. Informed by the World Economic Forum’s Skills for 2025, the Benenden Diploma equips students with the tools to thrive in the modern world while building a lasting love for learning.
Benenden School Fees
2025 Full boarding fees: £18,900 per term (inclusive of VAT)
Benenden School Application Deadline
Benenden School Boarding And Pastoral Care
Benenden School has six Houses for Lower School students (ages 11 to 16) and four dedicated Houses for Sixth Formers. Sixth Form students typically enjoy the independence of their own rooms and are encouraged to take responsibility for daily tasks such as cooking and laundry.
Each House is supported by a dedicated pastoral team that ensures every girl feels cared for and supported. In addition, every student is assigned a personal Academic Tutor, with whom she meets at least once a week to monitor academic progress and maintain a healthy balance between study and extracurricular life.
Benenden School Extracurricular Activities
Benenden offers a great range of extracurricular opportunities designed to nurture creativity, confidence, and character beyond the classroom.
The Arts
The school has a fully equipped theatre supported by two full-time technicians, where students can explore all aspects of production—from lighting and sound to set design and construction. At least two major drama productions take place each year, alongside a vibrant calendar of student-led performances. The LAMDA programme is thriving, helping girls develop confidence in public speaking and acting.
For music enthusiasts, there is a wide variety of options including instrumental lessons, orchestras, ensembles, and choirs. Art and design are equally strong, with students engaging in techniques such as etching, lino printing, imaginative sculpture, and intricate embroidery.
Sports and Fitness
Students can participate in popular sports like lacrosse, netball, hockey, and tennis, alongside more adventurous options such as scuba diving, pool, rock climbing, mountain biking, and windsurfing. The school features a dance studio for tap, ballet, and contemporary dance, and students can also pursue Dance GCSE. Facilities include a state-of-the-art fitness suite, an all-weather pitch, and a modern sports pavilion, ensuring girls of all interests and abilities are well catered for.
The Weekend Programme
Weekends at Benenden are packed with a wide variety of creative, physical, cultural, and social activities. Sports outings include canoeing, abseiling, ice skating, dry skiing, archery, and volleyball. Creative workshops range from cookery and jewellery making to T-shirt painting, circus skills, and theatrical makeup. Girls also enjoy regular trips to the theatre, museums, the cinema, and shopping destinations, as well as overnight camps. A range of social events—including discos, themed dinners, and chocolate fountain parties—are organised, often in collaboration with boys’ schools, adding to the vibrant social scene.
Broader Enrichment
Those looking for leadership and enterprise experience can work toward the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or join a Young Enterprise company in the Sixth Form, gaining practical business skills and teamwork experience.
Benenden School Reviews
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
