Basic Information & Location
Established in 1923, Benenden School is located in Kent in the Southeast England, about an hour away from London by train. Benenden School is one of the most popular girls’ school that provides full boarding, often being described as a traditional elite girls’ school with students from royal or prominent families, who could be princesses of some countries. Good School Guide recognised Benenden School as “everyone’s idea of what an English boarding school looks like”. The school is very popular among local students, therefore the entry barrier is relatively high. Hong Kong students may feel out of place studying there and parents should be aware of the situation when they make decision.
Academic Development
The school offers 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. In 2017, almost half of the girls achieved at least three A grades in A-Level.
Pastoral Care & Boarding
There are six Houses in the Lower School (aged 11 to 16) and four houses for Sixth Form students, who usually have individual rooms and are encouraged to do their own cooking and laundry. Each House is run by a team dedicated to the pastoral care of each student. Each girl also has a personal Academic Tutor, with whom she meets at least weekly to discuss her academic progress to ensure that she has the right balance of work and extracurricular activities.
Extracurricular & personal development
Benenden students have different opportunities to extend their abilities to develop lifelong interests. There are numerous musical events such as orchestras, choirs, as well as drama dance and art groups. Plenty of sports clubs and activities are offered to students. Students may work for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or join one of the Young Enterprise companies in the Sixth Form.
