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Benenden School bursaries.

Means-tested bursaries worth up to 100% of fees.

School profileScholarships

Key facts

Support
Up to 100% of fees
Means-tested
Yes, on household income and assets

Who qualifies

Available for entry to the School at all levels. Candidates no longer require the award of a scholarship in order to access bursary support. Parents/guardians… Read more

Available for entry to the School at all levels. Candidates no longer require the award of a scholarship in order to access bursary support. Parents/guardians of girls who require financial assistance to attend the School are encouraged to apply.

Source: benenden.school, checked 10 Nov 2026

Who can apply, and how

From Benenden School's own published policy, read on 10 Nov 2026. The school decides every award.

Benenden Bursary Awards

Up to 100% of fees

Means-tested bursaries for UK-resident day candidates entering at 11+, 12+, 13+, 14+ or 16+, covering up to 100% of fees.

Who can apply

  • Open at 11+, 12+, 13+, 14+ and 16+ entry. school's words
    “Bursaries may be awarded to parents of girls entering Benenden at 11+, 12+, 13+, 14+ or 16+.”
  • The largest awards go to households under £35,000. school's words
    “A family with a joint net disposable income of less than £35,000 may be eligible for a”
  • Your child must meet the normal entrance standard. school's words
    “candidates must meet the School’s academic requirements and perform well in the School’s”
  • Register for a place first. school's words
    “Parents/guardians of candidates who are registered for entry and who are seeking bursary support are”
  • Every parent is expected to work unless they can't. school's words
    “both would be expected to be earning unless one is prevented from doing”
  • Both parents' finances are assessed, including separated parents. school's words
    “in general, the financial circumstances of both parents/guardians will be assessed.”

How it works

  • Apply by 1 September in the year before entry. school's words
    “no later than 1 September in the academic year in which the prospective pupil is to sit the entrance examinations or pre-test”
  • The means test counts equity in your home, savings, investments and pensions, second homes or land, home improvements and lifestyle spending. school's words
    “The School considers that high levels of personal expenditure or a second home or significant”
  • Expect a home visit or video interview. school's words
    “A home visit or video call will be made by an external company appointed by the School”
  • Applications are assessed by Bursary Administration Ltd. school's words
    “Bursary Administration Ltd, our nominated assessor”
  • The award may also cover uniform and essential trips. school's words
    “may, in addition, include an allowance towards School extras - co-curricular activities, uniform costs and educational trips.”
  • Awards are reassessed every year. school's words
    “All bursary awards are reviewed annually and may be increased or reduced to reflect changes in the family”

Your checklist

  1. 1Register your daughter for entry.
  2. 2Complete the online Bursary Application Form and submit it with documentary evidence to Bursary Administration Ltd.By 1 September 2025 for September 2026 entry
  3. 3Take part in a home visit or video call with the external company.After submission
  4. 4Receive the place and bursary decisions, then sign the acceptance letter.After assessment

Source: the school's bursary policy (policy dated June 2025)

16+ Founders Award

Up to 100% of fees

Fully fundable sixth form places for boarders or day pupils, with uniform and activity allowance.

Who can apply

  • Open at 16+ entry. school's words
    “enter the Sixth Form (16+ or Year”

How it works

  • The award may also cover uniform and music lessons. school's words
    “all school uniform costs would be”

Source: the school's bursary policy (policy dated June 2025)

11+ Fourths Award programme

Up to 100% of fees

Fully fundable day places at 11+ for girls at listed local primary schools within 7.5 miles of Benenden.

Who can apply

  • Open at 11+ entry. school's words
    “enter the Fourth Form (11+ or Year 7).”
  • You must live within 7.5 miles of the school. school's words
    “located within a 7.5-mile radius of Benenden School.”
  • Your child must meet the normal entrance standard. school's words
    “Any candidate should be capable of achieving a good pass in Benenden’s entrance examinations”
  • Register for a place first. school's words
    “Registration 18 months ahead of entry is essential if the candidate is to be considered.”

How it works

  • The award may also cover uniform and music lessons. school's words
    “school uniform costs may be covered, and an allowance paid to cover up to two extra activities per term”

Your checklist

  1. 1Register 18 months ahead of entry.18 months ahead of entry

Source: the school's bursary policy (policy dated June 2025)

The Seniors’ Fund

Limited support for daughters/granddaughters of Benenden Seniors who are current pupils.

Who can apply

  • Only for families of former pupils. school's words
    “limited financial support is available to daughters/granddaughters of Benenden Seniors who are”
  • For pupils already at the school. school's words
    “current pupils via The Seniors’ Fund”

Source: the school's bursary policy (policy dated June 2025)

Continuity of Education Allowance supplement Bursary Award

Up to 20% of fees

20% discount on fees for children receiving the government CEA, with no bursary application needed.

Who can apply

  • Only for armed forces families. school's words
    “Candidates who are in receipt of the UK government Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) for Service”

Source: the school's bursary policy (policy dated June 2025)

Change in Family Circumstances

Bursary for existing pupils whose families unexpectedly fall into financial difficulty.

Who can apply

  • For pupils already at the school. school's words
    “The School makes provision, where possible, for cases of sudden, unforeseen need for existing pupils.”

Your checklist

  1. 1Apply to the Chief Operating Officer for a bursary.

Source: the school's bursary policy (policy dated June 2025)

Deadlines by entry point

EntryOpensClosesMeans-test formsDecision
11+2027-28—September 2026September 2026—

Named bursaries

Frequently asked questions

How much bursary support does Benenden School offer?

Bursaries at Benenden School are worth up to 100% of fees, depending on household income and assets. Full-fee places go to families on the lowest incomes.

Who qualifies for a bursary at Benenden School?

Available for entry to the School at all levels. Candidates no longer require the award of a scholarship in order to access bursary support. Parents/guardians of girls who require financial assistance to attend the School are encouraged to apply.

How do I apply for a bursary at Benenden School?

Register for a place, then return the school's financial form with P60s or tax returns and bank statements before the bursary deadline. Many schools make a home visit, and awards are reviewed each year.

Can I get a scholarship and a bursary at Benenden School?

Yes, the two are assessed separately: Benenden School lists 16 merit scholarships, and a bursary can be added on top where a family qualifies financially.