Benenden School
Benenden School is a girls' boarding school offering a broad curriculum with excellent pastoral care and extensive co-curricular opportunities.
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Our take
Independent girls senior school in Kent for ages 11–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.
- Families seeking a senior school for ages 11–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry.
- Parents who want a single-sex environment for their daughter.
- Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered.
- Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
- Families comfortable with top-tier London independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
- Fees sit at the top of the London market. Factor in extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition) before committing.
- Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
- SEND provision isn't documented in our profile. If your child has an EHCP or specific learning needs, ask admissions about case-by-case capacity before applying.
- Single-sex (girls). Comfortable for some children, less so for others — worth a visit on a normal teaching day rather than only an open-day showcase.
Application timeline
3 of 7 admissions stages have confirmed dates. Save this school to be notified when dates are published.
| Year | Opens | Closes | Reply by | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | TBC | 1 Mar 2027 | 1 Mar 2027 | Open |
| 2027-28 | TBC | 31 Oct 2025 | 1 Mar 2027 | Tbc |
Open events
Private tours and additional visits available by arrangement — contact admissions to arrange.
Fees
Bursaries & Scholarships
About the head
Benenden is committed to providing 'A Complete Education', combining strong academic programmes with wide-ranging co-curricular opportunities and personal and professional development.
Distinctive features
extensive weekend activities included in fees
24/7 medical care on-site
means-tested bursary support
boarding and day options
specialist scholarship programmes in academic, music, art, drama, sport, creative technology, all-rounder
Scholars Mentoring Programme
use of ISEB Common Pre-test for admissions
Activities & co-curricular
sport
music
drama
academic club
service
Facilities
sports
arts
boarding
academic
wellbeing
Latest exam results
Where leavers go
| 2025 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cohort | 100 | — |
| Oxbridge | 4 | 9 |
| Russell Group | 72 | — |
| US Ivy | 2 | 0 |
| Medicine | 5 | 7 |
Recent coverage
Between 2024 and 2026, Benenden School achieved notable academic successes. In August 2025, 79% of GCSE grades were awarded Levels 9-7, with 40% at Level 9, and 62% at Levels 9-8. Three students achieved a clean sweep of Level 9 grades, and 11% of the year group secured at least nine Level 9 grades. In August 2024, 71% of A-Level grades were at A* or A, a significant increase from the previous year.
Notable alumni
Open-day dates not yet published
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How well does Benenden School match?
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Wellbeing
Benenden School fosters a vibrant community through its house system, enabling students to engage in collaborative activities like House Shout performances that promote creativity, confidence, and teamwork. The school supports pupil welfare with pastoral care and counselling services.
Inspection
Isi — 7 Oct 2025
One inspection report on file. Worth reading before booking a visit — covers safeguarding, leadership and overall standard.
Term dates 2025-26
Feeder schools
Schools like Benenden School
Ranked by semantic similarity across curriculum, ethos, intake and admissions style. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.
Questions parents ask
Common questions about Benenden School, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.
What kind of child is Benenden School best for?+
Benenden School suits: Families seeking a senior school for ages 11–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry; Parents who want a single-sex environment for their daughter; Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered; Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school; Families comfortable with top-tier London independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
How does admissions work?+
Admissions are selective — expect an entrance assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early. See the admissions timeline above for confirmed dates.
Are fees published?+
Yes — see the Fees section on this page. Add extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition, registration fees) on top of the base figure before budgeting.
Does the school support SEND?+
Some SEND provision is documented in our profile, but specific conditions supported aren't itemised. Contact admissions for details before applying.
Are there open days?+
9 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.
How do I contact admissions?+
email at registry@benenden.school or phone on 01580240592. Reference your child's age and intended entry year in the first message.
What similar schools should I compare?+
We've ranked 6 schools by semantic similarity to Benenden School — see the "Schools like Benenden School" grid on this page. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
- How much are the fees at Benenden School?
- Day fees at Benenden School range from £35,415 to £42,495 per year. Boarding fees range from £49,344 to £65,133 per year.
- What ages does Benenden School take?
- Benenden School takes pupils from age 11 to 18.
- Is Benenden School a day or boarding school?
- Benenden School is a boarding school.
- Is Benenden School co-educational or single-sex?
- Benenden School is a girls' school.
- Where is Benenden School?
- Benenden School is in Tunbridge Wells, TN17 4AA.
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