Three students at Benenden School each achieved a clean sweep of Level 9 GCSE grades, and more than one in ten students achieved at least nine Level 9s.
Senior school
Benenden School
Benenden School is a girls' boarding school offering a broad curriculum with excellent pastoral care and extensive co-curricular opportunities.
Boarding fees
£63,900 – £70,170
Entry
Iseb Pretest + School ExamSelective
Next deadline
Tue 1 Dec 2026Scholarship deadline
Updated 4 months agosource
At a glance
Key facts
Gender
Girls
Pupils
480
Location
Cranbrook, Tunbridge Wells
Rural setting
Day or boarding
Boarding
Age range
11 to 18
Founded
1923
Entry points
11+, 12+, 13+, 14+, 16+
ISI inspection
Excellent
Inspected 2025
School buses
Yes
Saturday school
Yes
Wraparound care
Available
Bursaries
Available
Show 3 more factsShow fewer facts
Scholarships
Art, Other, Academic +5
A-level A*–A
68%
2024
GCSE 9–7
80%
2024
Overview
About Benenden School
Benenden School offers boarding education for girls aged 11 to 18, with a rich programme of weekend activities, co-curricular opportunities, and curriculum trips. The school provides excellent pastoral and 24/7 medical care, with facilities including a gym, swimming pool, and music practice rooms. The school values personal visits and open days to help families understand its unique character.
Houseroom EditorialOur take
Houseroom Editorial
Our take
Independent girls senior school in Tunbridge Wells for ages 11–18. Selective entry, top-tier fees.
Best for
- 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.
- Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
- Families comfortable with top-tier independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
Watch-outs
- Fees sit at the top of the independent 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.
- 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.
AdmissionsApplication timeline
Admissions
Application timeline
September 2027 entryRegistration tbcCloses 31 Oct 2025Reply by 1 Mar 2027
- TBCOpen dayTo be confirmedVarious dates throughout the yearOpen Days and Visits
- Oct31Registration closesPassed
- Sep19AssessmentPassed
- TBCOffersTo be confirmedLast year: 15 Dec 2026
- Mar1Acceptance deadlineNext
Not yet published: registration opens, bursary deadline, interview.
UpcomingOpen events
Upcoming
Open events
Private tours by arrangement with admissions.
Fees & costFees
Fees & cost
Fees
£46,200per year · Day · 2026-27 · est. (3 x term)
Inc. VAT £46,200VAT included7 years: £364,901
vs London avg (£24,000)93% above
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Quick answers about Benenden School
Answered only from Benenden School's verified details on Houseroom, with sources. For anything else, ask admissions.
Financial supportBursaries & Scholarships
Financial support
Bursaries & Scholarships
What sets it apartDistinctive features
What sets it apart
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
Beyond the classroomActivities & co-curricular
Beyond the classroom
Activities & co-curricular
sport
CheerleadingcricketlacrosseLacrosse Teamsquashstrength and conditioningtennis
music
chamber music ensemblesChapel Choirchoirsjazz bandMusic Ensembles - Lime Ave Jazz Bandorchestra
drama
Drama - Musical TheatreHouse Shout
academic club
DebatingInventors Challenge Team - FABonoidsModel United Nations (Model UN)Professional Skills ProgrammeShort Courses / Electives
service
Combined Cadet Force (CCF)Duke of Edinburgh Award
On campusFacilities
On campus
Facilities
sports
All-Weather Sports PitchgymPavilion with Changing Rooms and Spectator Areaswimming pool
arts
Centenary Hallmusic practice roomsThe Sir David K.P. Li Music School
boarding
Boarding Houses including Main 19th century building HemstedStaff Housing
academic
School Science Labs and Science Atrium
wellbeing
CaféChaplaincyDining RoomMedical CentreSixth Form Common Room / Coffee BarWellbeing Hub
OutcomesLatest exam results
Outcomes
Latest exam results
68%
A-level A*–A
80%
GCSE 9–7
DestinationsWhere leavers go
Destinations
Where leavers go
4%
to Oxbridge (2025)
72%
to Russell Group
| 2025 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cohort | 100 | — |
| Oxbridge | 4 | 9 |
| Russell Group | 72 | — |
| US Ivy | 2 | 0 |
| Medicine | 5 | 7 |
Top universities (2025)
UCLImperialDurhamEdinburghExeterLSEKing's College LondonCambridge
CurriculumQualifications offered
Curriculum
Qualifications offered
GCSEA Level
In the newsRecent coverage
In the news
Recent coverage
Early October 2025
The Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded Benenden School a significant strength for its non-examined courses and highlighted numerous positive aspects.
AlumniNotable alumni
Alumni
Notable alumni
Princess Anne (member of the British royal family)Rosamund Pike (actress)Sophie, Countess of Wessex (member of the British royal family)Diana, Princess of Wales (member of the British royal family)Lady Sarah Chatto (member of the British royal family)Lady Helen Taylor (member of the British royal family)Lady Gabriella Windsor (member of the British royal family)
Recommended next step
No open days listed yet
We'll email you when booking opens.
Fit for your child
Is Benenden School right for your child?
Score it on travel, academics, support and budget.
Check fit for my childCommunityHouse system
Community
House system
10 Boarding Houses
Pastoral careWellbeing
Pastoral care
Wellbeing
Counselling
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.
RegulationInspection
Regulation
Inspection
ISI inspection, 7 Oct 2025
Excellent
CalendarTerm dates 2026/27
Calendar
Term dates 2026/27
Autumn2 Sept 2026 → 10 Dec 2026Half-term 16 Oct 2026–1 Nov 2026
Spring5 Jan 2027 → 24 Mar 2027Half-term 12 Feb 2027–21 Feb 2027
Summer19 Apr 2027 → 3 Jul 2027Half-term 28 May 2027–6 Jun 2027
PathwaysFeeder schools
Pathways
Feeder schools
Also considerSchools like Benenden School
Also consider
Schools like Benenden School
FAQQuestions parents ask
FAQ
Questions parents ask
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; Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school; Families comfortable with top-tier independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
How much are the fees at Benenden School?+
Day fees at Benenden School are £15,400 a term in 2026-27 (£46,200 a year). Boarding fees are £21,300 to £23,390 a term in 2026-27 (£63,900 to £70,170 a year). Extras such as lunches, uniform and trips are on top.
When is the next open day at Benenden School?+
No dates are listed yet. Save Benenden School and we'll email you when booking opens.
How does admissions work?+
Benenden School is selective. Expect an entrance assessment at each entry point.
Does Benenden School support SEND?+
Benenden School offers some SEND support. Ask admissions which needs it can meet.
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.
How do I contact admissions at Benenden School?+
Contact Benenden School by email at registry@benenden.school or phone on 01580240592.
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