Benenden School

Girls

“A Complete Education”

Church of England

Year 7 - Year 13 (Upper Sixth) (Ages 11-18)

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Benenden School is an independent boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18, situated within the 250-acre Hemsted Park estate near Cranbrook, Kent. Founded in 1923, the school is centred on Hemsted House, a Victorian mansion built in the 1860s. Its educational approach follows a 'Complete Education' model, which integrates academic study with professional skills and personal development. Facilities include a dedicated science centre, a professional-standard theatre, and a music school with a concert hall. The expansive grounds accommodate a variety of activities, including lacrosse, hockey, and equestrian sports.

Selectivity:

Academic

Acceptance to Benenden School is based on academic performance and suitability for the school environment. For the primary entry points at 11+ and 13+, applicants are required to sit the online ISEB Common Pre-Test and attend a Preview Assessment Day or weekend. During these sessions, students complete mathematics and English tasks and have an informal interview. A confidential reference and report from the candidate's current school are also necessary components of the evaluation process. Entry at other levels, including the Sixth Form, involves competitive examinations and interviews.

Boarding:

Full Boarding

Weekly Boarding

Values:

Courage

Courtesy

Confidence

Compassion

This information is for guidance only. We aim to keep it accurate and helpful, but details may change or be inaccurate or incomplete. Please confirm key information with the school’s official website before making decisions.

Please contact us if any of this information is incorrect.

Last updated on 10 March 2026 (not all data elements were necessarily updated on this date)

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Fees (Day Pupils)

Vs. National Average

+42.9%

Benenden School's fees are 42.9% higher than the national average.

Vs. County Average

+43.4%

Benenden School's fees are 43.4% higher than the county average.

Based on 27 schools in Kent and 209 nationally.

Note: based on core termly fees including mandatory lunch and learning materials charges but excluding any discounts or other additional charges for extra-curriculars, registration, etc. Please check the schools' official websites for full fees and charges.

View fees on the school website

Details

Founded:1923

Gender Mix:Girls only

Boarder Mix:Approx. 90.4% of pupils are boarders

School Size: Approx. 532 pupils

SmallLarge

Associations:

Qualifications/Certifications Offered:

GCSE

IGCSE

A Level

AS Level

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

LAMDA

ABRSM

Trinity College London

Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Certifications

Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD)

SAT / SAT Subject Tests

Bursaries offered: Yes

The school offers means-tested bursary support for students at all entry levels. These awards provide financial assistance based on a family's financial situation and can cover up to the full cost of tuition and extra expenses such as uniforms and educational trips.

Sports Facilities:

Assault Course

Squash Court

Tennis Court

Gym (Strength & Conditioning)

Judo

Rounders

Cross Country Course

Badminton Court

Swimming Pool (Indoor)

Fencing

Playing Fields

Lacrosse

Trampoline

Rugby Pitch

Spin Studio

Hockey Pitch

Cricket Grounds

Netball Courts

Astroturf Pitch

Athletics Track

Sports Hall

Football Pitch

Other Facilities:

Student Kitchen

Drama Studio

3D Printer

Theatre

Pupil Café

Outdoor Classroom

Health Centre

Recital Hall

Dance Studio

Exhibition Space

Music Studio

Library

Bee-keeping

Laser Cutter

Allotment

School Shop

3D Studio

Chapel

Recording Studio

Contact Information

Address

Benenden School, Benenden, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 4AA

(Open in Maps)

Website

https://www.benenden.school/

General Enquiries

01580 240592

Admissions

Company Details

Corporate Type:Company Limited by Guarantee (with Charitable Status)

Charitable Status:Charitable

Registered Charity No.:307854

Registered Company No.:00196353