Benenden School

Benenden is regarded as one of the leading boarding schools in Britain. Founded in 1923, we are situated in 250 acres of attractive parkland in Kent, the Garden of England, just an hour from London. There are 550 girls in the School, aged 11-18.

We offer every girl A Complete Education in which she realises her academic potential, grows as an individual and is well prepared for life beyond school.

This is achieved through an outstanding academic offering which will help your daughter to achieve her very best, together with unrivalled co-curricular opportunities and a dedicated focus on developing every girl’s personal and professional skills.

Our unique boarding model is central to this Complete Education, as it builds a strong partnership between school and home.

We are proud to consistently hear that the girls at Benenden are happy and relaxed, and that there is a culture of ‘stretch without stress’. Parents tell us that they simply ‘got a feeling’ when they visited Benenden that they knew it was the right school for their daughter.

We would be delighted to welcome you to visit us to see Benenden for yourself.

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Social media benendenschool benendenschool
Address Cranbrook
TN17 4AA

Essentials

Head Samantha Price

Age range 11 - 18
Day / Boarding
- Day
- Full Boarding
Religious affiliation Church of England

Exams
14+ GCSE, IGCSE
16+ A Level, Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Fees (per term) September 2020 - July 2021
Senior School
- £13,124
Sixth Form
- £13,124
Find out more about fees >

Exams
- Exams
- 14+ GCSE, IGCSE
- 16+ A Level, Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Fees (per term)
- Fees (per term) September 2020 - July 2021
- Senior School
  - £13,124
- Sixth Form
  - £13,124
- Find out more about fees >

Bursaries & Scholarships

Benenden is proud to offer bursary support to ensure that all those worthy of a place at the School have the same opportunities regardless of their financial circumstances. For entry to the School at all levels, candidates no longer require the award of a scholarship in order to access bursary support. The parents/guardians of girls who require financial assistance to attend the School are therefore encouraged to apply for a means-tested bursary.

Bursary application forms are available from the Registry and must be submitted to the Director of Finance and Operations no later than 1 September in the academic year in which your daughter is to sit the entrance examinations or pre-test.

There are five main types of bursary award available.

1. 11+ Fourths Award programme
(previously the 11+ Trust Award Bursary programme)

Each year Benenden School can offer one or more places for a girl to enter the Fourth Form (11+ or Year 7). Each place may be fully funded – that is to say up to 110% of school fees, subject to means-testing.

The 11+ Fourths Award is open only to girls attending one of the following local primary schools, located within a 7.5 mile radius of Benenden School.

Benenden CEP
Colliers Green CEP
Cranbrook CEP
Frittenden CEP
Goudhurst & Kilndown CEP
Hawkhurst CEP
Headcorn Primary
High Halden CEP
Horsmonden Primary
John Mayne CEP
Rolvenden Primary
Sandhurst Primary
Sissinghurst CEP
Smarden Primary St Michael’s CEP (Tenterden)
Staplehurst School
Tenterden CEJ
Wittersham CEP

2. 16+ Founders Award
(previously the Sixth Form Trust Award programme)

Each year Benenden School can offer one or more places for a pupil to enter the Sixth Form (16+ or Year 12). Each place may be fully funded – that is to say up to 110% of school fees, subject to means-testing. In addition to covering fees, if necessary, all school uniform costs would be covered and an allowance paid to cover two extra activities per term, eg musical instrument tuition, sports coaching, or extra drama, etc. The successful candidate would be expected to complete her education with us.

Applicants for the 11+ Fourths Award and 16+ Founders Award do not need to pay the Registration Fee.

Details of the 11+ Fourths Award and 16+ Founders Award programmes can be obtained separately from the Registry.

3. Continuity of Education Allowance supplement Bursary Award

Candidates who are in receipt of the UK government Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) for Service or Diplomatic Children may seek additional bursary support from Benenden via a means-tested bursary application. Bursary awards in these cases may be worth up to 10% of fees. To assist with forward planning, we will be pleased to consider such bursary requests at any time after Registration.

4. Seniors’ Bursary

Support of up to 110% of fees is available to daughters of Benenden Seniors on joining the School. Applicants for the Seniors’ Bursary will be assessed in the same way as the general Bursary programme, set out below. This bursary award replaces the Seniors’ Scholarship. Further bursary assistance may be available from the BSSA.

5. Benenden Bursary Awards at 11+, 12+, 13+, 14+ and 16+

Our general Bursary award progamme is open to all UK resident candidates. Awards are subject to means-testing and the eligibility criteria set out below.

For any enquiries relating to Scholarship and Bursary awards, please contact Registry, on 01580 240592 or [email protected]

Scholarships

Benenden enjoys a thriving programme for Scholars including Academic awards and our most accomplished musicians, artists, actresses, designers and sportswomen.

At Benenden, Scholarships are given to recognise talent and we are delighted to identify and reward that ability each year.

All awards made are honorary and do not therefore include any fee remission as part of the award. All Scholarship awards will be full in status and recipients will be invited to take part in our extensive Scholars’ Mentoring Programme. The Programme provides access to a range of specialist enrichment activities to inspire girls and extend their knowledge, a mentor to guide and encourage her on her journey and important leadership opportunities.

Being a Scholar is a position of honour at Benenden. Whilst it does not carry any remission in fees, it does allow your daughter to play a key role in the life of the School and opens a world of opportunities from which she can expand her learning.

Find out more >

Scholarships & Bursaries offered