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Benenden School independent school in Kent logo

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
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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Admission & Fees

Fees Vs. National Average

+43.0%

Benenden School's fees are 43.0% higher than the national average.

Fees Vs. County Average

+44.0%

Benenden School's fees are 44.0% higher than the county average.

Based on 28 schools in Kent and 213 nationally.

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

Gender:Girls only
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.
Bursaries: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.

Facilities

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

Other Details

Founded:1923
Gender Mix:Girls only
Boarder Mix:Approx. 90.4% of pupils are boarders
School Size: Approx. 532 pupils
SmallLarge
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

Contact Information

Address

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

(Open in Maps)

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