About
Us
Benenden is 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.
Welcome from
the Headmistress
Thank you for taking the time to explore our website and gain an insight into the ethos of Benenden, which is regularly described as one of the leading boarding schools in the world for very good reason.
As Headmistress, I am incredibly proud of our students; their achievements and the inspirational careers they go on to pursue are the finest possible demonstration of the Complete Education we offer here. This philosophy truly underpins all aspects of Benenden life so that every student is supported and motivated to reach her potential. Indeed, everyone in our community has a part to play in the care and welfare of our students as we know that well-supported, happy students truly flourish.
Of course, you can only learn so much about a school from a website because choosing a school should ultimately be decided by the feeling you get when you visit. We are frequently told by families that when they visited Benenden they loved the happy and relaxed environment; that it was a place they could see their daughter thriving and becoming the young woman they hoped she would be. I would encourage you to arrange a visit via the admissions pages on this website and see for yourself the benefits of A Complete Education at Benenden.
I look forward to welcoming you.
Ms Rachel Bailey
Vision
and Mission
Vision
To be a leading provider of girls’ boarding education.
Mission
Through our Complete Education, we shape future generations of successful, visionary women.
This mission is supported by our values of confidence, compassion, courage and courtesy which are underpinned by our focus on community.
Strategic Plan
We are pleased to share with you our Strategic Plan for 2025-2028: Shaping Future Generations of Successful Visionary Women.
The title of this document acts as a firm commitment of our mission statement, which is designed to ensure every student at Benenden receives A Complete Education and leaves us truly prepared for her future. Importantly, every action we have identified focuses on the girls’ experience.
ISI Report October 2025
Benenden School is proud that its innovative curriculum has been formally recognised by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).
In a glowing report that praised Benenden in all areas following a routine inspection in October 2025, the School was awarded the distinction of a “significant strength” for its non-examined courses. Significant strengths are not recognised often by ISI and only when a school delivers something particularly distinct that has a significant impact on pupils beyond that of most other schools.
Our
Ethos
At Benenden School, we are experts in educating young women. Above all, we want our students – whether boarders or day students – to relish all that life in a boarding school has to offer, to enjoy their learning, develop intellectual curiosity and be ambitious, while learning to achieve balance in their lives.
In all that we do at Benenden, we foster the need to value oneself and others. In so doing, we expect each student to be a responsible and considerate citizen and we support her to grow into a confident, positive young woman who will play an active part in society.
By emphasising the importance of spiritual and personal growth, we help our pupils to develop self-knowledge – to become outward looking, courageous and compassionate – so they will be inspired to make a difference to our School community and throughout their lives for the benefit of others.
Development
We have educated more than 5,000 Benenden Seniors since the School was founded in 1923. Benenden has made many enhancements to its education provision over the years – investing in facilities, broadening the curriculum, widening access and developing community partnerships.
The Complete Education enjoyed by Benenden pupils today has in large part been made possible by the generosity of support provided by the Benenden community.
Discover more about development at Benenden here.
Leadership and Governance
We are pleased to introduce the teams at Benenden who are responsible for our leadership and governance.
Governing
Council
Senior
Leadership Team
Equality
and Diversity
Benenden enjoys a diverse community of both students and staff and this very diversity is one of the School’s greatest strengths.
We recognise the link between equality and quality and will not unfairly discriminate in the recruitment or general treatment of staff or pupils on the basis of any factor which is not relevant to academic achievement.
To be clear, we do not tolerate any form of unlawful or unfair discrimination which could include, but is not limited to, age, race (which includes colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, trade union membership, disability, pregnancy or maternity, political views, religious or similar philosophical beliefs or because someone is married or in a civil partnership. We aim to ensure equal treatment for all.
Benenden School is committed to securing equality of opportunity through the creation of an environment in which individuals are treated solely on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities.
Explore
Work with us
If you would like to come and make difference at here at Benenden School, please do view our current vacancies.
School Shop
Order our merchandise online and find out about the range of services provided by our School shop, LASS.
