
Admissions
at Benenden
We hope that you and your daughter are interested in finding out more about Benenden.
The information on this page gives you an indication of the process and our friendly and experienced Admissions team are always available to speak with you.
First and foremost we recommend families come and visit to get a good sense of life at Benenden.


An Open Door
Approach
We encourage prospective families to visit us as many times as you wish, through open days, personal visits and to join us at school-wide events. We know how important a decision it is to choose the right school and we are happy to answer any questions you may have – no matter how minor you think your query may be!
Admissions Journey
Selecting a school can seem like a complex process. Use this entry calculator to give you an indication of some of the key stages in the journey to deciding on your daughter’s school. Our Admissions team — whose contact details are below — will be happy to answer any questions.
See what your daughter’s personal Admissions journey looks like
Next Steps
Open Days and Visits
Benenden greatly values its relationship with parents, from parents’ first exploratory contact with the School, throughout their daughter’s school career, and often beyond.
A personal visit, where you will be able to speak with members of staff and with students, will help you to appreciate the unique character of Benenden. Prospective pupils and parents are warmly encouraged to visit Benenden as soon as you feel ready to begin looking at senior schools and as many times as you like during the Admissions process.
Discover upcoming open days and visits here.
Deadlines and Waiting Lists
For any enquiries relating to Admissions, and for further details on current reserve lists, please contact our friendly Admissions team on 01580 240592 or email registry@benenden.school.
11+ Entry
Our entry lists for September 2024 is now closed and we are operating waiting lists. Registration for 2025 remains open.
Once a registration list is closed, we maintain a reserve list of those who would like to be considered for a place should one become available. If you would like your daughter’s name to be placed on the reserve list for September 2024, please complete the registration form (non-fee payer). We will only ask for the registration fee to be paid in the event that we are able to move a candidate’s name to the main Admissions register.
12+ Entry
Our entry lists for September 2024 are now closed and we are operating waiting lists.
Once a registration list is closed, we maintain a reserve list of those who would like to be considered for a place should one become available. If you would like your daughter’s name to be placed on the reserve list for September 2024, please complete the registration form (non-fee payer). We will only ask for the registration fee to be paid in the event that we are able to move a candidate’s name to the main Admissions register.
13+ Entry
Assessment is in Year 6 for a Year 9 entry.
We are operating waiting lists for 13+ entry in September 2024 and 2025. Registration for 2026 remains open.
Once a registration list is closed, we maintain a reserve list of those who would like to be considered for a place should one become available. If you would like your daughter’s name to be placed on the reserve list for September 2024, please complete the registration form (non-fee payer). We will only ask for the registration fee to be paid in the event that we are able to move a candidate’s name to the main Admissions register.
14+ Entry
We are now operating a waiting list for 14+ entry in September 2024.
The deadline for Year 10 applications for September 2025 is 1 August 2024.
Sixth Form (16+) Entry
We are now operating a waiting list for 16+ entry in September 2024.
The deadline for Sixth Form applications for September 2025 is 1 August 2024.
Entry and Assessments
Normal entry is in September at 11+, 12+ or 13+, as a result of the ISEB Common Pre-test or through Benenden’s own Entrance or Scholarship examinations. In addition, there is also a small 14+ and 16+ competitive entry into Year 10 and the Sixth Form. More information on the entry and assessment process can be found here.
Scholarships
Benenden enjoys a thriving programme for Scholars including Academic awards and our most accomplished musicians, artists, actresses, designers and sportswomen. 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.
Financial assistance with fees, in the form of a means-tested Bursary award, may be available. Please see separate information on Bursary applications.
The information below sets out the range of Lower School and Sixth Form Scholarships available and, importantly, all the key dates you need to know for examinations, interviews and other assessments.
Bursary Assistance
Benenden is proud to offer bursary support to ensure that everybody has 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.
Fees
At Benenden we are focused on offering great value within our fee structure. As a non-stop, thriving boarding school, girls here benefit from a bespoke curriculum which achieves excellent academic results and which provides huge added value in an environment where girls are stretched without being stressed.
Our fees include the country’s finest programme of Weekend activities at no extra charge for our boarders, as well as an exhaustive array of co-curricular opportunities and numerous curriculum trips. Our beautiful campus is in the perfect location.
Benenden is a happy and safe home from home with excellent pastoral care and 24/7 medical care. The quality and variety of our food is much admired and one of the many benefits of choosing a boarding school is that girls can make the most of the opportunities: students are in the gym, swimming pool or in the Music practice rooms in the mornings, at lunchtimes, evenings and weekends.
School fees are reviewed for each academic year and announcements are normally made in June.
· Boarding fees for the 2023-24 school year are £15,800 per term.
· Fees for day students are £11,860 per term.
Benenden is also proud to offer financial assistance with fees, in the form of a means-tested bursary, to assist families with providing girls with a Benenden education.
Our Admissions team would be only too happy to share with you more information on the many benefits of Benenden.
Benenden operates a fee payment in advance scheme. For more details please contact our Accounts team.