Assessment for 11+ 2026 entry has now been completed but late places may become available. Late entrants are warmly encouraged to contact the Admissions Team.

For 2027 entry and beyond, the first stage is our Preview Day which consists of a multi-subject immersive academic experience, including a creative writing assessment and an interview. It is designed to be engaging and enjoyable, and we look forward to welcoming you. In advance, we will have requested a confidential report from her current school which will include latest test data.

For 11+ 2027 entry and 13+ 2029 entry, this Preview Day will be held on 19 September 2026, with formal offers made before the end of the Autumn Term of Year 6.

The Preview Day gives each candidate the chance to show us her abilities and interests while enjoying a themed programme of enquiry-based activities at Benenden.

If a candidate is unable to attend the Preview Day, the Admissions Team will make alternative arrangements for the interview and the creative writing assessment.

To help with the demands placed on pupils in terms of testing for several different schools, we have adopted the ISEB Common Pre-test for 11+ entry.

We will request that 11+ applicants for Benenden take the ISEB Common Pre-test during the Autumn Term, after they come to the Assessment Day, and by Friday 13 November. Candidates will need to make arrangements to sit this test at their current school, or a recognised testing centre in the UK or overseas (eg local British Council Office). Parents register candidates for the ISEB Common Pre-test and the Admissions Department at Benenden will provide details on how to do this.

Following the Assessment Day, the ISEB Common Pre-test and the reference from the current school, firm offers of places will be made in December.

We invite candidates with an offer of an 11+ place the opportunity to experience Benenden boarding life through a taster day or a sleepover during the Spring Term.

All 11+ 2027 places must be accepted, and a deposit paid, by Monday 1 March 2027.

Following the 11+ entry assessment process, 11+ Academic Scholarships will be awarded to the highest achievers, taking into account the whole admissions process. We do not offer a separate 11+ Academic Scholarship assessment.

Benenden assesses 13+ candidates three years in advance of entry, during Year 6. We have already made our offers for girls looking to join us in 2026, 2027 and 2028 but we do always welcome later applications.

To reduce the burden of multiple assessments, Benenden uses the ISEB Common Pre-test for 13+ entry.

All 13+ and 12+ candidates are asked to take the ISEB Common Pre-test during the Autumn Term of Year 6. The test can be taken at the candidate’s current school or a recognised testing centre (such as a local British Council Office), between 1 October and 31 October. Parents can register for the ISEB Common Pre-test and the Admissions Team is available to provide guidance if needed.

Candidates are also asked to attend the Preview Day. For 11+ 2027 entry and 13+ 2029 entry, this Preview Day will be held on 19 September 2026, with formal offers made before the end of 2026. The day consists of a multi-subject immersive academic experience, including a creative writing task and an interview, as well as being lots of fun. In advance, we will have requested a confidential report from her current school which will include latest test data.

If a candidate is unable to attend the Preview Day, the Admissions Team will make alternative arrangements for the interview and the creative writing task.

The 12+ admissions process runs alongside 13+ entry. Candidates may be considered for either point of entry. As 12+ places are more limited, offers may not be made immediately and could be dependent on space availability.