Boarding Houses
Benenden operates a boarding house system designed to provide a warm, family-like atmosphere. On joining the School, every student – whether a boarder or a day student – becomes a member of one of the School’s 10 vibrant Boarding Houses. Each House serves as a microcosm of the wider Benenden community, where girls of different ages come together, supporting and encouraging one another throughout their School journey.
The House system at Benenden is designed to promote a strong sense of community and inclusivity. Through a diverse range of House events, competitions and activities, girls develop lasting bonds with their peers and cultivate a spirit of healthy competition. HMs, assisted by Deputy HMs, House Tutors, and a team of matrons, provide exceptional care and guidance, ensuring that each girl’s individual needs are met.
The Lower School House
Medway
Medway is the boarding House dedicated to the Fourths (Year 7s) and Upper Fourths (Year 8s). As the smallest of our boarding houses, Medway is the ideal size to accommodate these year groups. It also has the benefit of an enclosed outdoor space, and is close to the woods, Sports Centre, Tennis and Netball courts and the eco-classroom.
Before they arrive at Benenden, our incoming Fourths put forward their nominations for which Middle House they would like to join. They will be allocated to this House before they join Medway.
Over the course of their first two years the Fourths and Upper Fourths build strong relationships with their Middle School House. They regularly interact with the girls and staff and take part in inter-House events with their Middle School House, helping to build strong relationships.
House Staff:
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Katie Salisbury
Housemistress
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Emily Cornwell
Deputy Housemistress
The Middle School Houses
Echyngham
Echyngham is a mellow brick, ivy clad construction dating from the 1900s. It is a comfortable building with a homely atmosphere.
Echyngham has many traditions that have been handed down through subsequent generations. Our aim is to provide a safe, happy and homely environment so that our girls may feel supported and keen to explore new opportunities.
Twinned with Ferox, Tonbridge.
House Staff:
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Cat Gaunt
Housemistress
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Katrina Brown
Deputy Housemistress
Guldeford
Guldeford is one of Benenden’s three original Houses, named after the Guldeford family who owned the estate from 1388 – 1702, and who hosted the three-day visit of Queen Elizabeth I in 1573. More recently, HRH The Princess Royal has been a former Guldeford Head of House.
Guldeford House empowers every girl to be the very best version of herself; today, tomorrow and in the future. Everything we do is underpinned by kindness – both to ourselves and to others – so that students feel brave to try new things, or push themselves outside of their comfort zone, knowing they will be celebrated in success and supported through failure.
Twinned with Parkside and Hill Side, Tonbridge.
House Staff:
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Alison Bowers
Housemistress
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Elizabeth Gardner
Deputy Housemistress
Hemsted
Hemsted is situated in the main building of the School, enjoying close and easy access to the dining room, while being separate from most classrooms. The House was built as a family home in 1860 and it still retains that special atmosphere.
Hemsted has spectacular views over the parkland and beyond, and the original features combined with the Hemsted team’s warmth and enthusiasm make this a ‘home from home’.
In Hemsted we put kindness at the heart of everything we do to ensure this happy home. The team work together to foster an environment where each individual is confident in feeling valued, respected and cared for by the others in the House.
Twinned with School House, Tonbridge.
House Staff:
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Simon Richter
Housemaster
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Georgia Holland
Deputy Housemistress
Marshall
Marshall boarding house is named after John Marshall who was involved in founding Benenden School in 1924. The boarding house was built in 1925 and, though modernised, retains some of the original character as well as the aspirational aims of its namesake.
Marshall House aims to be a warm, happy term time home, in which every student feels valued for who they are without question. The house team works to support pupils to always behave with kindness, respect and integrity and to have a sense of responsibility and duty to themselves and those around them. Students in Marshall are encouraged to make the most out of the opportunities available to them, to contribute to the community and to be the best they can be.
Twinned with Manor, Tonbridge.
House Staff:
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Pippa Commander
Housemistress
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Ellie Turnbull
Deputy Housemistress
Norris
Norris is adjoined to the main school building with spectacular views over the terrace and parkland. It is named after Admiral Sir John Norris, who bought the main house in 1702.
The dorms for the younger Norris pupils are located on the first floor whilst older pupils benefit from smaller two person or single rooms.
There is plenty of space for relaxation and socialising as Norris has a large house study and two kitchens. The bright, cosy, and homely décor complements the atmosphere in the boarding house, which brims with friendliness and warmth.
Twinned with Park House, Tonbridge.
House Staff:
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Mark Aggrey
Housemaster
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Katie Harris-Tyler
Deputy Housemistress
The Sixth Form Houses
Oaks
Oaks Boarding House was built in 1993 alongside Limes House, as part of the Founders complex.
Refurbished in 2017, Oaks is a warm and friendly community where we help the girls develop independence for life beyond School.
In Oaks, all the girls enjoy individual rooms alongside shared spaces for relaxation and study, like our beautiful Founders Kitchen.
House Staff:
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Kate Dobson
Housemistress
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Matt Edgar
Deputy Housemaster
Beeches
Beeches is the original Founders House, built for Six Twos in 1983. The House consists of four dorm-areas leading from a light and airy central corridor that runs the length of the house and joins with Elms.
During their time in Beeches we encourage the students to develop essential life-skills and independence with the help and support of the House team. In the Beeches section of Founders there is the Founders Bar, which is a large social space with a wide screen TV and pool table.
House Staff:
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Kay Price
Housemistress
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Wendy Loy
Deputy Housemistress
Limes
Limes House, built in 1993, is paired with neighbouring Oaks House. Here we encourage the Sixth Form to take responsibility for their own lives and learning and prepare them for the transition to the next step in their futures.
House Staff:
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Katie Couldrey
Housemistress
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Sarah Vanderpump
Deputy Housemistress
Elms
Elms House was added to the original Founders complex in 1997 and is paired with its neighbouring boarding House, Beeches.
Elms’ students enjoy single study-bedroom accommodation; in addition there is a kitchen for each floor of about ten students. There are two large lecture/common rooms, group rooms and computer rooms within the complex and always lots going on.
House Staff:
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Sarah Leeds
Housemistress
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Edward Jones
Deputy Housemaster
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Daisy Hope
Deputy Housemistress
