Hemsted is situated in the main building of the School, enjoying close and easy access to the dining room, whilst being separate from the majority of classrooms. The current house was built as a family home in 1860 and it still retains that special atmosphere. Arguably the most beautiful Benenden boarding house, 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 in order to ensure this happy home. The team, including our diligent domestic staff, work together to foster an environment where each individual is confident in feeling valued, respected and cared for by the others in the House, and as a result of this support is able to achieve their potential.
Housemistress
Sarah Wood became Housemistress of Hemsted in September 2019. Miss Wood joined Benenden from Dulwich College, where she was Deputy Head of the Middle School before being Director of Co-curricular Activities. She teaches Biology, loves adventurous travelling and has a very friendly dog called Marmite who is often found usefully hoovering in the girls' dormitories.
Deputy Housemistress
Bella Winkley joined Benenden in April 2020 as a teacher of History of Art, after doing her master’s degree at the University of Sussex. Since then, she has begun her teacher training in Philosophy and Religion. She is an avid tea drinker, a lover of cats, gymnastics, and the colour yellow!
Matrons
Ann Bishop is Resident Matron, Hayley Pankhurst is the Day Matron and Nicole Seakens is the Evening Matron.
