Below are some of the main questions we are asked about day students, which you may find useful. If your question is not covered below then please don't hesitate to contact our Admissions team, who will be happy to answer any questions you have. They can be contacted on 01580 240592 or registry@benenden.school
Will transport to and from Benenden be provided?
Yes. The routes are dependent on demand but we anticipate running a minibus service from Staplehurst station and locations in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Ashford and Maidstone. This will incur an additional charge.
Does my daughter need to attend school on Saturdays?
Yes, Saturday school is integral to our Complete Education.
What other weekend commitments are there?
All girls are expected to be in School for lessons on a Saturday and sporting commitments. We also have closed weekends at the start and end of every term which are compulsory for all girls, including day students.
Will you be offering occasional boarding?
Our boarding is full so unfortunately we are unable to offer occasional boarding.
Can my daughter have breakfast/supper at School?
Absolutely!
What time does my daughter need to be at School?
Monday to Friday, day students need to arrive by 8.10am and 8.40am on a Saturday.
Can my daughter arrive before 8.10am?
Yes, your daughter is very welcome to arrive from 7.30am and spend time in House before breakfast.
Will she be disadvantaged as a day student for sports teams/plays etc?
Absolutely not. Like our boarders, your daughter should be realistic about how much time she would need to commit to rehearsals and training.
Can my daughter join in with the Weekend Programme?
She is most welcome to join us for whole-year events. There is an additional charge for her to join other events in the programme.
Can my daughter be involved with the co-curricular programme?
The co-curricular programme is an integral aspect of our Complete Education. Your daughter will be expected to take part in the co-curricular programme during the school day and is strongly encouraged to do so at other times.
Are school trips included in the fees?
Curriculum trips are included as part of the fees and if a trip is not included, you will be written to with full details.
How will you integrate my daughter into the House/Layer when it is predominately boarding
Once your daughter has been allocated her House, our House system naturally lends itself to this with the day students fully integrated from day one. The pastoral and academic care your daughter receives, along with the numerous opportunities that the girls have to be a part of her Layer/House, will enable your daughter to integrate very quickly.
Also, your daughter will be one of a handful of girls joining a House, which means the teachers, boarding staff and her new friends quickly get to know her very well.
Who is my main point of contact for queries?
Your daughter’s Housemistress/Housemaster will be your main point of contact.
Will my daughter receive medical care when at School if needed?
We have an excellent medical centre on site at Benenden which is staffed 24/7 during term time. Your daughter is always welcome to visit if she is feeling unwell. We also have two part-time counsellors.
What is an Exeat?
Due to our fully immersive boarding programme, we have two weekends each term (one in the summer) called Exeats. This is when we begin the weekend early at 12.30pm on Friday and boarders return on Sunday evening. It is a chance for all of us to have a mini break.
How regularly will I receive academic feedback about my daughter?
In addition to the annual Parents’ Meeting, you will receive regular written reports on your daughter’s progress and we are always happy to discuss her academic progress with you.
What criteria do you use to select day students?
Our current competitive admissions system applies to all prospective pupils, including internal and external assessments and an interview. Full details are here and our Admissions team will be happy to advise further.
What are the fees for day students?
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis and are outlined on our fees page here.
