Head Girl Georgina Millett achieved an excellent set of A Levels to secure her place at her first choice of university, but she’s taken a lot more from Benenden than just her results.
“Having a conversation with my parents yesterday, they were saying that regardless of the results – although you want to do well – I’ve come out of Benenden with a lot more than just that,” she says. “The Sport, the Drama, and the confidence – it’s brought me so much more than grades.”
Nevertheless, Georgina did extremely well in her exams, earning a place studying Geography at Durham following a gap year in which she plans to travel and gain work experience. “It hasn’t really sunk in yet, I’m just excited really!” she said.
Georgina’s passion for Geography came to the fore during Sixth Form, especially with the chance to explore more practical work. “I’ve liked Geography for a long time, but especially at A Level,” she said.
“I particularly enjoy physical geography and seeing landscapes in person: field trips, climbing and mountaineering. My favourite topic was glaciation, which makes sense of the landscape, like the mountains in Scotland or Cumbria. We went on a field trip for our coursework, and we were able to see firsthand processes that would have happened over time, and piece things together. It was really fun.”
From the start, Georgina fully embraced the opportunities afforded by Benenden’s Complete Education. Having joined as a Sport Scholar, she reflects: “I wasn’t that into Sport before Benenden but with the close mentoring and training, it became one of my favourite things. Being in a team with people across year groups has given me some great friendships as well.”
Intending to continue playing competitive Lacrosse and Netball, she hopes to attain a sport scholarship when she goes on to study at Durham – something her experience during School has given her the confidence to go for. She said: “I wouldn’t have been as invested if I wasn’t so believed in at School. There was lots of support to learn new skills and try new sports – Benenden definitely pushed me, and the coaches always supported me to pursue sports beyond School.”
In Lower Fifth, Georgina became a Drama Scholar as well, relishing the opportunity to make her mark on School productions. “I did three Scholars’ plays overall,” she said, “and that really helped my confidence, public speaking and teamwork.”
Those skills would prove invaluable when Georgina was appointed Head Girl last year – a long-standing ambition that she realised with aplomb.
“I’ve always looked up to the Head Girls at Benenden,” she said. “It had been an aspiration for a long time, but I never really thought it would be a thing. Even at the last minute before applying, I said to my parents I couldn’t do it, but I did and it’s been amazing.
“It was such a great privilege to be able to give back to the School, getting involved in decisions and giving input straight to Ms Bailey and the Grey Jumper Team. I was able to really improve my public speaking, speaking to Governors and parents. It was such a great experience being able to organise events, and it brought me a lot of new skills.”
As Head Girl, Georgina has been a passionate and vocal advocate for Benenden and its distinct educational offering – particularly the support and care she received as a boarder in School. “The support in House stands out to me,” she said.
“I love boarding. It is genuinely my second home. I already really miss it – I still feel like I’m coming back in September! It’s been the best thing, being able to sit in the corridor with my friends after a long day of revision. It made School more enjoyable and the work more bearable having my friends close and the support in House.”
She is equally appreciative of Benenden’s single sex offering, adding: “I definitely think being at an all-girls School helped as well.
“I’ve always said being at a girls’ school has been great: being able to really push myself out of my comfort zone with nothing but support from my friends has made such a difference.”
We’d like to thank Georgina for her contribution to the School and wish her the very best as she embarks on her exciting next chapter.
Join us for our Sixth Form Open Event on Thursday 10 September.