We are delighted to share an update from Benenden on two of our most significant and forward-looking initiatives: the restoration of Hemsted through Rejuvenating an Icon, and the life-changing opportunities created through our Be the Change bursary programme.
Rejuvenating an Icon – Winter Project Update
Progress has been made on the restoration of Hemsted as the project moves into its roofing phase. With the vast scaffold structure now fully sealed and weather-tight, our contractors have begun carefully removing the existing tiles – revealing a remarkable cross-section of Victorian craftsmanship that has endured for more than 160 years.
Uncovering the Original Roof Structure
The first image below captures this beautifully: from the intact tiled surface, through the horizontal battens, onto the original underlying felt and vertical battens, and finally the exposed timber boarding beneath. It is a rare glimpse into the fabric of the building that generations of students have called home.
The Roofscape Revealed
The scale and sophistication of the project is evident in the following view taken above the main entrance. The temporary roof canopy shelters the exposed dormers and chimney stacks, allowing work to continue uninterrupted through the winter months.
Victorian Detail: Leadwork from the 19th Century
Another fascinating discovery is shown in the next image: an original lead ventilation pipe bearing embossed marks believed to be unique to the individual leadworker who crafted it in the 19th century.
Restoring Hemsted’s Iconic Chimneys
This final image captures one of Hemsted’s magnificent chimney stacks. While one stack was repointed around 15 years ago, all chimneys will now undergo full repointing and cleaning as part of this phase, restoring these architectural features to their former splendour.
If you would like to learn more about the project’s scope, and how your donation can make a lasting difference, please visit our Rejuvenating an Icon campaign brochure via the link below. The support of our community is integral to the completion of this project and the protection of Hemsted’s rich history.
Rejuvenating an Icon Campaign Brochure
Be the Change: Expanding Opportunity, Transforming Futures
At the heart of Benenden’s mission is a commitment to ensuring that a Benenden education – and all the opportunities it unlocks – is accessible to outstanding young women regardless of their financial circumstances. Through the Be the Change bursary programme, we are able to offer life-changing places to students whose talents, curiosity and character enrich our community in immeasurable ways.
This term, we are proud to share a personal video message from one of our bursary students, Marissa Hammond (E/L2025), who reflects on her journey to Benenden and the profound difference that this support has made in her life. In her own words, she describes the moment she learned she had been offered a place; the excitement and uncertainty of joining a new school; and the extraordinary academic, pastoral and co-curricular experiences that have helped her grow in confidence and ambition.
Her message is a powerful reminder that bursaries do more than open doors – they change trajectories. The impact of our Be the Change programme extends far beyond a student’s time at Benenden, shaping their choices, their confidence and the contributions they will make to society long after they leave.
As demand for bursary support continues to grow, Be the Change remains one of the School’s most meaningful philanthropic priorities. Every gift, no matter the size, plays a direct role in widening access and ensuring that exceptional young women can flourish here – regardless of their family’s means.
Watch Marissa’s story here:
Click Here to Continue Supporting Another Student Like Marissa
Rejuvenating an Icon and Be the Change represent two defining strands of Benenden’s story: one preserving our heritage for generations to come, the other ensuring that a Benenden education remains accessible to exceptional young women.