A Philosophy of Care
Forming a fundamental element of the School’s Complete Education, Benenden’s Wellbeing provision is one characterised by warmth, inclusivity and expert wrap-around care.
Growing up as a teenage girl today comes with a unique set of challenges and some unrealistic expectations which can make the path to adulthood confusing and isolating. At Benenden, we aim to provide a caring and supportive community to help students navigate these ups and downs so that they flourish and leave School equipped to live happy and fulfilled lives.
Student
Wellbeing
The girls have a dedicated team of supporters looking out for their welfare. Whether boarding or day, all students are part of our House system with House staff whose role is to support students’ emotional, physical and psychological needs. Medical staff and teachers play a significant role too, as do many other staff.
The strength of the teacher-student relationships, as well as the close relationships between the students that come from a boarding culture, creates a safe and supportive environment at Benenden which is key to the foundations of successful outcomes.
The House System
At Benenden, the House system is at the heart of school life, providing a nurturing and inclusive environment where every girl feels supported, valued, and inspired to thrive. 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.
More than just a place to live and study, the family-like atmosphere provided by Benenden’s House system provides a home away from home. 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 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.
Each House has its own unique ethos, colours and personality, creating a deep sense of pride and identity among its members. These traditions, passed down through generations, foster a connection to the School’s rich heritage.
The relationships formed within the House system extend far beyond the school years. For many Benenden Seniors, the bonds forged in their Houses become lifelong connections and provides a support network that spans the globe.
Learn more about the individual Houses here.
Outstanding Medical Care
The Medical Centre is situated in Leelands, in the heart of the School. It is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week during term time by Mrs Sarah Rushton and her outstanding team of registered Nurses. Sarah won Tatler’s ‘Unsung Hero’ award in 2024 for her compassion and dedication to the School community.
In addition, our School Doctor holds surgeries at the School three times a week. All students are registered as NHS patients and also have the option to see other GP partners. We have a visiting physiotherapist and School Counsellor.
All parents of pupils joining Benenden complete medical history and consent forms prior to their daughter’s arrival, thus enabling the nursing staff to establish if there are any significant medical conditions which will need particular care.
Good health and wellbeing are close to our hearts at Benenden. The Medical Centre staff provide us with on-site expertise and give us access to a range of other services, which together will help each pupil to learn how to look after herself so she can lead a balanced and fulfilled life both in and beyond school. Please feel free to contact the Medical Centre if you would like further details.
Award-Winning Food
Benenden is renowned for its excellent food. The quality and variety of our freshly-prepared and locally-sourced food ensures the Dining Room and Café are the social hubs of every school day.
Our fantastic team of chefs are inspired each week to serve the most delicious food. Enthused by regular feedback from the pupils and staff, our chefs create innovative and nutritious menus, with something for everyone – from home-cooked favourites to the most sophisticated dining. A wide
range of special diets are catered for, safe in the knowledge that all ingredients are sourced by the team and therefore fully traceable.
With our pupils’ healthy and energetic lifestyles, food at Benenden is the wonderful fuel on which we run.
The Wellbeing Hub
Members of the Benenden community enjoy access to a range of hugely insightful and valuable resources from The Wellbeing Hub, delivering expert-led support to help children and young people thrive – socially, emotionally and in their learning journey.
Chaplaincy
Benenden has an Anglican tradition and the key Christian principle of loving our neighbour is at the heart of our shared life. Whilst maintaining its Christian roots, the Chaplaincy is fully inclusive and welcoming of people from all faiths and none. We actively encourage an open, honest and friendly dialogue, where all views are respected in a spirit of generous hospitality and mutual learning.
