Among the many boarding schools in the UK, "Is Benenden School a good choice?" has consistently been a popular question posed by parents to education consultants. For parents, concerns extend beyond the school's reputation and educational philosophy to include tuition fees, admission requirements, and whether their daughters can thrive in the school environment. This article, brought to you by GROVE Education, offers an in-depth analysis of Benenden School's fee structure and outlines the application criteria and processes, enabling parents to make well-informed decisions regarding their daughters' educational planning.
The Founding and Development of Benenden School
Founded in 1923, Benenden School boasts a history of over 100 years [1] and is recognised as one of the UK's top girls' boarding schools, accommodating around 550 students aged 11 to 18 (Year 7 to Year 13) [2]. The school’s core philosophy centres on "Complete Education," emphasising balanced development across academics, skills, and character. With the motto "Inspiring future thinkers and leaders to shape a better world," Benenden is dedicated to nurturing young women who possess critical thinking, innovative spirit, and a sense of social responsibility. Additionally, the school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, allowing students to grow and learn in a joyful environment.
Source: Benenden School
Is Benenden School a Good Choice? Academic Performance and Progression
In terms of academic excellence and progression, Benenden School ranks among the leading girls' boarding schools in the UK. In the 2025 A-Level and GCSE examinations, students demonstrated outstanding overall performance, as detailed below: [3]
A-Level Results
The distribution of student results for A-Level examinations is as follows:
- A*: 32%
- A or A*: 69%
- A* to B: 88%
Subjects such as Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Geography were particularly strong, with the majority of students achieving grades from A to A*. Furthermore, students generally excelled in the A-Level Extended Project, reflecting Benenden students' exceptional academic research and independent learning capabilities.
GCSE Results
The distribution of student results for GCSE examinations is as follows:
- Grade 9: 38%
- Grades 8 to 9: 62%
- Grades 7 to 9: 78%
Most students also excelled in subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, maintaining consistently high scores in English Language and English Literature.
Progression Outcomes
The vast majority of Benenden graduates secure places at elite UK G5 universities and Russell Group institutions. In 2025, over 85% of Benenden School students were accepted into their first-choice universities, with 72% gaining entry to Russell Group universities. Additionally, 38% of students were admitted to the top 10 universities in the UK, including the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, Imperial College London, and the University of Edinburgh. Furthermore, 18% of students progressed to universities ranked among the top 10 globally by QS, such as the University of Chicago, Cornell University, and Carnegie Mellon University, showcasing Benenden School's exceptional academic training capabilities.
Source: Benenden School
Benenden School's Admission Criteria
Benenden School operates under the British education system, offering a curriculum that spans Year 6 to Year 12 and 13 (Sixth Form), including GCSE and A-Level courses. The school upholds rigorous academic standards, making entry highly competitive. Consequently, specific entrance assessments are required for different year groups. The application criteria and assessment details for Benenden School are as follows: [4]
| Year Group | Assessment Type | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 11+ （Year 7） | ISEB Common Pre-test | Preview Assessment Day, interview, and current school recommendation |
| 13+ （Year 9） | ISEB Common Pre-test | 13+ Preview Weekend, interview, and current school recommendation |
| 14+ （Year 10） | English and Mathematics written tests | Interview, current school recommendation |
| 16+ （Year 12/ Sixth Form） | Two academic written tests (based on chosen A-Level subjects) | Interview, current school recommendation |
In addition to the listed assessments for 11+, 13+, 14+, and 16+ year groups, the school also offers a 12+ (Year 8) entry point, though this is a secondary admissions route with limited places available. The 15+ (Year 11) entry is not a standard admission year and is only open in exceptional circumstances, requiring students to complete the entire stage until its conclusion (e.g., finishing the final year of GCSE or A-Level).
Application Process for Benenden School
The application process for Benenden School varies by age group, comprising registration, entrance testing, interviews, and waiting lists. The following outlines the key steps in the application process:
1. Application Stage: [5]
- Submit Registration Form A along with a registration fee of £420.00 (including VAT).
- Students without a current place or those yet to decide on formal applications may complete Registration Form B. The school will notify them of the possibility of converting to Form A based on availability.
2. Entrance Examinations and Interviews: Those submitting Form A must pass the ISEB Common Pre-test or the school's own entrance and scholarship examinations.
3. Admission Notification: Students who pass the examinations will receive an offer letter from the school, along with arrangements for subsequent admission procedures.
It is important to note that the number of international student places at Benenden School is limited, so early contact with the admissions team is advisable to confirm application status, as some year groups may not open for international admissions every year. Additionally, the school offers various scholarships in academics, music, arts, drama, and sports, which students may apply for based on their individual circumstances.
Tuition Fees and Budgeting for Benenden School
As a full-boarding school, Benenden School's tuition fees include accommodation, core curriculum costs, and most extracurricular activities. Below is an overview of tuition fees for the 2025 and 2026 academic years, providing parents with a clear understanding of the fee structure [6]:
| Category | Tuition Fee (per term) | VAT (Value Added Tax) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boarding | £16,448 | £3,290 | £19,738 (including accommodation and living expenses) |
| Day | £11,805 | £2,360 | £14,165 (plus an additional £290 for lunch, VAT not included) |
| Sixth Form | - | - | £21,711 (including VAT, covering accommodation and living expenses), plus an additional £290 for lunch (VAT not included) |
It is worth noting that Benenden School charges higher tuition fees for international students in the Sixth Form (Year 12 to Year 13) primarily because these students are undertaking A-Level courses, requiring the school to invest more resources in university guidance, personalised learning plans, and application support. Furthermore, families receiving the UK government's Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) for the education of children of diplomatic personnel may be eligible for an additional tuition reduction of up to 20%.
Source: Benenden School
Consult GROVE Education for Admission to Top UK Private Schools
In summary, to answer the question of whether Benenden School is a good choice, the answer is a resounding yes. It is a leading institution that balances academics, character, and opportunities. By understanding Benenden School's application criteria, tuition fees, entrance examinations, and processes, parents can gain a comprehensive insight into the school's unique offerings and requirements. Choosing this top UK girls' boarding school not only ensures that your daughter receives a rigorous British education but also positions her for future international competitiveness. If you have any questions about the application process, please feel free to contact GROVE Education, and let us assist you in planning your daughter's educational and future development roadmap.
Reference：
1. Benenden School - Our History
2. Benenden School - About Us
3. Benenden School - Exam Results and Leavers’ Destinations
4. Benenden School - Admissions Policy (PDF)
5. Benenden School - Registration
6. Benenden School - Fees