Benenden and other full girls boarding schools

[NaturalHistory]

Hi

Just been reading the Good School's Guide which suggests that Benenden is not so much about the academics and more about the sports and drama? Any recent opinions about the school and thoughts about the new head much appreciated. We liked the school and thought the results looked good. What are the differences between this school and Downe House? They both seem very similar.

We are relocating abroad and looking for a school in Sept 2015 for our daughter - Girls and full boarding particularly important as we will be overseas. If we were in the UK we were looking at Guildford High and would like a scholarly academic ethos. Having said that we also want excellent pastoral care and schools that place emphasis on developing the whole girl. DD is bright but not exceptionally academic. Working at level 5 in Y5 currently I think. Thanks.

I have heard Downe has a new boarding house being built which sounds good. Please pm if you feel more comfortable I'd be really grateful as we are undecided about what to do for the best and which school to pick. Thank you.

For similar to GHS but boarding I would go for Downe House, Wycombe Abbey, St Catherines (Bramley) is very similar and close to GHS but boarding although not full.
Others I'd consider - St Mary's Ascot/Calne, Godolphin Salisbury
(I know not all these are full but still worth looking at the % that board)
No personal experience of any though, just know the school profiles fairly well! I hope someone who knows more will come soon

Thank you. I wonder if expats in particular are put off Benenden because of the long drive from LHR and others because of the fact it's not that accessible? I am surprised it appears to be under the radar as it has amazing new science facilities and very good results. You seem to hear so much more about Downe?

Benenden does not advertise - that's interesting too. They don't need to as it is so well thought of, but quietly well thought of? All of these school fairs that some schools flock to, especially internationally, do make me worry to a degree that something is amiss (why is the marketing department in overdrive)?

Hi Natural history -
My DD has 6 friends at Benendon all expats living in Asia. There area number of girls from the Far east both Western and Chinese.
The families of these girls have been extremely happy . One leaves this summer and the others range from Y 7 up. TBH I haven't heard a bad word. I wonder because it markets itself on being a school for an all rounder rather than trading on exam results .St Marys would be another to consider - great pastoral care and happy girls.

Are you already registered for Benenden ? Their lists close pretty early, Another option would be Cheltenham or Wycombe Abbey

Actually just looked at their website and their list for 11+ 2015 are closed but they do have a reserve list.
Are you completely set on all girls?

DD definitely an all rounder I think so Benenden may suit? We are registered for a shortlist of 6 girls' school, this one included. Hopefully after pre-test you begin to get a much better impression of what will suit? I worry with the schools that are not exam league/exam focussed whether the drive is there to really get girls to achieve academic potential?Some teenagers need more of a push than others. GSG mentions that Benenden is perhaps more about drama and sports? Mind you striking a balance is tricky.

If willing, perhaps spend the fee for the Good School Guide's Advisory Service. i recently met the head of their service and she seemed really good and extremely experienced and competent. You speak with them , they speak with your child and come up with a list that is sure to match both sides well. I had friends whose kids went to Benenden - definitely a creative school.

Wycombe Abbey and CLC are fiercely academic, especially Wycombe Abbey! What about Heathfield at Ascot. Full boarding, no day girls, good links to Heathrow and much better results of late. Not huge numbers of overseas families but the academics are as good as anywhere but they are not selective. You would get a place without having to compete for it.

Oops! Heathfield admitting day girls in 2015! Just heard. Just a few though.