Series of events for prep schools, for Years 5 and 6.
18-21May
15-18June
We are delighted to invite your students to enjoy a series of Benenden enrichment days in the Summer Term 2026. Reserve your place using the link in the email.
Contact ag@benenden.school for further details
Spaces allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Monday 18 May, 11.00-3.30pm
Students will enjoy a day of creative writing inspired by the remarkable natural surroundings at Benenden.
From the towering Wellingtonias in the Pinetum to the quiet paths through our bluebell woodlands, the grounds offer plenty for young writers to observe and draw from.
We will explore some of the 250 acres of Benenden’s Wealden landscape with award-winning poet Abegail Morley, who will guide students on an inspiring journey through the wonders of nature writing, unlocking their creativity one word at a time.
Abegail is a Forward Prize-shortlisted poet whose collections include The Unmapped Woman and The Skin Diary. Named one of five British poets to watch by the Huffington Post, she has been Poet in Residence at Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Scotney Castle and a commissioned poet for the Globe Theatre. She is also our Head Librarian and Archivist.
"It is necessary to write, if the days are not to slip emptily by. How else, indeed, to clap the net over the butterfly of the moment?"
Vita Sackville-West
Tuesday 19 May, 11.00am-3.30pm
We are delighted to invite you to bring your competitive swimmers to an exclusive masterclass led by our very own Olympic swimmer, Robin Francis.
This is a fantastic opportunity for young athletes to gain insight, inspiration, and high‑level technical guidance from someone who has competed at the very highest level of the sport.
The session will focus on advanced skills, race preparation and elite‑level mindset – designed to motivate and elevate swimmers who are striving for excellence.
We would be thrilled to welcome your team for what promises to be an unforgettable and highly valuable experience.
Wednesday 20 May, 11.00am-3.30pm
Benenden Bush Food: Eating From our Environment with the Science Department.
Ever wondered what food is growing right here on the Benenden grounds?
Join us for Benenden Bush Food, an exciting, hands-on exploration of what we can sustainably eat within our own school environment. We’ll be discovering seasonal vegetables, identifying edible land plants, and even tasting specially prepared edible insects, all safely and thoughtfully prepared!
You’ll learn:
What seasonal produce grows naturally on our school grounds
Which wild plants are edible (and which definitely aren’t!) How insects can be a sustainable protein source
How to design your own environmentally friendly restaurant using locally sourced, low-impact ingredients.
This is a chance to rethink food, sustainability, and the future of eating and all starting right here at Benenden.
Come curious. Come brave. Come hungry.
Thursday 21 May, 11.00am-3.30pm
Enjoy a workshop on illustration and writing for children. Finish with a Q and A session for parents and daughters.
Grace studied illustration at Central Saint Martins in London and at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, developing a distinctive style that blends warmth, wit, and imagination.
Her debut picture book, Cannonball Coralie and the Lion (Frances Lincoln, 2018), was widely acclaimed, translated into several languages, and awarded a prestigious Kirkus star.
Her latest book, The House with the Little Red Door, which she has both written and illustrated, was published by Thames & Hudson in October 2025.
Monday 15 June, 11.00am-3.30pm
Benenden Languages
Gain your Benenden Languages Passport!
Enjoy 30 minute carousels of activities including:
Chinese rap
Japanese - Origami, Japanese writing/scrolls
Spanish games
French cursive writing
Greek coding activity.
Along with snacks and mocktails from the different countries.
Tuesday 16 June, 1.30pm-3.30pm
We would love to invite you to take part in our upcoming Girls Maths Quiz Challenge, a fun and friendly competition designed to test problem‑solving skills and teamwork. Whether students are confident mathematicians or simply enjoy a good puzzle, this is a great opportunity to be challenged, work with friends, and enjoy some lively brain‑teasing activities.
Bring a team of your best mathematicians; two Year 5 and two Year 6 girls, and see if your school can claim the title of Maths Quiz Champions!
Wednesday 17 June, 11.00am-3.30pm
Led by Students from Benenden school, the girls will explore the basics of Model UN. Through workshops, explanatory sessions and guided initial debate, girls will learn how to research the views of other countries - then discuss, debate and compromise, all with the aim of trying to solve important questions in the world.
Thursday 18 June, 11.00am-3.30pm
Try your hand at Taiko drumming, enjoy stimulating singing workshops and inspiring instrumental coaching, and meet Benenden’s talented Music Scholars.
Taiko (太⿎) literally means “drum” in Japanese, but the term has come to represent a whole style of performance that blends music, movement, rhythm, and choreography.
Taiko drums come in many sizes from small handheld drums to the massive ō-daiko, carved from single tree trunks. Their sound is thunderous, warm, and carries over long distances.
Taiko isn't just about sound – it's visual. Drummers use large, dynamic gestures, wide stances, and synchronised movement. The physicality is almost dance-like and requires strength, stamina, and precision.
