Your school guide
Benenden School
Benenden's September 2027 Year 7 process combines a Preview Day, ISEB Common Pre-Tests and current-school information.
Independent school · Cranbrook, Kent
Prepare with confidence.
Use Plusling to prepare for 11+ entry to Benenden School. Build skills with original questions, understand the answers and turn tricky topics into your next step forward.
Try five free questions. See the feedback for yourself.
Meet the school
At a glance
Facts checked
Cranbrook Road, Benenden, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 4AA
Plan your approach
Entry information
For September 2027 entry
For September 2027 Year 7 entry, Benenden combines a Preview Day with creative writing, an interview and academic activities, the ISEB Common Pre-Tests and a current-school report. The published Preview Day was 19 September 2026, with alternative arrangements for candidates unable to attend. The Pre-Tests are due by 13 November 2026, firm offers are made in December and acceptance is due on 1 March 2027.
Entry stage: Year 7 (11+)
What the assessment covers
- English
- Mathematics
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
Assessment provider: ISEB Common Pre-Tests
The admissions process
- Register by the end of Year 5 for the normal 11+ route; the school recommends registration two years ahead
- Preview Day on 19 September 2026 includes an immersive multi-subject academic programme, creative writing assessment and interview; the school requests a confidential current-school report including latest test data
- Take the ISEB Common Pre-Tests during the autumn term by 13 November 2026 at the current school or a recognised testing centre; parents register for the Pre-Tests
- Firm offers are made in December; acceptance and deposit are due by 1 March 2027; academic scholarships use the whole admissions process with no separate 11+ scholarship assessment
Read the official details: Admissions information from Benenden School
Go to the source
Official links for your shortlist
Use the school’s current admissions information to check which sample papers or familiarisation materials apply to your child’s entry year.
From subjects to skills
Turn the assessment subjects into a practice plan.
Start with these core skills from the published subject list. Pair the official assessment material with regular Plusling practice.
English
A useful place to start
Read a short passage together. Ask your child to find evidence for an answer and explain unfamiliar words in context.
Build on it with Plusling
Build on that reading with Plusling’s English questions and explanations, then choose a topic to practise again.
Start the 5-question English quizMaths
A useful place to start
Ask your child to explain their method, estimate the answer and check the final calculation. Notice which step needs more practice.
Build on it with Plusling
Use Plusling’s original maths questions and worked explanations to make those next practice sessions count.
Start the 5-question maths quizVerbal reasoning
A useful place to start
Talk through word relationships, letter patterns and codes. Encourage your child to explain the rule before choosing an answer.
Build on it with Plusling
Explore words and logic with Plusling’s verbal reasoning quizzes, with feedback that helps the next attempt feel clearer.
Start the 5-question verbal reasoning quizNon-verbal reasoning
A useful place to start
Look for changes in shape, position, shading and direction. Work out one rule at a time before checking it against the choices.
Build on it with Plusling
Give visual reasoning another go in Plusling, with original puzzles and explanations your child can return to.
Start the 5-question non-verbal reasoning quizPrint, practise, build confidence
Printable practice for these subjects
Original Plusling papers with space to work and separate answers and explanations.
English papers
Explore the papers
Maths papers
Explore the papers
Verbal Reasoning papers
Explore the papers
Non-Verbal Reasoning papers
Explore the papersThese are Plusling skills practice, not official school or test papers.
Keep the practical steps clear
Your application starting points
Use the official links on this page to answer these questions for your child’s entry year.
Check the entry point and eligibility
Confirm the year group, age requirements and any conditions that apply to your child.
Put the right dates in your diary
Note any published registration, assessment, application and offer-response dates that apply to your child’s route. They may be separate steps.
Check the assessment guidance
If an assessment applies, look for official examples, question formats, timings and answer instructions to help plan your child’s preparation.
Check fees and financial support
Look at fees, bursaries and scholarships, including any separate forms, evidence and deadlines.
Picture your child’s everyday life here.
An open day is a chance to look beyond the exam. Useful questions to take with you:
- How do you help new pupils settle in and make friends?
- Who can a child turn to when they feel worried or stuck?
- How do you help pupils recover from a setback and discover their strengths?
Know where to focus
Give their preparation a clear direction.
See the topics your child has practised, revisit questions that need another look and choose a focus for the next session. Plusling helps you put your time where it can be useful.
- Topic summaries and practice history
- Choose topics in Focus Practice
- Progress to discuss with the adults helping them
Their next step starts here
Give their 11+ preparation a confident start.
Try Plusling together. Five free questions, useful feedback and a first look at a friendlier way to practise.
Admissions information
- Check the school’s current admissions arrangements for your entry year, including eligibility and any access arrangements.
Plusling’s guide to Benenden School is independently written. The school and its admissions authority publish the official arrangements.
Contains government school-register data licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Primary sources
- Benenden School: school details Department for Education
- Benenden 11+ entry and assessment stages Benenden School
- ISEB Common Pre-Tests information and preparation for families Independent Schools Examinations Board