What is a complete education?

‘A Complete Education’ is the philosophy by which we live at Benenden. I am frequently asked by parents what is meant by the phrase, especially at this time of year when exams dominate the sector.

Certainly, a school’s duty is to fulfil the academic potential of every student – and, as you would expect, our results reflect this very well. However, a good education is about more than just helping young people to achieve strong exam results. As my academic deputy head says: ‘It is important not to mistake a syllabus for an education.’

There is no point in a young person leaving school with straight As if they lack the skills to function effectively in the workplace. We see it as our duty to ensure that girls leaving Benenden are equipped for the modern working environment. That is why this time last year we unveiled our professional skills programme to teach sixth-formers the practical skills that are vital for employers. These include the ability to work in a team, having the confidence to turn an idea into a business proposition, giving a business pitch, developing marketing plans and reading complex financial information.

Yet schools should not just focus on university destinations or a pupil’s future workplace. Are young people prepared for life in general? Are they compassionate, confident and ambitious? Can they work well with others? Have they experienced a wide variety of cultures? Have they pushed themselves out of their comfort zone and learnt to be resilient, as well as academically successful? The latter, I believe, is as important as the former for professional success in the future.

This is why co-curricular opportunities are vital to the development of pupils. Our girls experience a wonderful array of more than 150 co-curricular activities, including everything from

Model United Nations, in which pupils learn about international relations, to building a microlight and learning karate.