# Bennett Memorial Diocesan School

Bennett Memorial Diocesan School is an all ability co-educational academy in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England, which caters for students from age 11 to 18.

## History

The school was founded on 17 October 1951 by Lady Elena Bennett of Matfield and Christopher M. Chavasse, Bishop of Rochester. Lady Bennett donated the funding for the school in memory of her late husband, Sir Thomas Bennett.
Lady Bennett designed the school’s coat of arms. The badger was chosen by Lady Bennett because her maiden name was Brooke-Jones (which reminded her of brock, a name for a badger) as well as often seeing badgers around the school site. She chose the school’s motto, Semper Tenax, because she believed the school would maintain Christian values.
The school opened to 400 students and 18 teachers on 8 January 1953. n 1960 the foundation stone for the chapel was laid by Bishop Chavasse. This is still outside the main hall at the chapel end. In 1967 Lady Bennett died, and her coffin was placed in the chapel for the students to visit. The third headteacher was Ann Scott, after whom the Ann Scott Wing is named. In 1976 Bennett became a comprehensive school, accepting students of all abilities from a large part of the Diocese of Rochester rather than just Tunbridge Wells. It was shortly after this time that the Bennett sixth form was opened for A-Level students. In 1993 Bennett accepted boys into Year 7.
Pupils from the school were chosen to form part of a "guard of honour" for athletes at the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games, displaying artistic creations their school made to celebrate the event.
In 2012, the school announced plans for a new sixth form centre. Construction of the Sixth Form Study Centre started in March 2013, and it opened to staff and students in January 2014. It was opened in February 2014 by the Education Secretary Michael Gove.
The 3G Pitch was built in 2017 so that rugby and football could be played in any weather conditions.

## Inspections by Ofsted

The school's first inspection by Ofsted after becoming an academy was in 2012, with a judgement of Outstanding. The school's second inspection was in 2023, again with a judgement of Outstanding.

## School Prayer

Heavenly Father, we give thanks to God for our founders, Bishop Christopher Chavasse and Lady Elena Bennett, for all who have taught and learned here, for all who needed encouragement and all who have supported them. We commend our School into your hands, we commit ourselves to seek your truth, to live in your way, and to serve your world. May the life and work of this community be to your praise and glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

## Coat of arms

Coat of arms of Bennett Memorial Diocesan School :
* NotesGranted 19 December 1952.
* EscutcheonVert, a brock passant Proper; on a chief Argent, three gilly-flowers stalked and leaved also Proper.
* Motto'Semper Tenax'

## Notable Alumni

Douglas Booth, model and actor (BBC's Worried About The Boy);
Joanne Rout (née Round), 1988 Paralympic swimmer;
Scott Wagstaff, footballer for Bristol City F.C.;
Jonathan Williams, footballer for Crystal Palace F.C.;

## Notable Staff and Head Teachers

Sir Ian Bauckham Head Teacher 2004-2007, and executive head for several more, before becoming head of Ofqual.
Jon Sparke, teacher (1998 - 2023), Head Teacher (2007 - 2023).
Dr Karen Brookes, teacher (2010 - Present), Head Teacher (2023 - Present).