Orwell Park Celebrates Successful First Year as Part of the Benenden Family of Schools

One Year On: Celebrating Orwell Park's Partnership with the Benenden Family of Schools

One year ago, Orwell Park School embarked on an inspiring journey by joining the Benenden Family of Schools. Twelve months later, we are proud to reflect on a year of collaboration, investment and opportunity that has strengthened our school and enhanced the experience of our pupils, staff and families.

When the partnership was announced in September 2025, it brought together two schools united by a shared commitment to educational excellence, the development of young people and the preservation of the distinctive qualities that make each school special.  A year on, the benefits of that partnership can be seen across every aspect of school life.

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A Shared Commitment to Excellence

The past year has been characterised by collaboration, innovation and a shared focus on creating the very best opportunities for children.

Reflecting on the first year of the partnership, Rachel Bailey, Head of Benenden School, said:

"It has been an honour to get to know the wonderful Orwell Park community over the past twelve months.   We are delighted by the strength of the relationship that has developed and by the opportunities that the partnership has already created for pupils and staff".

While much work has taken place behind the scenes, the greatest successes have been those that have directly enriched the educational experience of Orwell Park pupils.

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New Opportunities for Our Pupils

At Orwell Park, children are always at the heart of every decision we make. One of the key ambitions of joining the Benenden Family of Schools was to broaden opportunities through access to additional expertise, experiences and collaborations.

Over the past year, pupils have benefited from a range of initiatives, including visits from specialist Benenden staff. Highlights have included Benenden's Director of Drama judging Orwell Park's Public Speaking Competition, a visit from Benenden's Artist-in-Residence, and specialist coaching sessions led by Benenden's Director of Swimming, a Team GB Olympian.

Pupils have also enjoyed the first sporting fixture between the two schools, with Benenden's U13 Cricket Team travelling to Orwell Park, while international exchange pupils have benefited from enhanced experiences through visits and stays at Benenden.

These opportunities have provided inspiration, broadened horizons and strengthened connections across the wider Benenden Family of Schools.

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Investing in the Orwell Park Experience

Alongside educational collaboration, significant investment has been made in Orwell Park's exceptional campus.

Over the past year, more than £500,000 has been invested in facilities and infrastructure to further enhance the experience of current and future pupils.

Key projects have included the completion of the Wellbeing Hub and Day Surgery, replacement of the sports hall roof, improvements to changing facilities, resurfacing of the top courts and refurbishment of the assault course. Essential upgrades have also been made to site infrastructure, including boilers, kitchen extraction systems and signage.

These developments reflect a long-term commitment to ensuring Orwell Park continues to provide an outstanding environment in which children can learn, play and thrive.

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Strengthening the Foundations for the Future

A successful school relies on much more than what happens in the classroom. Over the past year, teams from Orwell Park and Benenden have worked closely together to strengthen systems, share expertise and build long-term resilience.

Collaboration has taken place across boarding, admissions, marketing, communications, human resources and operations. This work has delivered enhanced IT infrastructure, stronger auditing and data protection processes and the successful integration of financial, payroll and VAT systems into a group-wide model.

The partnership has also enabled the expansion of Orwell Park's admissions and marketing capability, helping to support future growth and ensure the school remains well positioned for the years ahead.

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A New Chapter of Leadership

This anniversary also coincides with a promising new chapter in Orwell Park's history through the appointment of Alex McCullough as Head.

Since joining Orwell Park, Alex has quickly immersed himself in school life, building strong relationships with pupils, staff and families while helping to shape the next stage of the school's development.

His leadership is focused on preserving everything that makes Orwell Park unique while exploring new opportunities for innovation, growth and excellence.

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Looking Ahead

While there is much to celebrate from the first year of the partnership, our focus is very much on the future.

Plans are already underway to develop a longer-term strategic vision for Orwell Park, with parents playing an important role in shaping that journey through consultation and engagement opportunities. An upcoming event, "Orwell Park: 2027 and Beyond", will provide families with the opportunity to learn more about future plans and contribute to the next chapter of the school's story.

Looking back, the first year as part of the Benenden Family of Schools has been a year of meaningful progress. From new opportunities for pupils and enhanced professional collaboration to significant investment in facilities and infrastructure, the partnership has already delivered tangible benefits while preserving the warmth, character and community that define Orwell Park.

As we celebrate this milestone, we are excited about what lies ahead and the opportunities we can create together for future generations of Orwell Park pupils.

Alex McCullough, Head of Orwell Park School, said:

"The past year has shown the incredible value of bringing together schools that share the same values and ambitions. The partnership has created exciting opportunities for our pupils, strengthened our school and provided a platform for future growth. Most importantly, it has done so while preserving everything that makes Orwell Park such a special place. We are looking forward to building on this momentum and continuing to provide an exceptional education and experience for every child."

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