The Hammond School Explained

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The Hammond School
Established:1917
Type:Independent
Head Label:Principal
Head:Jennifer Roscoe
Chair Label:Chairman of Directors
Chair:Mrs. K Cowell
Founder:Irene Hammond
Specialist:Arts (dance and performing arts)
Address:Hoole Bank
Mannings Lane
Country:England
Postcode:CH2 4ES
Ofsted:54859
Lower Age:11
Website:http://www.thehammond.co.uk

The Hammond School is a specialist performing arts school in Chester, England.

History

In 1917, Irene Hammond, a dance teacher and performer from Cheltenham, moved to Chester where she began teaching dance for Amy Broom, née Webster, who was known for her classes at the Grosvenor Ballroom. The Webster School was already an established enterprise in Chester having been run by Broom’s father, Edgar, since 1833. The school was originally opened by Louis Doré of London in 1823.

By 1919, Hammond had officially taken over the school, which became known as the Miss Irene Hammond School. Over the last century, The Hammond has grown and developed, changing and adapting with the times. Betty Hassall, an early student of Hammond, took over the running of the school in 1946 in partnership with Madeline Chambers. At that time, eight hundred children were enrolled at the school and attending weekly classes across Cheshire and Shropshire.

In 1951, the school leased Hampton Lodge and boarding began. The school purchased Hampton Lodge in 1953 and by 1962, the school had expanded its teaching provision into Liverpool Road where it flourished until 1968. Betty Hassall was then instrumental in securing Hoole Bank House in Hoole Village for the school’s Education Department and by 1969, the entire school had moved to the site.

Overview

Today, The Hammond comprises a secondary school, sixth form and university for pupils aged 11years+, which offers specialist vocational training in Dance, Drama and Music. It also has a three-year professional course leading to the National Diploma in Professional Dance or the National Diploma in Musical Theatre, validated by Trinity College, London. Sixth form also offers a BTEC in Performing Arts (acting) combined with 2 A levels. The school is accredited to the Council for Dance Education and Training and is a member of the Independent Schools Association. The Hammond is a MADE (Music and Dance Excellence) School, one of 8 schools in England funded by the Music and Dance Scheme, offering full bursaries to talented young people.

The school's patron is Irek Mukhamedov – famed ballet dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet and Royal Ballet – who teaches students with a dancing Master Class at The Hammond every two years.[1] [2] [3] [4]

In 2018 The Hammond was listed by The Stage as one of "Seven drama schools where academic achievement is also top class".[5]

Alumni

Notable alumni include:

References

  1. News: Henwood. Jo. Russian ballet star Irek Mukhamedov gives masterclass at The Hammond School. 17 September 2017. The Chester Chronicle. Trinity Mirror plc. 25 June 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20170917170723/http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/russian-ballet-star-irek-mukhamedov-5222055. 2017-09-17. live.
  2. News: Former Bolshoi star gives masterclass at Chester dance school. 17 September 2017. The Chester Chronicle. Trinity Mirror plc. 21 April 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20170917213602/http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/former-bolshoi-star-gives-masterclass-5194735. 2017-09-17. live.
  3. News: Henwood. Jo. Bolshoi ballet star visits dancers at The Hammond. 17 September 2017. The Chester Chronicle. Trinity Mirror plc. 25 March 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20170917170511/http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/bolshoi-ballet-star-visits-dancers-8919826. 2017-09-17. live.
  4. News: Bird. Rebecca. Russian ballet dancer hosts workshops at Chester's Hammond School. 17 September 2017. The Chester Chronicle. Trinity Mirror plc. 31 January 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170917213711/http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/russian-ballet-dancer-hosts-workshops-12532397. 2017-09-17. live.
  5. News: Marsden. Samantha. Seven drama schools where academic achievement is also top class. 23 January 2018. The Stage. The Stage Media Company Limited. 23 January 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180123173659/https://www.thestage.co.uk/advice/2018/seven-drama-schools-academic-achievement-also-top-class/. 2018-01-23. live.
  6. Web site: Sharif Afifi - West End Performers. London Theatre Direct. 15 October 2023.
  7. Web site: Alumni & Destinations. The Hammond School. 15 October 2023.
  8. News: Henwood. Jo. Hammond School Hall of Fame - where are they now?. 14 September 2017. The Chester Chronicle. Trinity Mirror plc. 22 January 2016.
  9. Web site: Hammond School pupil Beau Dermott impresses on Britain's Got Talent. Barrett. Frances. Cheshire Live. 10 April 2016. 6 October 2018.
  10. News: Holmes. David. I'm a Celebrity Jorgie Porter is ex-Chester student. 14 September 2017. The Chester Chronicle. Trinity Mirror plc. 16 November 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20170914172511/http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/news/showbiz/im-celebrity-jorgie-porter-ex-10449619. 2017-09-14. live.
  11. News: Hollyoaks star Jorgie Porter shares style secrets at Grosvenor Shopping Centre. 14 September 2017. The Chester Chronicle. Trinity Mirror plc. 18 September 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20170914172459/http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/hollyoaks-star-jorgie-porter-shares-7792542. 2017-09-14. live.
  12. News: Kleeman . Alexandra . Michelle Yeoh's Quantum Leaps . 16 December 2022 . The New York Times Magazine . 15 March 2022.

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