The Hammond

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 taken over the school, which became known as the Miss Irene Hammond School. 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…

Today, The Hammond comprises a secondary school, sixth form and university for pupils aged 11years+, which offers vocational training in dance, drama and music. It 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 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…