The Hammond School
Secular
Updated July 2026
Accreditations
IBThe Hammond is a renowned performing arts institution in Chester that provides specialist, full-time vocational training across school, college, and degree levels. It integrates rigorous academic standards with professional-level artistic development to prepare students for careers in the performing arts.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The Hammond fosters a culture of excellence, curiosity, storytelling, and innovation, aiming to develop healthy, confident, and lifelong learners. The school prioritises interpersonal skills, such as listening, cooperation, and kindness, while encouraging a growth mindset, resilience, and self-confidence. It seeks to prepare students for successful, sustainable careers in the performing arts by promoting professional discipline, versatility, and a spirit of collaboration.
Programmes
The school offers a comprehensive range of programmes, including dance and acting/musical theatre for students aged 11–16, and acting and performance courses for those aged 16+. Vocational training includes the Level 6 Trinity Diploma in Professional Dance and Professional Musical Theatre, which are three-year, full-time courses. The curriculum covers core disciplines such as ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, commercial, and vocal technique, alongside contextual studies, anatomy, physiology, and performance psychology. Additionally, students may pursue the Level 4 Diploma in Dance Education (DDE) from the ISTD and participate in LAMDA and London College of Music examinations.
Student support
Learning support
The school maintains a dedicated learning support team that works alongside teachers and specialist staff to assist students in achieving academic and personal success. Learning support assistants play a vital role in ensuring that all students can fully participate in both classroom learning and the school's range of creative and performance opportunities. For international students whose first language is not English, the school provides an English as an Additional Language (EAL) service for an additional charge.
Frequently asked questions(4)
- How much is tuition at The Hammond School?
- Annual tuition at The Hammond School is £15K–£21.7K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is The Hammond School a day or boarding school?
- The Hammond School is a day and boarding school.
- What accreditations does The Hammond School hold?
- The Hammond School holds accreditations including IB.
- Where is The Hammond School located?
- The Hammond School is an international school in Chester, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2025-2026| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| School (11-16 years) - Education & Dance Training | 11–16 | £21.7K |
| School (11-16 years) - Education & Acting and Musical Theatre Training | 11–16 | £15.8K |
| College (Post 16) - Acting and Performance | 16–18 | £15K |
| College (Post 16) - Trinity Diploma in Professional Dance | 16–? | £21K |
| College (Post 16) - Trinity Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre | 16–? | £21K |
Other fees(8)
| Registration fee· Non-refundable registration fee to secure place. Subject to VAT. Not applicable to Diploma courses. | £160 |
|---|---|
| Deposit· UK Pupils. Refunded when child leaves. | £350 |
| Deposit· EU Pupils. Refunded when child leaves. | £1.5K |
| Deposit· International Pupils. Refunded when child leaves. | £3.5K |
| Boardingterm· Boarding fee per term. Subject to VAT. | £3.4K |
| EAL· Extra language tuition under the English as an Additional Language Service (EAL) will be arranged for additional charges. | — |
| Materials· Production contribution cost charged for student participation in school productions. | £47.3 |
| Materials· Internal ticket contribution covers the cost of the pupil watching all internal performances. | £50 |
Admissions
The school requires a completed application form for all prospective students. Following a successful audition, a non-refundable registration fee of £160 is payable to secure a place, though this fee is not applicable to the school's diploma courses. International students must pay a full term’s fees in advance along with a refundable deposit of £3,500.
Calendar
The school operates on a termly basis, with specific term dates provided for school and college courses, as well as separate dates for degree-level programmes. Families are advised to consult the school's official calendar for the most current academic schedule.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus features purpose-built dance and drama studios, a music suite equipped with recording and practice rooms, and a 420-seat theatre. These facilities are designed to support the school's specialist performing arts training and professional-level productions.
Jennifer RoscoePrincipal of The HammondJennifer Roscoe is the Principal of The Hammond. She holds an MA (Oxon) and is a qualified teacher (PGCE, QTS) and a member of the Chartered College of Teaching (MCCT), with the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).