Principal's Message

Dear wonderful Hammond community

It is with the greatest pride, awe and privilege I write to you all after, what has been, the most memorable term in the history of The Hammond. Yet the past 16 weeks have proven, beyond doubt, what a very special and powerful place The Hammond is; this is entirely due to the people we have in community.

The ingenuity, resilience, thoughtfulness and positivity demonstrated by all has been nothing short of miraculous and has resulted in a full curriculum of online learning and training, second to none. In addition, the workshops and sessions led by industry experts and superstars, the masterclasses and additional 1-2-1 sessions, independent project research, presentations, showreel completions, concerts for care homes and other performances highlight how The Hammond is able to thrive in all situations.

Of course, my admiration is also directed towards the three year groups for whom this term should have been very different. Year 11, DS2 and PS3 pupils and students had their training and education entirely interrupted by world events, and yet they persevered, engaged in adapted timetables, and proved themselves to be the very best versions of themselves. We have learnt so much from you as regards optimism, kindness and resourcefulness. You really are the spirit of what makes The Hammond great.

As we look ahead to September, it is with great joy that I can formally announce our intention to plan for a full return. We will of course make changes to support the safety of all members of our community; more information to follow as regards changes. But the thought of seeing all of you in early September is the best news anyone could give.

Of course, the end of every school year always brings both joy and reflection, as well as sadness as we say goodbye to some members of our community. We wish the very best to Ms Rowlands and Mrs Brand from the maths department, and also to Miss Miller from the humanities department; all three members of staff have been pivotal in the development of all young people in their care, and we hope they won’t be strangers.

We also say goodbye to six members of staff who, after years of dedicated and support, are now retiring and about to embark on new adventures. Thank you to Mr Killoran who has nurtured and supported so many young people through sports leadership, and for his high energy, positivity, and team outlook. Thank you to Mrs Herbert, a truly inspirational person who has transformed the lives of so many and encourages us to support and consider each other in all we do. Thank you to Mrs McGreary who has passed on her love and passion for literature to so many young people, and who has been instrumental in creating opportunities for students to learn through the MUNA visits. Thank you to Mrs Webb, our outstanding learning support co-ordinator, for her compassion and sensitivity when supporting young people and staff through sometimes difficult times. Thank you to the heart and soul of the drama department, Mrs Hatfield; thank you for 24 years of developing confidence and skill in our young people, and for being central to the training that has taken them to incredible places.

And finally, we thank Mrs Chrissie Eccleston-Tuohy for simply being the best human being we could ever know. Chrissie is inspirational in a way difficult to describe; perhaps it is most clear when watching Chrissie teach – everything is about developing and nurturing every young person. I know that I certainly have never met anyone quite like her; we are all better people for knowing her.

We have many exciting changes for September, including new student leadership teams, boarding changes, and other programmes to ensure The Hammond goes from strength to strength. None of this is achievable without the support and enthusiasm of The Hammond staff: an exceptionally talented and kind group of people, with which it is a privilege to be.

Thank you to everyone. To pupils, students and staff leaving us – we wish you good health, good fortune and happiness, and hope to see you again soon. To everyone else, I look forward to welcoming you back to Hammond in September for Act II !

With the very best of wishes and thoughts.

Jennifer