Established in 1917, it is both an academic girls' school offering secondary education to A-level, and a co-educational vocational dance, music and drama school. The sixth-form arrangements allow performing arts students to take a range of A-levels. Specialist dance students, who mostly go on to join dance companies or teach, can also take A-levels. The Hammond is a small, caring school where students are encouraged to work together and be considerate to others both in school and in the community outside. In addition to dance and performing arts, a broad, balanced curriculum is offered together with a range of sports. Assisted places are available through the government Music and Dance Scheme and Dance and Drama Awards (DADAs).

Pupils: Age range 11-18; 146 pupils, 106 day (13 boys, 93 girls) 40 boarding (15 boys, 25 girls). Dance, drama and music pupils, boys and girls; academic pupils all girls. Entrance: Main entry age 11, 16. Own entrance exam; audition for specialist dance, drama, music pupils only. For sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (including subjects taken on to A-level), or dance audition. State school entry 40% main intake.

3+ pa scholarships at 11, value 20% of fees: 1 each for academic, drama, music. 15-20 bursaries, for dance students. Aided places through the government's Music and Dance Scheme and some DADA places.

Head of School: Polly Dangerfield. Educated at Wychwood and Simon Langton School, Canterbury, and at Canterbury College of Art and Bristol University (graphics and education). Previously Head of Art at The Hammond and taught at Queens Park School, Chester. Teaching staff: 8 full time, 33 part time. Annual turnover under 1%. Average age 45.

GCSE: 22 in Year 11: 100% achieved grade C or above in 5+ subjects. Average GCSE score 59 (53 over 5 years). A-levels: 10 in Year 13. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 130.

Pupils stay at the school for their A-levels and/or the Diploma in Professional Dance (DPD) and go on to join dance companies, teach or go to university.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 11 subjects offered. Vocational: Work experience available; also RSA qualifications, DPD. Languages: French and German offered to GCSE. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. Approx 20 computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), most networked and with email and internet access. All take ICT in Years 10-12.

Music: Specialist music lessons and instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include choirs, orchestra, instrumental groups, vocal training. Drama and dance: Drama, dance and music offered as specialist subjects. Majority of pupils involved in school and other productions. Art and design: On average, 22 take GCSE, 4 A-level. 3D design, textiles, photography also offered. Several students accepted on foundation or degree courses in art and design each year.

Sport: Hockey, netball, tennis, rounders, athletics, gym, dance compulsory. BAGA exams may be taken. Activities: Fund-raising for many local charities, pupils encouraged to get involved. Up to 5 clubs, eg explorers, music, art.

Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses for sport. Prefects, head boy/girl, elected by staff and Year 11. Religion: Church of England. Attendance at religious worship not compulsory. Social: Musical events and sporting fixtures with other local schools. Biannual trip abroad (eg to Normandy, Netherlands). Meals self-service.

Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a discussion with their teacher; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises might expect suspension, possibly expulsion, depending on the circumstances.

Claire Smith (Miss Great Britain); Errol Pickford (Royal Ballet); plus many dancers.