The Hammond school in Chester expected to make decision this week on possible accommodation of pupils of Merton House following its closure

Jul 7 2011 by Katie Oakes, Chester Chronicle

THE Hammond school in Chester could still provide a solution for parents of Merton House pupils looking for an alternative school in September.

The independent secondary school is working to gauge interest in the possibility of a preparatory school on the Hammond’s grounds at Hoole Bank.

The pupils would be able to use all the school’s facilities, including an all-weather pitch and tennis courts.

Last week, in the final week the Abbots Park school was open, a notice was put on the door outlining The Hammond’s plans to accommodate Merton House pupils.

It read: “The premises in the Hammond school grounds, which was discussed, has now been approved by an architect as a building that, with some necessary improvements, could be used as a school for some of our children to continue their education as was previously hoped, ie under the umbrella of The Hammond school.”

The building in question is the Garden House on the site which was originally used as a home for headteachers.

Parents were asked to register their interest in the proposed plan by submitting a form by Tuesday, July 5.

The independent senior school, which specialises in vocational dance, music and drama, continued discussions with Merton House parents after negotiations with the owner, Sean White, to take over the Abbots Park premises, fell through.

A spokesman from The Hammond said: “The Hammond is still in discussions with the parents of Merton House pupils to gauge the level of interest there is in The Hammond providing schooling for the former Merton House pupils.

“A final decision on whether to seek the appropriate registrations will be taken once numbers have been confirmed, hopefully by the end of this week.

“Any parents who are interested in viewing The Hammond’s educational facilities, either at a primary or secondary level, are welcome to ring the school secretary on 01244 305350 to make an appointment.”