14 November 2025

Headmasters Letter 14th November 2025

Dear Parents

We enjoyed a very special Remembrance Service on Tuesday this week. It was Dumpton at its best, with some beautiful music (including a stunning performance form our Senior Choir), and then an appropriately respectful and solemn gathering around the war memorial. As is tradition, our Y8s read out the names of the many Old Dumptonians who gave their lives in the service of their country, and the oldest and youngest pupils in the school lay a wreath. Well done to Sebby S for playing the Last Post with such skill too.

As part of the service, I shared an extract with pupils from Sebastian Faulk’s Birdsong.

“It seemed to him that it was not fear that had made them do what they had done, nor the hope of reward, nor the love of country, but a simple ancient demand for the good of the community. They had marched in their millions from the places they were born, in the belief that they were doing the right things. And they had died in that same belief."

It is hard for us to convey to young children the horrors of war. Whilst this passage of course captures the tragedy of those young men who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, it also demonstrates something that for me is even more poignant: the strong sense of shared values, service and community that inspired such incredible courage.

In many ways, whilst the circumstances are entirely different, that same spirit echoes through Dumpton today. The Cross Country running this week was a perfect example—so many pupils, buoyed by the encouragement of their peers and teachers, and the ‘you can because you think you can’ culture that pervades our community, stepping beyond their comfort zones with courage and determination to take on a challenge they could easily have avoided. Your children continue to inspire in countless ways like this, and they are the reason that - having learned the lessons of the past - we can look to the future with such optimism and hope.

Parent Drop Ins
We know many of you might have other engagements first thing, but if you’re free, do pop into classrooms for the Drop Ins next week. It’s such a nice chance for you to engage with your children over their learning at school, and to touch base with teaching staff. Y3 and Y4 takes place on Tuesday, Y1 and Y2 on Thursday, and Y5 to Y8 on Friday.

Cross Country – from Mr Randle
It really is a testament to the pupils of our school that when an opportunity to join the cross-country team to run a race comes along, we end up with 60+ pupils wanting to challenge themselves – a third of the Prep School! Almost perfect running conditions gave many of them their first opportunity to represent the school on the level running course. The pupils were an absolute credit, listening carefully to important instructions and giving their all in the races. Most races had around 100 pupils competing — and the Year 5 and 6 boys’ races had well over that! A special mention goes to Francis K for his outstanding 1st place; it was never in doubt once he left the start line, the Year 3 and 4 team ended with a 3rd place overall in the team competition. Coco B also deserves huge praise for her gritty and determined 2nd place in her race. Many of our more seasoned cross-country runners achieved personal best positions too. An extra-special mention must go to Tamsyn S, who stopped during her race to comfort and support Imogen T after she twisted her ankle. Such kindness and sportsmanship!

Accelerated Investment Plan – Parent Survey
Thank you to all the parents (over 60!) who contributed their ideas to our consultation survey. It has been so useful and insightful to get your input and ideas, and helps us to ensure that we can pull together a plan that best reflects the priorities for our community. I look forward to updating you (and the pupils!) on our plans and timelines in the coming weeks – it's certainly an exciting time as we look to ensure our site can continue to provide unrivalled experiences, opportunities and learning spaces for our pupils.

Dumpton Foundation – A heartfelt thank you
I am absolutely delighted to announce that, thanks to the generosity of the Dumpton community, our first Dumpton Foundation project raised an incredible £108,825, all of which has supported the refurbishment of the Adventure Playground and Swimming Pool. We can’t wait to unveil a new Donor Board in the new year to say thank you to all those who made donations.

Dumpton Friends Christmas Party (Thursday 27 November)
A few tickets remain for this always enjoyable event. Do remember to book yourselves in on Classlist for what should be another fantastic evening.

Flu Vaccinations Deadline Reminder (Reception to Y8) - from Matron
Please remember that Monday, 17 November, is the final deadline for flu vaccination forms. Vaccinations will be given at school next Thursday (20 November). Anyone who misses the deadline will need to arrange an appointment at a community catch-up clinic.

With best wishes,