Headmasters Letter, Friday 25th September 2026

25 September 2026

Headmaster's Newsletter, Friday 25th September 2026

Dear Parents

I have spent the past two days in Birmingham at the IAPS Conference, alongside leaders of the finest Prep Schools in Britain and indeed across the world. As much as it felt strange not to be at school, time away reflecting on education, on leadership and on how best to ensure our schools, our staff and our pupils flourish has been a profoundly inspiring experience for me personally. I hope I can bring that inspiration back to Dumpton!

Amongst a host of fantastic speakers and seminars, a theme of the conference for me was 'connection'. In a world more complicated, more online, and arguably more lonely than ever, it has never been more important for schools to feel like a true community - somewhere where every single child can truly belong. The same is true for staff, and parents. This is easily said, but far harder to achieve. Many schools talk about community and belonging, but it needs to be more than just words... All too often, those words can ring hollow for some.

I'm incredibly proud of the sense of community and belonging at Dumpton. It was the 'feel' of the school that brought me here seven years ago, and I very much hope that since then that culture has only strengthened. I know, however, there is still so much more work we need to do. We want to ensure that every single child is truly known, truly valued for who they are, and from there helped to discover their potential. Every child has remarkable potential. Our job is to help them find it. That's our pledge to you, and that's our purpose. I have rarely been so excited and energised about the road ahead.

Dumpton Stroll - Woodland Grand Opening
Thank you to all the parents who supported this event. It was such a joy to see so many children and parents exploring the Lookout, the Basecamp, and our woodland area. Thank you also to the Dumpton Friends for the delicious afternoon tea and some magical craft activities.

Academic Enrichment - 'Curious Minds Society'
We're developing our enrichment programme at Dumpton - we want more opportunities for all children to discover and develop their talents and interests, whatever they might be. The Curious Minds Society is for any Y7 and Y8 children who love learning, and aims to push and stretch them to discover new ideas and be curious about the world. In our first session, pupils were challenged to set up their own island society - with communism, capitalism and totalitarianism all explored as a result! I look forward to the next session just before half term - its open to any Y7 or Y8 interested!

Rowing
Another new opportunity for pupils has been our Rowing - with the first session this week involving some very exciting eskimo rolls in our school pool. The group head out on the Stour next week for their first proper session on the water - a big thank you to Canford, and another example of the benefits of our new relationship.

Sport
Thank you to all the parents who supported our fixtures this week - Dumpton parents are always out in force and it is so appreciated! As well as football and hockey against Port Regis, with every Prep School child involved, we've had a number of tournaments this week. Special mention to our U11A Boys who triumphed at the IAPS Regional Qualifiers, going unbeaten all day and winning the plate - and amazing achievement against some of the best Prep Schools in the South of England. Our U13As also performed brilliantly at the Bryanston tournament, losing a close semi-final 1-0 to Millfield in the end. Hot off the press, our U13A Girls have performed superbly to get through to the cup stage of their own regional qualifiers. What brilliant sporting success!

From Dumpton Friends

Y6, Y7 & Y8 Disco
A reminder that it is the Y6, 7 & 8 Disco, on Friday 2 October, from 4.15pm to 5.45pm.

Christmas Artwork Project
Children have received their templates ready to create a Christmas masterpiece. Some pupils have already completed a design in their lessons this afternoon, but if they would like to do another, there are spares at the school office. Please return these to your class teacher or school office by Tuesday 29 September.

Open Week
We have lots of families visiting Dumpton for our Open Week next week, as well as an Early Years Experience morning aimed at children starting school in September 2027.

Canford Open Day
For those of you considering Canford as a next step after Dumpton, they are holding their Autumn Term Open Day a week tomorrow, on Saturday 3 October.

11+ Grammar School Tests
Good luck to any of our pupils sitting the 11+ this weekend!

With best wishes for the weekend.