Headmasters Letter, Friday 2nd October 2026

02 October 2026

Headmaster's Newsletter, Friday 2nd October 2026

Dear Parents

"There is more in us than we know. If we could be made to see it; perhaps, for the rest of our lives we will be unwilling to settle for less." Kurt Hahn.

It has been Open Week at Dumpton, and what a joy it has been to share the school with prospective families during a normal working week. Far from wanting anything polished or manufactured, we want parents to see Dumpton at its purest - and your children are, by far, our very best advert.

The number of visitors who commented on their manners, their warmth and their sheer enthusiasm was wonderful to hear. One parent said something that has stayed with me all week: "The happiest children I have ever seen in a school." I don't think you can ask for much more than that.

But it was also wonderful to share with parents that alongside being a caring, nurturing place where children feel safe, secure and very much themselves, it is part of our vision at Dumpton to gently stretch and challenge every pupil - to help them discover things about themselves that might otherwise remain hidden. As Kurt Hahn so beautifully puts it, once a child discovers just how remarkable they are, they may never forget it for the rest of their lives.

That is why I am so delighted by the sheer number of new opportunities springing up across the school this year. Chamber Choir. Model United Nations. Y2 Play Leaders. Prep Plus+. Y7 Hike. Rowing. The Basecamp. IAPS Girls Football. Each one is new this year. Each one is giving children the chance to explore and unearth talents, interests and passions they might never otherwise have found - and to discover, perhaps for the first time, just how remarkable they really are.

Cross Country at Canford
Last Thursday we took a squad of enthusiastic cross-country runners to Canford for the first event of the season. Well done to all our runners, but particularly Sylvie C who came an amazing 3rd, and Tansie S, who came 8th. Considering the size of the field and level of competition, a top ten is outstanding!

Model United Nations
Hot of the press, we’re so proud of our Y8 MUN team who came 3rd in the Bryanston MUN competition, with every child taking part receiving either a commended or highly commended. With 18 other teams competing this was an incredible result. Mrs Hutton has exciting plans for MUN – what an amazing oracy and public speaking opportunity for the pupils.

Artist of the Week
Well done to Hannah M in Y5 for being our very first artist of the week! Mrs Stoodley has been blown away by the passion and talent for art and creativity across the school, and looks forward to celebrating many more pupils for their efforts in art across the year. Well done Hannah!

Sporting Success
Another superb week of sport and tournaments, with Dumpton hosting Castle Court on Tuesday and Wednesday, and tournaments at Bryanston, Clayesmore and Bede’s in Sussex. Special mention to our U11 Girls Football team – the first time we have ever competed at this level at this age group.

County Recognition
Well done to Tansie S and Matilda D, who have both secured places on the County Squads for Hockey and Netball respectively. Both girls have worked so hard in their respective sports – we're really proud of them!

Dumpton Ski Trip 2027
We are delighted to announce that we are offering an exciting ski trip opportunity for pupils currently in Years 5, 6 and 7, taking place from Saturday 11 December to Friday 17 December 2027.

A letter with further information has been sent to all Year 5, 6 and 7 parents, including details of how to express an initial interest. We will also be holding a parent presentation evening on Thursday 15 October at 7:30pm, where parents can find out more about the trip, what is included and what pupils can expect.

Safeguarding, Supervision and the Adventure
As ever, keeping children safe is our number one priority at Dumpton. A false fire alarm at pick-up time was really useful as it tested our de-registration procedures to ensure we know who is safely supervised on site at all times.

If you have de-registered your child, it is really important that they are always closely and safely supervised, and I am afraid that pupils and parents are not allowed to roam around the school site (other than the Adventure).

I will also take this opportunity to confirm that the fire alarm muster point is the astro, and all those on site should head there in the event of an alarm.

Finally, a reminder that supervision extends to the Adventure Playground. We love letting families play there after school has finished, but we have sadly had some reports of children not following the playground rules. Thank you for doing your best to ensure the children uphold the Dumpton values after school – we have talked to the children about this in assembly too.

From Dumpton Friends – Please Save the Dates!
The DF parents’ Christmas Drinks are on Thursday 26 November. More details to follow shortly.

Dumpton Friends are also delighted to be hosting a Bake Sale on Thursday 15 October in aid of Forest Holme Hospice, a local charity providing specialist, compassionate care to people living with life-limiting illnesses. Forest Holme has made a lasting and positive difference to many Dumpton families, offering comfort, dignity and kindness during some of life’s most difficult moments.

We would love our wonderful Dumpton community to get behind this special cause and would be so grateful for donations of homemade bakes to help us raise as much as possible. Whether it’s a batch of cookies, a tray of brownies or a favourite family cake, every bake and every donation will make a difference. Thank you for your support.

Have a wonderful weekend.

With best wishes