Headmasters Letter, Friday 4th September 2026

04 September 2026

Headmaster's Newsletter, Friday 4th September 2026

Dear Parents

It is always a pleasure to write to you each Friday during term time. I hope this letter provides a place to gather some of the important information you need in one spot, while also capturing a little of the spirit and ethos of what we do here at Dumpton. The more you feel involved and part of this school, the better. That's why next week's 'The Year Ahead' meetings are so important, and I'm really looking forward to seeing lots of you there.

It has been a wonderful start to term. The new children have settled in brilliantly, and our new staff equally so! It has been a particular highlight seeing the children enjoy our updated facilities, from the new Learning Hub, to the Prep School teaching block, and of course, The Lookout and The Basecamp down in the woods. Whilst the woods are strictly off limits other than for use during school, you are all invited to the Dumpton Stroll later this month for the grand opening and the chance to explore these amazing spaces yourselves (more on that below!).

My first assembly for the year is always such a special one, as we set the tone for all that is to come. My assembly yesterday involved an enormous sunflower, the incredible potential within us all, and how Be Kind and Aim High lie at the heart of how we help children here at Dumpton discover for themselves how remarkable they truly are. If you don't already follow me on Instagram ‘@DumptonHead’, please do – it's a lovely way to stay in touch with Dumpton life, hear some of my musings, and get a 'behind the scenes' look at your child's experience.

'The Year Ahead' Information Evenings

Monday 7 September, 7.30pm (Y3–Y8)
Tuesday 8 September, 7.30pm (Reception–Y2)

I do hope as many of you as possible will be able to attend these important events in the school calendar. You'll meet your child's form teacher in their new classroom and find out more about the year ahead, with the chance to ask any questions. There will also be a presentation from myself and other senior leaders, and I especially look forward to sharing Dumpton's new 2030 Vision and Strategy.

The arrangements for the evenings are as follows:

Monday 7 September for Y3 - Y8 parents and Tuesday 8 September for Reception - Y2 parents
Please arrive at 7.30pm for a presentation in the Assembly Hall from myself and other senior staff at Dumpton
Parents will then be guided to their child’s classroom to hear from form tutors and have a chance to discuss more details about the year ahead for your children
The evening will finish with a drinks reception for parents and staff in the Dining Hall

Prep School Sports Fixtures Next Week – From Mr Randle
Next week sees our first sports fixtures of the year, with teams playing hockey and football against Forres Sandle Manor. Good luck to the Y3 boys and girls who will play their first fixtures for Dumpton! A reminder to all parents to check the Dumpton Sports Site (www.dumptonsport.com) where all the fixtures, team lists, locations, timings and match reports can be found.

Performing Arts – From Ms Oakes
It has been great to see so many requests for new instrumental, vocal, dance and LAMDA lessons coming through. Please see the Performing Arts Hub for details of how to sign up for lessons and classes if you haven't already.
Also, on the hub, you can find timetables for music and LAMDA lessons which are published at the end of each week.

Prep Plus - From Mr Ashworth, Head of Middle Prep
Prep Plus is an exciting new enrichment initiative for the children in Middle Prep, designed to give them the opportunity to develop their interests, discover new talents and deepen their existing skills. During our launch yesterday, the children were introduced to a range of activities for this half term, including: Maths, Maths, Maths! with Mr. Morgan, Music Mastery with Ms. Oakes, Book Club with Mrs. Parker, Sculpture with Mrs. Stoodley and Interview Skills with Mrs. Shaw.

From Dumpton Friends
Thank you to everyone who attended our back-to-school Coffee Morning this morning. It was so lovely to see everyone and to meet some new faces too.

The first Meeting of Dumpton Friends will be on Friday 11 September at school in the Meeting Room at 8.30am. It would be brilliant to see lots of you at our first meeting of the year - it is a lovely opportunity to share your ideas and be involved. Brand new parents should feel most welcome to come along too – we are a very friendly bunch! Please do sign in at the Front Office.

September Stroll – The Woodland Opening Ceremony, Sunday 20 September
Join the Dumpton Friends and the Headmaster for a very special occasion – the official opening ceremony of our woodland project. This year, rather than a walk through the countryside around Dumpton, this event will be an opportunity to stroll through our new woodland and admire our new woodland structures, the Basecamp and The Lookout, discovering the magical facilities we now have in place for outdoor learning at Dumpton. There will be a range of activities for children and adults to enjoy, as well as of course a delightful afternoon tea. Dogs (on leads!) are most welcome, and do also bring friends and family along to what should be a lovely community event. We will send out an RSVP soon!

Car Park Etiquette
Further to my email of yesterday, thank you to all parents for reading and observing the new parking arrangements which helps ensure we keep all the members of the school community safe.

Musical Ducklings – Begins Next Week
Mrs Saenger and Mrs Willcock are looking forward to welcoming any parents with children aged 2 or under to our free baby and toddler group each Thursday from 8.30am. The first session is next week, and we look forward to seeing you there.

Staff News
Over the summer, we said goodbye to our Swim Teacher, Joy Hopkins. We therefore have a vacancy advertised at the moment, so do spread the word to any fantastic swimming coaches you might know. We have plans in place to ensure that in the meantime the vast majority of swimming lessons can still take place as usual.

Mr Chris Jeremiah, who most of our community will know very well as our Head of DT and PE, had a nasty bike accident just before term started. Thankfully he is at home already and recovering well, if still very stiff and sore, but we hope to see 'Mr J' back at school soon. In the meantime, he's been really touched by all lovely messages he has received.

Finally, Mrs Juliet Siggers our Registrar, who helps so many of you as parents, is sadly dealing with a close family bereavement. We all wish her well during this difficult time – but any parents, old or new, needing support with anything should contact the school office where Holly, Lerryn or one of them team will be able to help.

With best wishes for the weekend.

Yours sincerely

Christian Saenger
Headmaster