10 October 2025

Headmaster's Newsletter, Friday 10th October 2025

Dear Parents

As a staff team, a mantra for this year has been ‘aiming high for every child’.

You won’t be surprised to hear that we talk about children at school all the time! What you may not know is that as well as regular conversations with colleagues about the young people who we all care about so much, there are a series of weekly briefings, wellbeing meetings and pupil progress meetings: a systematic approach to ensure that – as far as possible – we are aware of every individual pupil’s needs. Whether its sharing useful information about how a child is feeling, or organising an extra boost or support in an area they need it, it allows us to continue to ‘aim high’ for them all within a framework of kindness and support, and an understanding of them all as individuals.

That said, no matter the job that we (or you!) do, a child’s journey through school will have its ups and downs. Amongst the triumphs, and successes, and moments of delight and utter pride, there will be the more challenging times. Whilst these moments are only natural, and in fact often a key part of growing up – we also all want to do all we can to ensure that any struggles are supported, and that each child’s journey can be as smooth and successful as possible.

This is why, on Monday and Tuesday of next week, there will be over 300 conversations between teachers and parents at the school – all entirely centred on our pupils. How have they settled in? Is there anything worrying them, or you? What are they loving about school? What might they be finding trickier? How can we work together to help?

These conversations are absolutely vital as we try to ensure we get to know every single child at Dumpton and support each of them on their own unique journey. We know every year at school is precious, and whether this is your child’s first year at Dumpton, or their 10th, we hope you appreciate the opportunity to touch base, connect, share, and ensure that we are working closely with you as parents. As we often say, it’s a real team effort. I hope the conversations pave the way for a strong and positive year ahead for every child. Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership — it truly makes all the difference.

Attitude to Learning Grades
Prep School Form Tutors shared our Attitude to Learning Grades with pupils today. This is a chance for them to reflect on their start to the year, reflect on their success, and remind themselves of the importance of giving of our best in lessons. It is effort, not talent or ability, that will define our children ultimately – and this belief is at the heart of our ‘aim high’ philosophy. We have shared the grades with you on the Parent Portal, and we hope they lead to some positive and healthy conversations with your children.

Y2 Harvest Festival – from Mrs Hatchard
This morning, Year 2 shared their wonderful Harvest Assembly with the Juniors and parents. The children explained that Harvest is a time to be thankful — for the food we have and for everyone who helps bring it from the farm to our plates (with a special star mention for Steph!). They spoke clearly and confidently, delivering their lines beautifully. We were treated to two joyful Harvest songs and especially enjoyed the actions to ‘The Most Magnificent Pizza’. We are incredibly proud of them all!

Wimborne Food Bank Collection
The Wimborne Food Bank was delighted to receive the very generous food donations that we delivered earlier today, especially at a time when their stock levels are very low. Our Year 8 pupils did a fantastic job collecting produce from around the school and loading it onto the minibus – an impressive contribution that will make a real difference in our local community.

Y3 Visit to The Ancient Technology Centre
Year 3 seem to be blessed with good weather for their trips! We had a wonderful hands-on day learning about life in Stone Age Britain. The children ground their own flour, learnt archery skills and even forged their own knife with the blacksmith. At the end of the day, we had time in the round house around the open fire baking bread using the flour we had ground earlier in the day. A super opportunity to bring our Humanities learning to life.

Sport
Another busy week of sport this week, and particular special mentions should go to our U11 Boys and U13 Girls teams who performed admirably at their respective IAPS events.

Staffing News
Mrs Cox will be leaving us at the end of this term. We will miss Mrs Cox’s forward thinking approach greatly, however we are so delighted that she will be using her time to pursue her passion for sustainability and global citizenship. She has certainly left a legacy on Dumpton and on our pupils and we look forward to seeing her have a significant impact beyond the four walls of Dumpton.

We’re delighted to announce that Mrs Ellie Hutton will be joining Dumpton in January as our new Head of Geography and Global Citizenship. Currently Head of Upper Prep, Humanities teacher, and a member of the Senior Leadership Team at Bryanston Prep, Mrs Hutton brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the role. She is eager to get to know the Dumpton community and our pupils, and we’re confident that her expertise and fresh perspective will be a significant asset to the school.

From Dumpton Friends
Apologies for the challenges with Class Fundraising however we understand they are resolved now. The window for purchasing gifts remains open for all parents until midday on Wednesday 22nd October.

Parents’ Evenings
A quick reminder – with Parents’ Evenings next week, please remember to amend your bus booking if your child will not be travelling home on the bus.

Individual School Photographs
Just a reminder that these are now in the school office, ready for collection.

With best wishes