15 May 2026

Headmaster's Newsletter, Friday 15th May 2026

Dear Parents

On Friday evening, we hosted a very special gathering at Dumpton to thank our Governors for all they have done to guide and oversee the success of the school over the last 50 years, with Steph and the catering team cooking up a marvellous three course dinner for us all.

Remarkably, during that half century Dumpton has had just three Heads. I firmly believe that this stability - combined with the dedication, wisdom and thoughtful leadership of an exceptionally capable group of Governors - has played a significant role in the school’s enduring success.

As we listened to the speeches and shared memories throughout the evening, one theme emerged time and time again: the very special atmosphere at Dumpton. Our ethos of Be Kind and Aim High, together with the strong sense of family and community that we cherish today, is nothing new. It has been carefully nurtured and protected across generations. Garth Watson, Andy Browning and I are all united in our belief that this spirit, more than anything else, lies at the heart of Dumpton’s success.

One Governor shared the story of a grandfather who recently returned to Dumpton as his grandson began his own journey here. He spoke emotionally about walking around the school and realising that, although the buildings may have changed over the years, the same spirit he remembered from his own childhood was still so clearly alive. It was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact Dumpton has on those who pass through its doors – and of what we must cherish moving forwards.

The evening was also an opportunity to celebrate Dumpton’s continued strength and the exciting new chapter ahead as part of the Canford Schools Group. There was a deep sense of pride among everyone present who has played a role in the school’s journey over the years, and a shared confidence in the future that lies ahead.

It therefore felt particularly fitting that I wrote to you this week about the new governance roles being established across Dumpton and Canford. This next chapter will require another generation of dedicated, thoughtful and supportive Governors to help guide both schools forward, and the Group as it grows. With such strong foundations, shared values and a clear sense of purpose, I am tremendously excited about what the future holds.

Head of Character Education
I am delighted to announce that a new role at Dumpton — Head of Character Education — will be taken on by Mrs Ellie Hutton from September 2026.

Since joining us in January from Bryanston Prep, Ellie has impressed us all with her capability, energy and passion for education. In this new role, she will lead the next stage of Dumpton’s character education journey, working closely with staff to ensure that pupils’ character development is nurtured with even greater thought, coherence and purpose throughout their time at the school. This appointment reflects our continued belief that education is about far more than academic success alone. Developing pupils’ character remains central to a Dumpton education, and I know Ellie will play an important role in strengthening and shaping this work for the future.

A busy week of cricket
We have had some super cricket this week, with tournaments at Bryanston, and fixtures against Sandroyd and Clayesmore. So many wickets taken, runs scored, and catches taken, and it is particularly lovely to see so many pupils courageously taking on hardball cricket too. Well done all!

Y2 Visit to Brownsea Island - from Mrs Morton
What a fantastic day we had yesterday on Brownsea Island. All of the children in Year 2 represented the school wonderfully with their excellent behaviour and consideration for the other visitors. They should all be very proud of themselves. The children spent the day spotting the different environments, habitats and animals found at Brownsea on their scavenger hunt and we were even lucky enough to see some red squirrels and a peacock - all topped off with a yummy ice cream at the end!

Family Afternoon
Next week is the big day! For those new to the school, this is a very special afternoon that brings our whole community together. Do look out for the email today with all the instructions for the day, and keep all your fingers crossed that the good weather returns!

Second Hand Uniform Shop – from Mrs Jeremiah
Our Dumpton Second Hand Uniform Shop has become increasingly popular over the last few years for many reasons. In particular, we love giving uniform more than one season, reducing waste and unnecessary costs. Our prices start as low as just £2.00, with a maximum item price of £17.00 for a Blazer.

If you bring clothing in, you can choose to donate to the shop, donate the funds to our chosen charity or indeed receive a payment. It goes without saying that the uniform needs to be current and in good condition. As we run the shop ‘not for profit’, it is in reality a ‘Recycle Shop’ which really endorses the Dumpton ethos and values. The shop stocks are quite low in some areas at the moment so if you wish to have a sort out at home of outgrown uniform, please do bring your bags in with your name attached either to the shop on a Monday afternoon, or at any time to the front office. We do not currently require: cricket whites, grey trousers or Pre-Prep blue PE shorts.

We thank the generous parents who have chosen to donate the proceeds from their uniform to charity and are delighted to share with you that we have raised a fabulous total of £1023.80. Thank you so much for donating such an impressive amount. The charity we have chosen is Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

A reminder that the shop is open every Monday (term time) from 3.00pm to 5.30pm. If you are not able to make a Monday, we can do our best to accommodate requests and leave them in the School Office for collection. Do email us on uniformshop@dumpton.com

With best wishes for the weekend.