Dear Parents
Thank you to all the parents who have checked in on me and the staff team this week - we truly appreciate how thoughtful you've been. But honestly, despite its moments, I think most of us have thoroughly enjoyed it! It's certainly a week I'll remember for a long time.
It has been an uncomfortable one, and we've had to adapt and make some tough compromises (the cancelled Prep School Sports Day most notably, which was such a shame). But equally, this week has seen the very best of Dumpton: extra pool sessions, hosepipe fun, creative lessons taught out in the woods or the OAC, the arrival of the ice cream van on Thursday afternoon, Mr Harris's ‘iced coffees’ becoming an 11am staffroom ritual, and of course the return of the famous Dumpton ‘slip and slide’. The pupils and staff have done exactly what we'd always ask of them in tougher moments - they've shown resilience, enthusiasm and positive energy. It's a great lesson for all our pupils that challenges can become opportunities with the right mindset.
I'd like to take a moment to praise the staff. I haven't heard a single moan all week. Throughout, they've maintained the utmost professionalism and positivity in some pretty challenging conditions - and, like me, on not much sleep!
I'd also like to thank you, as parents, for being so understanding, flexible and adaptable, and for trusting that every decision we made this week was made with the school community's needs front and centre. We hope you too have enjoyed the week, and that the early finishes allowed some much-needed "cool down" time together as a family.
Next week promises to be far more temperate... just in time for Speech Day! Just to confirm we will be back to normal uniform expectations now that the heatwave has passed.
TES Awards – Prep School of the Year
Last Friday, the SLT and I headed to London for the TES Awards. It was a grand occasion, known as ‘the Oscars of education’, with 1,200 educators from across the state and independent sectors in attendance. Although we weren't crowned Prep School of the Year, we were up against some of the very best prep schools in the country - and it was a real honour simply to be there. If anything, it's left us hungry for more. We're determined to build on this achievement, and we aspire for a Dumpton education to lead the way in our sector, and give your children the very best education possible.
Y1 and Y2 Sports Day
In a new location ‘over the road’, this morning’s Y1 and Y2 Sports Day was a roaring success. How brilliant to see the confidence and sense of enjoyment, as well as some significant athletic talent and healthy competitive instinct – and this was evident in the parent races too! Thank you to Mr Jeremiah, but also the brilliant Pre-Prep staff team.
iSpeak
Public speaking, and confident communication skills, are perhaps one of the greatest gifts we can give our children. How wonderful to see our Y8 flourish given this opportunity. Pete Fowler, Director of iSpeak said he had never worked with a school where the standard and quality of public speaking was so high. Special mentions to winners Emeli H, Jack B, and also Lily W who performed the winning speeches in Prep School assembly
Y8 Leavers Dinner
Always a highlight of the Leavers’ Programme, Tuesday evening saw Y8 and the the teachers gather together for drinks on the lawn, and then a Spanish-themed Tapas feast for the pupils. The food was amazing, the company wonderful, and as always, the pupils took the opportunities to give a speech about their time at Dumpton which were both very funny, and very poignant. Y8 head to Cornwall next week, and we’re sure it will be a wonderful way to end their time at Dumpton.
Moving up Morning
On Wednesday all children will have the chance to find out their form tutor for next year. Some of the new children arriving will also join, and there will be the chance to do some fun activities in our new pastoral groups. We will communicate home to you as parents too on the day so you are aware. It’s always an exciting moment as we think ahead to the next academic year and all that it promises.
Speech Day
We do hope everyone is ready for Speech Day. Do see the previous correspondence sent, and we’re sure it will be a fabulous event, as we celebrate the end of another wonderful year at Dumpton.
Top Car Park – One Way System Trial
In response to parents feedback, we’re trying to improve the flow of the Top Car Park. You may have noticed a new slip road appearing – we will use next week to trial a new one way system, with cars entering the top car park by the new slip road, with the current entrance/exit becoming exit only. We will be on hand to supervise – thank you for bearing with us if we have teething problems, and hopefully this trial will allow us to get things in place for everything to run smoothly in September!
Safe Driving
Please note that we have some parents who cycle to school with their children. Could I urge us all to drive very carefully on the school site, and always slowly, to ensure any cyclists, or pedestrians, are kept as safe as possible.
With best wishes for a slightly cooler weekend.
Christian Saenger
Headmaster
Key Events w/b Monday 29 June 2026
WEEK B
Week 10: Theme of the Week – Reflecting on our Achievements
Monday 29 June
All Day Y8 Leavers’ Programme: Residential Trip to Cornwall
8.45-9.15 Y2 Instrumental Concert (refreshments in the Performing Arts Courtyard from 8.30am)
16.15-17.15 Y5 11+ Additional Maths Sessions
16.30-17.15 Y3-Y6 Final of the Poetry Recitation Competition
Tuesday 30 June
All Day Y8 Leavers' Programme: Residential Trip to Cornwall
Y1 & Y2 Beach trip to Sandbanks
Wednesday 1 July
All Day Y8 Leavers' Programme: Residential Trip to Cornwall
8.30 Final Musical Ducklings of the Term
16.15-23.59 Y4 Overnight Camp
Thursday 2 July
All Day Y8 Leavers’ Programme: Residential Trip to Cornwall (return)
14:00 - 15:15 Dandelions Afternoon Tea with Parents
Friday 3 July
9:30 Speech Day – All children from Reception to Y8 to be dropped off at school at 9.30am. Please note there will be NO BUSES. Drinks will be served for parents before the ceremony begins. Nursery will be open as usual from 8.15am until 11.30am.
11.30-15.00 Dumpton Friends Summer Picnic