30 January 2026

Headmaster's Newsletter, Friday 30 January 2026

Dear Parents

What a wet and dreary week it has been! Thank you all for your good spirits amidst some particularly soggy conditions. I know that many journeys to school were a true test of patience, but I am quite sure that, as parents, you modelled the Dumpton virtues superbly throughout!

We did, however, receive some very positive news this week which I wanted to share with you all. Following their own ISI inspection before Christmas, Canford School has been awarded a glowing report, including a ‘Significant Strength’ for pupil leadership.

In the very term in which we have formally founded the Canford Schools Group together, it is an enormous boost to know that both Dumpton and Canford have received this recognition from ISI within the last year - an accolade awarded to only around 10% of independent schools nationally. This is a powerful justification of the “high quality, high autonomy” school group we are seeking to create, and further reinforces the already strong sense of mutual respect and admiration between the two schools.

It is particularly fitting that each of our ‘Significant Strengths’ centre on pupils' personal development. While excellent academic outcomes are a hallmark of both schools, the development of pupils’ wider attributes - confidence, character and leadership - lies at the heart of our ethos and approach.

Our new partnership will only strengthen our ability to deliver this work ever more effectively. By challenging and supporting one another, and through sharing expertise, knowledge and resources, both schools share a clear ambition to be at the forefront of educational best practice within our sector. For example, we have recently made our first ‘joint’ appointment for September 2026 - a new ‘Head of Adventure’ who alongside running Canford’s significant Adventure programme, will develop and lead our Outdoor Learning leadership skills curriculum for our Y7 and Y8 pupils at Dumpton.

Crucially, alongside educational opportunity, the Canford Group has also brought us stability and security. Sadly, many independent schools across the country are currently fighting for their survival as the impact of VAT on fees takes its toll. In stark contrast, we are able to look forward with confidence and optimism, planning exciting developments for the future - including significant investment in our site - as we embark upon our ‘2030 Conversation’ term.

On that note, a parent survey will be coming your way before half term. Your voice is hugely important as we plan the next chapter of Dumpton’s story - it is imperative that the school continues to serve and reflect the parent body that has supported us so wholeheartedly to this point. We very much hope you will all take part.

Navigating a Childhood of Screens Smartphones and Social Media – Thursday 5 February, 8pm, online

This is not one to miss! I don’t think there’s a more important conversation to be engaging with at the moment as parents, and I hope this online talk will be accessible to as many of you as possible, with contributions from me, the Head of Computing and Head of Juniors Mr Ashworth, Mrs Shaw our Senior Deputy Head, and Mr Moulton, our Designated Safeguarding Lead. We will send out a link next week, and will be recording the event for those who can’t make it.

Y3 Trip to Etches Museum

Year 3 spent a wonderful day in Kimmeridge on Thursday at the Etches Collection. Year 3 especially enjoyed meeting Britney the Pliosaurus and a few of her friends! They consolidated their knowledge of fossils and soil and impressed our guide Nick so much with their knowledge. The perfect end to our science topic this half term.

4B Bake Sale

Mrs Brass was so proud of 4B for their collaborative fundraising efforts this week. They baked biscuits with Mrs Brown and ran a bake sale after school on Thursday which was incredibly successful. The Panda squishie that we were raffling was won by Skye F and we raised an amazing £229! This money will be going to the WWF and, following a vote in this morning's assembly, we will be adopting a Snow Leopard. Thank you!

County Champions

Amongst some other fantastic sport this week, as well as sadly some cancellations for weather, the highlight was certainly our U11 Boys who became County Champions on Wednesday, beating Port Regis on flicks in the final. They head off to the Regionals later this term – good luck!

Scholarship Success

We are so proud to announce that Ava W has been awarded an Equine Scholarship to Leweston. Ava has shown so much commitment, resilience and determination on her journey, and this scholarship is so well deserved!

Ski Trip

After announcing this to pupils (who were very excited!) we wrote to parents in Y5, Y6 and Y7 today about a proposed Ski Trip in December. We’re just exploring possibilities and interest levels at present, but please do reply by Monday so that we have a sense of whether we can move to the next step.

Sailing Hobby

A reminder that if you are interested in the sailing for Prep School hobbies next term, the deadline to confirm a space is today! Please see the email from Mrs Clemmitt that was sent earlier this week.

Dumpton Talks Podcast – Exploring Neurodiversity and SEND

If you feel your child is coping with any significant challenges at school (this is a very common feeling for many of us) do have a listen to our latest Podcast episode. It was a really interesting and valuable conversation with our own wonderful SENDCo Vicki Wakefield, and Founder and Lead Clinical Psychologist at Wimborne Psychology, Alisha Azzopardi. I hope it’s a useful insight – and please always remember, if you’re ever worried about your child, never be afraid to reach out for a conversation.

With best wishes for the weekend.