06 November 2026

Headmaster's Newsletter, Friday 6th November 2026

Dear Parents

It is hard to put into words the sadness I have felt at the news that Leweston School, an independent school in Dorset who we share a close relationship with, has closed with immediate effect. In the conversations I have had with Leweston staff and parents, I have been struck again and again by how devastating the sudden closure of a school can be. Our thoughts are with every pupil, family and member of staff in that community.

I hope most parents are already aware that Dumpton is in a very different position in terms of our long term stability. However, it's worth reinforcing that Dumpton has long held a position of financial strength and resilience - but as a member of the Canford Schools Group, that strength has grown considerably.

That security and stability is not by chance; it is part of the purpose of the Canford Schools Group, of which I am immensely proud to be a part. A key motivation of forming the CSG for both Canford and Dumpton was to protect and sustain charitable independent education, in the face of increasing threats to our sector. In a charitable school, education always comes before profit: every penny of fees is reinvested in our pupils, our staff and our school, and our Governors have a legal duty to act in the best interests of our schools and the communities they serve.

Happily, membership of the group is already giving us much more than financial security and strong governance - it is opening up fantastic opportunities for our pupils through closer collaboration with Canford. From increasing the quality of our sporting and outdoor learning provision, to accessing impressive facilities (like a kiln!), to new exciting opportunities (like rowing and debating), and of course next term's Art Exhibition and School Musical performance of Annie at the wonderful Layard Theatre, which promises to be a very special occasion.

At the same time, the CSG, unlike many other school groups in operation, has been formed on the basis of high autonomy for individual schools, and this is crucial. We remain very much Dumpton, and here to serve our community - and it's wonderful to see that alongside plenty of pupils preparing for Canford entry, we have current pupils aiming for schools like Bryanston, Ballard, Clayesmore, Milton Abbey, BCS, and further afield, Marlborough College, Winchester College, Wycombe Abbey, Brighton College, as well as a number of children who have done brilliantly in their grammar school 11+ tests in recent weeks.

Whatever paths our families choose, we are here to support you in finding a school where your child will flourish and be as happy and successful as I hope they have been here at Dumpton.

Staff News
A warm welcome to Frazer Wilford who joined us this week from Leweston to coach rugby this half term. We are incredibly fortunate to have someone of his calibre join the coaching team. We have also recently welcomed Jacqui Hull as our new Swimming Teacher. She is a highly experienced swim coach, and also Swimming Coordinator at Canford, so this is a really exciting appointment too.

Ski Trip 2027
We're delighted our Ski Trip to Passo Tonale in Italy for 2027 is going ahead with over 40 pupils currently signed up from the current Y5, Y6 and Y7. Thank you to Mrs Sowden for her energy and enthusiasm in getting this trip off the ground, and to parents for supporting – what an amazing opportunity for the pupils involved!

Creative Arts Day at Canford - from Mrs Stoodley
A selection of Year 5 and 6 pupils recently enjoyed a fantastic Creative Arts Day at Canford, where they explored a range of exciting opportunities in dance, musical theatre, art, and puppetry.

The day included energetic dance workshops, where pupils learned and performed choreographed routines, and musical theatre sessions inspired by Wicked, helping them develop confidence, characterisation, and performance skills. In the Art studio, children designed and created their own tote bags, experimenting with a variety of creative techniques, while the puppetry workshop encouraged teamwork and imagination as pupils brought their paper puppet characters to life.

Rugby Success
The rugby season has begun for the boys, and huge congrats to our U11s who won every match at the Canford tournament, putting on a really impressive all round performance. The girls had their last hockey fixtures of the term, before their first football fixtures next week.

Bebras Challenge - from Mr Ashworth
Next week the pupils in Years 3, 5 and 7 will be taking part in the Bebras Challenge in Computing lessons. The Bebras Challenge is an international competition based on computational thinking through fun, logic-based puzzles. If you would like to look at the puzzles with your children, you can do so by clicking this link https://challenge.bebraschallenge.org/index.php?action=user_competitions

Year 3 are "Kits", Year 5 are "Castors" and Year 7 are "Benjamins". The pupils have already looked at the practice materials in lessons this week, but may benefit from another look. The puzzles might be of interest to parents too.

From Dumpton Friends
Wreath Making Workshop – We have just 2 spaces remaining! Don't miss out on a lovely festive morning.
Parents' Christmas Party at Rick Stein – Last chance to get your tickets! Tickets close at 5pm on Friday 13 November, so be sure to book before then.
Christmas Fayre Prep Sessions – We'll be getting creative after drop off on Tuesday 10, Wednesday 18 and Monday 23 November in the meeting room above the sports hall. We'll be wrapping presents, making decorations, creating signs and much more! Everyone is welcome, and any time you can spare would be a huge help. Many hands make light work
Raffle Prizes Needed – We're still looking for raffle donations for our Christmas Fayre. If you own a business or work somewhere that might be able to offer a prize, we'd be incredibly grateful for your support.
Next DF Meeting – Friday 13 December. Everyone is welcome!

With best wishes