08 May 2026

Headmaster's Newsletter, Friday 8th May 2026

Dear Parents

This week we had not one, not two, but THREE residential trips. The school has certainly felt quieter, with Y5 in the New Forest, Y6 in North Devon, and Y7 in Normandy.

Trips like these require a huge amount of planning and effort behind the scenes, but the opportunities they provide for our children make them incredibly worthwhile. As a school that places such importance on character education, there can be few better ways for children to grow than by spending time together with their peers and teachers beyond the classroom. Residential experiences challenge, inspire and develop children in ways that are difficult to replicate anywhere else.

This week, every one of our seven Dumpton virtues has been brought vividly to life:

Courage– staying away from home, climbing the high ropes, trying new activities and even tasting ‘les escargot’ for the first time!
Resilience– overcoming homesickness, persevering when learning to surf, and continuing to try when things felt difficult.
Empathy– supporting friends who were feeling sad or nervous, encouraging one another and making sure everyone in a dorm felt included and cared for.
Collaboration– tackling team-building challenges together, working as a group to build rafts that would stay afloat, and learning the importance of cooperation.
Creativity– concocting lunches from ingredients bought at a French market, solving problems in new ways and embracing unfamiliar experiences with imagination.
Global Citizenship– developing an understanding of another culture, representing Dumpton positively, and taking responsibility for shared spaces and belongings.
Enthusiasm– embracing every activity with positivity and energy, singing on coach journeys, throwing themselves wholeheartedly into new experiences, and returning each day full of stories and excitement.

The memories made this week will stay with the children for many years to come, but perhaps even more importantly, so too will the confidence, independence and friendships they have developed along the way. We are enormously proud of every pupil for the way they embraced these experiences and of the staff who made them possible.

An enormous thank you to the 17 members of the Dumpton teaching staff who accompanied the various residential trips this week. They did so with such care and thoughtfulness for your children, and I am always blown away by their professionalism. They have all spent time away from their own families in order to care for your children and provide them with such memorable experiences. I am sure you will join me in thanking them for their dedication, energy and kindness. We are lucky to have them!

Family Afternoon – Friday 22 May from 13:30
Perhaps my favourite afternoon of the year is just around the corner. I do hope you – and of course any family members – can make some time to join us for this afternoon. Hosted by your children, you can explore their classrooms and the site and facilities, with performances, a parade, and of course a special afternoon tea on the lawn to finish. More info to come next week!

The Lookout and the Basecamp - Work Begins!
You may have seen some activity down in the woods this week. We’re really excited that BlueForest have begun work on these exciting new additions, which should be ready in time for the second half of the term. The children have been very excited to watch the progress already!

Open Week and Early Years Experience Morning – Week Commencing Monday 18 May
Do let anyone you know who might be interested in Dumpton for their children know of our upcoming Open Week, as well as the Early Years Experience Morning on Friday 22nd May, a wonderful chance for those considering joining Dumpton’s fantastic Nursery, or starting school here in September 2027.

Old Dumptonian Event - Saturday 16 May
We have an Old Dumptonian event on Saturday 16 May, and there are still spaces for anyone interested. Equally, the Dumpton Ducks will be playing a match against an Old Dumptonian/Headmaster’s XI – again, do say if you are interested in playing. The match will be a family affair, with children welcome to join and watch, and Steph providing a special match tea between innings.

Parent Survey Feedback
Please find attached a summary of our very useful recent parent survey. It’s so important that you know how much your voice helps us shape the school’s future direction – and I feel it is important that I acknowledge your support by sharing the findings as honestly as possible – the good bits, and the areas for growth too. A big thank you for all involved and thank you for helping us continue to ‘aim high’ in every single area of school life.

With best wishes for the weekend.