22 October 2025

Headmaster's Newsletter, Wednesday 22nd October 2025

Dear Parents

A short week, but there is still more than enough to include in my letter to mark the end of the half term! Please do read below for some exciting updates on house competitions, more amazing sporting and performing arts brilliance, some useful ideas and activities for the half term period, as well as some important information about the half term ahead. Most importantly, you will also find out more about our accelerated investment plan at Dumpton, and we’re delighted to be able to consult with our community about exciting plans for future site development on our already wonderful school site.

May I take this opportunity to wish you all an excellent half term, and I hope you enjoy some special times together as a family.

Accelerated Investment Plan – Your Views
One of the many benefits of our recently announced merger with Canford are the investment possibilities both now, and into the future. In the short term, Dumpton's current cash reserves (close to a seven-figure sum) have been ring-fenced for investment in our children's education on our already wonderful site. This is an exciting opportunity, and we are now embarking on an accelerated investment plan on the school site over the next 12 to 24 months.

Whilst major capital investment and infrastructure projects in the future will be possible with Canford Schools Group funding, we want to use this money in a way that offers a wide range of benefits to current Dumpton pupils across a variety of areas. We are consulting with pupils, staff and parents to learn what matters most to our community, and to ensure that we can gather ideas and be in the best position to make decisions and define priorities. Thank you for your support as we embark on this exciting project.

Lunchtime Informal Concert
Wow! What a brilliant bunch of very talented (and very hardworking and committed) musicians we have coming through the school at present, at all stages of their musical journeys. From Senior Choir’s uplifting and beautifully harmonised ‘I’m on Top of the World’, to some singing, guitars, violins and piano performances, some of which, considering the age of our performers, simply blew the audience away. I have posted some clips on my socials (@dumptonhead) - how incredibly inspiring, and a real example of ‘aiming high’ in action.

Y7 and Y8 House Public Speaking Competition
This is always a favourite event of mine. Every single child In Y7 and Y8 writes and performs a speech of their choosing, and all the children earn points for their Houses. In addition, a final is held in the assembly hall, and thank you to our adjudicator this year, Mr Ed Johnson from Canford, who had the unenviable task of choosing our winners. Congratulations to all our finalists, but especially Jack B and Sebby S (winners), and Raffi L and Vinnie R (runners up). The overall House Winners were Kent!

Hockey and Football House Matches
We have had two very enjoyable afternoons of sport with over 200 children playing very competitive, but very fun house competitions. Well done to Sussex for winning the Boys Football, Dorset winning the Girls Hockey, with the overall winning title going to Dorset!

Another Dumpton National Champion!
At the NSEA National Championships last weekend, Ava W (Y8) displayed her characteristic smile, sportsmanship, and love for her sport. Competing without expectation but with total commitment, she gave it her all. We are utterly delighted to share with our community that Ava and her mare Cassy were crowned National Champions, winning the prestigious 80–85cm Jumping with Style class!

We are incredibly proud of Ava’s dedication, resilience, and sportsmanship – and very proud indeed to have yet another sporting National Champion here at Dumpton.

Scholarship News
We’re also delighted to announce that Toby W-S has been awarded the first scholarship of the year, a Sports Exhibition to Blundells. Congratulations on this excellent achievement.

Dorset Council Local Plan
Many parents will have seen that Dorset Council have released their plans for development in county, and are currently consulting to explore how they could meet development needs across Dorset between 2026 and 2043. Some of the proposed development will be very close to Dumpton, and though there is no major cause for concern, the school will be submitting our own detailed contribution to the consultation with the support and advice of our planning advisor.

Important – Reception to Y8 Flu Vaccinations (Thursday 20 November)
You will have received an important email yesterday from the Matron Team with full details of this year’s flu vaccination programme. Please can you complete the online form to either give your consent for your child to have the vaccination or decline it on this occasion. We must receive a form back for every child by Monday 17 November.

Science Half Term Challenge - From Mrs Catton
Over the half term, it would be fantastic if pupils kept exploring science with the same curiosity we have seen in the classroom this half term. There are some inspiring science books to explore in the local libraries alongside some fascinating BBC series. An excellent option on BBC iPlayer is A Perfect Planet, narrated by David Attenborough, which delves into the forces that shape our Earth from weather systems and oceans to volcanoes and our human impacts on the environment. We also recommend The Planets and Forces of Nature both presented by Professor Brian Cox. The Planets takes viewers on a stunning journey through our Solar System, revealing the dramatic stories of each world that orbits our Sun. Forces of Nature explores the powerful natural forces that shape our planet from gravity and motion, to light and energy. The series Horrible Science is perfect for younger pupils and brings science to life with humour and fun experiments.

Encouraging students to read or watch, reflect, and perhaps even discuss their findings over a family mealtime can keep their science thinking active and will no doubt make for some interesting conversation.

Green Halloween – From Mrs Cox and the Global Citizenship Squad

As Autumn sets in, the weather gets colder and the excitement of Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas approach, it is an excellent time to assess our carbon footprints.

This half term, look out for Dumpton’s guide to a ‘Green Halloween’ and take 5 minutes to complete the carbon footprint calculator for your household – it might surprise you (mine is higher than I expected!)

Small changes make a big difference, so do let us know of any changes you make as a result. Remember – everything you do counts.

Give Back Friday
More information to follow but if you are having a clear out over half term, please don’t get rid of any children’s shoes, clothes, toys or books as we will be collecting them for our Give Back Friday taking place on Friday 28 November.

Winter Uniform & Prep School Sports Kit
Just a quick reminder that Prep School children (Y3-Y8) who return after half-term wearing the navy check shirt should also be wearing the school tie. All children in the Pre-Prep and Prep School should be wearing the appropriate Dumpton coats and if needed, the Dumpton hat, Dumpton scarf and Dumpton gloves.

In addition to current kit, Prep School boys (Y3-Y8) will need gumshields for rugby and Prep School girls (Y3-Y8) will need shinpads and football boots for football after half-term.

With best wishes