14 March 2025

Headmaster's Letter 14th March 2025

Dear Parents

This week, our theme has been The Dumpton Way—our award-winning and innovative approach to placing Character Education at the heart of school life. But what does that really mean? I thought I’d begin this letter with a quick 'explainer'…

At Dumpton, we believe that character matters. While academic success remains a priority (as reflected in our record-breaking scholarship news below!), we ensure that our pupils understand a fundamental truth: it is the person they become—not just the grades they achieve—that matters most.

This is where The Dumpton Way comes in: seven core virtues that we model, teach, recognise, and celebrate every day—Empathy, Resilience, Courage, Collaboration, Enthusiasm, Creativity, and Global Citizenship.

We are preparing children for an increasingly complex and unpredictable world. In a future where AI and technology will continue to advance, it is our distinctly human qualities that will matter most. Character truly counts. And the wonderful thing is—character is not fixed; it is something we can learn, develop, and grow through our experiences and environment. Nowhere is this development more powerful than in childhood.

Spend time at Dumpton, and you will hear these seven virtues often. They are embedded in our language, our praise, our expectations, our teaching, and our curriculum. Every day, our pupils are encouraged to demonstrate these virtues, reflect on them, and ultimately, develop their character—to become the very best versions of themselves.

This is the essence of a Dumpton education. Every child holds remarkable potential within them. Our job is to help them discover it. Forgive me for quoting Kurt Hahn again, but I can think of no better words to capture this belief:

“There is more in us than we know. If only we could be made to see it, perhaps, for the rest of our lives, we will be unwilling to settle for less.”

Record Breaking Scholarship News from Canford
We have smashed our record for scholarships to Canford this year, with an amazing 12 scholarships awarded. Congratulations to Ivory J (Academic and Music), Bea A (Academic and Sport), Izzy N (Academic and Sport), Kitto S, Georgie R, Emma B (All Academic), Izzy B (Sport), Rosie E and Jess G (Drama). We’re so proud of them – but also all those talented and hardworking pupils who went for scholarships this year but missed out. It is worth saying that the Canford scholarship process is an extremely competitive one – which makes these results all the more impressive.

That takes us to 23 scholarships awarded in total this year, including 8 academic scholarships – the first time in the school’s 120 year history that we have received this many. It goes without saying that we’re incredibly proud of our pupils (not just those who were successful, but all those who had a go) – but I must also acknowledge the terrific staff team at Dumpton, who do deserve a mention here for the part they have played.

Hockey National Finalists – Joint 5th in the Country
If we weren't bursting with pride already, our U11 Boys' Hockey Team competed in the IAPS National Hockey Finals on Monday in Suffolk and returned as joint 5th in the country, having lost to the eventual winners, The Perse, in the quarterfinals. The standard of hockey on display from this team is truly remarkable, but it’s their resilience, collaboration, and courage throughout the season that has impressed us the most. What special memories for the boys!

Girls Cricket County Champions!
Hot on the heels of the boys, our Girls' U13 Indoor Cricket Team cantered to victory in the final of the County Championship on Wednesday at Canford. This is a very talented and committed squad, and we very much look forward to seeing how they get on in the Regional stage of the competition.

British Science Week - so far... - From Mrs Catton
We’ve had an action-packed British Science Week, filled with hands-on learning and exciting discoveries! Students have explored a range of fascinating topics, from food and farming to the future of AI in science. Lessons have been full of practical investigations, including sustainable picnics, dissolving substances, yeast races, and an in-depth look at the physiology of the heart, lungs, and liver—along with the effects of alcohol on the liver. Year 5 had an inspiring visit to the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, where they also learned about microbiomes from Southampton University students. The excitement continues with upcoming experiments involving maggots, and a much-anticipated workshop on energy and sustainability, delivered by a real-world scientist and engineer—who is also a Dumpton parent!

In the Pre-Prep we have been looking at compost and how food waste generated at snack time can be changed into something useful. Year 2 took things to the next level by learning how worms break down the soil and make it better for the growing plants. They even made their own wormery!

Our poster competitions have now been launched and are open to all pupils at Dumpton, and you can find more details here.

Fee Increase
In less welcome news, our Chair of Governors, Hugh Cocke, recently wrote to inform you of a 15% increase in fees from September. While we have worked hard to delay the impact of this for two terms, we fully appreciate that this is unwelcome news. In the face of these increased costs, I want parents to know that our commitment to providing an exceptional education remains unwavering - if anything, this challenge only strengthens our determination to go above and beyond to ensure the very best for every child at Dumpton.

Global Citizenship Day - from Mrs Cox
A reminder that this is taking place on Friday (21 March), with a focus on UN Sustainable Development Goal 13 ‘Climate Action’. All Prep School pupils will be working off-site for the morning. Please do make sure your child is dressed appropriately and brings the correct equipment for the day (as per previous letter). Wellies and spades should be clearly named and brought in a bag please. Those travelling to and from school by bus on the day should speak to their driver re transporting their spade safely.

Year 8 pupils will also be running activities in support of Water Aid in the afternoon and kindly ask for a donation in support of this very worthwhile cause. Please do send your child in with a donation to give to their form tutor at the start of the day.

There will also be a 'Tree Cookie' sale taking place on Thursday 20 March at morning break and at the gate at pick up, with a recommended donation of £1.

With many thanks for your continued support for the pupils in these endeavours - everything you do counts!

Uniform Shop – From Mrs Jo Jeremiah
We are thrilled that our Second Hand Uniform Shop has become increasingly popular over the last few years for many reasons. In particular, we love giving uniform more than one season, and thus reducing waste and unnecessary costs. Our prices start as low as just £2.00, with a maximum item price of £17.00 for a Blazer, so do always ensure you think of us before buying new.

Also, if you bring clothing in, you can choose to donate to the shop, donate the funds to our chosen charity or indeed receive a payment. It goes without saying that the uniform needs to be current and in very good condition. As we run the shop ‘not for profit’, it is in reality a ‘Recycle Shop’ which really endorses the Dumpton ethos and values.

The shop is open every Monday in term time from 3.00pm to 5.30pm and if you are not able to make a Monday, we can do our best to accommodate requests and leave them in the School Office for collection. Do email us on uniformshop@dumpton.com

Marathon Challenge
Simon, our dedicated Head Gardener, is taking on the challenge of running the Brighton Marathon next month to encourage as many people as possible to donate blood. Known for his green thumb and nurturing spirit, Simon is eager to raise the profile of The Devon Freewheelers Blood Bike Service, which provides a free courier service to NHS establishments across the South West. Attached are two posters: the first directs you to the NHS Blood donation page where you can sign up to donate blood, and the second takes you to Simon’s JustGiving page if you’d like to contribute to the charity. We wish Simon the best of luck!

With best wishes for a good weekend.