08 November 2024

Headmaster's Letter 8th November 2024

Dear Parents

I do hope you enjoyed your half term break as a family. Whilst we all greatly enjoyed our half term too, I must confess that ‘Budget’ day was slightly less enjoyable! On the one hand, we had the expected confirmation of the Government’s plan to impose VAT on school fees from January and the loss of Business Rates Relief in April; on the other, a less expected but highly significant increase to Employer’s National Insurance contributions. Given this bad news, I thought it might be worth starting my newsletter (before going on to far more exciting and uplifting matters!) with a short update on our planning here at Dumpton.

I wanted to start with some sincere thanks to you, our parent body, for your support with the recent Baines Cutler Affordability survey. Having received comprehensive analysis and feedback from Baines Cutler this week, we discovered that the participation (75% of families), was as high as at any school they have worked with. This was a strong sign, they felt, of a significantly positive and supportive parent body, and at the same time a parent body who appreciate the chance to be consulted and involved as the school tackles the challenges that lie ahead. The information provided has been very insightful, and undoubtedly helps us understand you, our parent body (and our customers) as well as possible. We will share some of these insights with you too in the coming months I am sure.

We remain committed to keeping you informed, and my thanks go to our superb Governing Board and Bursar Justin Perry for all their efforts and the amount of time spent on this at the moment. Parents will know our decision to freeze fees for the remainder of the year has given you much needed certainty, but, as soon as is practical in the Spring Term, we want to keep you informed about plans for September 2025 and beyond too. Despite the multiple headwinds, and factoring in the recent Budget, we are still confident we can navigate a future path which balances affordability with maintaining the quality of our educational offering. Doubtless, some difficult decisions lie ahead. But the school remains in a stronger position than most.

Thank you again for your support. We promise to keep you updated and involved.

Y6 Pupil Tests
With a number of Y6 pupils taking the Grammar School 11+ Tests last half term, this week it was the turn of the children sitting their ISEB Pre-Test for Canford School. They have all worked so hard, and we’re really proud of their efforts in preparing for these admissions tests. We wish them the very best for their results.

County Hockey Champions and Will Butt Visit
What an exciting week in the Games Department. Our U13A girls played some outstanding hockey to come away with the trophy from the Hockey County Finals day held at Bryanston. What a brilliant achievement, and they head off to the regionals. On Wednesday, as the boys enjoyed an afternoon of rugby, we were delighted that professional rugby player and Old Dumptionan Will Butt joined us. The pupils were in awe of Will, and I know how inspired they were by his visit. Mr Randle was fortunate to coach Will in his Dumpton days – we're so grateful to him for organising this special visit.

Sports Department News
Sport is a huge part of Dumpton life, and we’re delighted to confirm some new coaching arrangements which hopefully give our pupils the very best opportunities to enjoy making great progress on the sports’ pitches.

Firstly, Mr Harry Morgan, who joined the Games Department in September, will be overseeing the coaching for Girls Football this half term, supporting both pupils and our existing staff team with his significant football coaching expertise and qualifications. We cannot wait to see the girls enjoying their football, and perhaps we might discover some future ‘Lionesses’ in the ranks...

In boys’ sport, we switch to rugby this season, and with Mr Grogan sadly still recovering from a nasty leg break, we’re delighted that Mr Tom Brown (who parents of younger children may know runs the Rugby Tots franchise!) has joined the staff team for this half term. As an RFU Level 3 coach, as well as a former professional and international rugby player, I am sure all the pupils are going to really benefit from Mr Brown’s experience and passion for the game.

Remembrance Service
On Monday, we hold our annual Remembrance Service. My thanks to Mrs Shaw for leading the ceremony, and Ms Oakes for providing the music to accompany what is always a poignant occasion. I’d like to make a special mention of Kitto S and his friends in Y8 who have done such a wonderful job knitting and selling special poppies to the community, raising over £200 themselves. What a wonderful idea for a very important cause.

Anti-Bullying Week – Odd Socks Day
Next Tuesday, 12 November will be Odd Socks Day at Dumpton. Odd Socks Day marks Anti-Bullying week. It is an opportunity to encourage everyone to express themselves and celebrate their individuality. There is no pressure to wear the latest fashion or to buy expensive new pairs. All you have to do to take part is wear odd socks to your school, at work or at home, it couldn’t be simpler!

From Dumpton Friends
It is a busy time of year and we have lots planned for the Dumpton Community! Please keep an eye on all the messages coming your way. Here are the current things to be aware of:

Santa’s Grotto is back at the Fayre! We will be selling tickets on Wednesday 13th November after drop off. More details will be sent out on Sunday.

Fayre Donations - Please donate generously! Our Christmas Fayre needs your help to be a success - please take a look at the attached poster for items we need for stalls, including any spare nativity costumes.

Christmas Card Designs - some of your items have arrived and will be distributed soon. The online shop will be reopening from 15th - 25th November (midday) for anyone who would like to buy additional items.

Bunting - For anyone who enjoys crafts, we will be making uniform bunting on Monday from 1.15pm in the Sports Hall Meeting Room. Everyone is welcome to get involved (do sign in at the school office please first), or please donate old uniform no longer fit for use.

Christmas Party and Wreath Making - last few tickets available for the party on Classlist.

As always get in touch with any questions either through your Year Group Rep or via email: Friends@Dumpton.com Thanks, have a great weekend, from Dumpton Friends.

Individual School Photographs
There are still a few orders for collection in the school office. Fraser Portraits are holding a retake session for any pupils that may have missed their individual photos this year. Please see attached flyer for details.

Flu Vaccinations
Just one more reminder that the deadline for completing the online consent form is next Tuesday (12 November). If you do not wish for your child to receive the vaccination you will need to complete a NO CONSENT.

With best wishes for a lovely weekend.