Education is about unlocking the incredible potential within every single child.
At Dumpton, our motto –“You can because you think you can” – is the foundation of everything we do. We cultivate an environment that is both nurturing and ambitious, ensuring every child feels supported as they strive for excellence.
“Every single child has a remarkable potential within them: it is our job to help them discover it.”
Christian Saenger
Headmaster
Dumpton’s exceptional facilities, developed thoughtfully since the school moved to its current site in 1988, play a vital role in our pupils’ ability to thrive and flourish.
However, amid significant financial challenges – especially the Government’s policy on VAT for school fees – we are increasingly mindful of the growing affordability concerns among our parent community. To support families, Dumpton has absorbed the VAT increase for this academic year and remains committed to ensuring future fee increases factor in affordability concerns.
Despite these pressures, Dumpton continues to thrive and grow. We are steadfast in our mission to deliver the highest educational standards and maintain first-class facilities for all our pupils.
Over the past 20 years in particular, Dumpton has invested significantly in world-class learning spaces, thanks to the school’s strong financial position and community support.
An all-weather synthetic Sports Pitch ICT suites
A Swimming Pool enclosure
24 classroom refurbishments
A state-of-the-art Design and Food Technology department
New seating, staging, and lighting in the Assembly Hall
A new Performing Arts Centre, enhanced Music School and Recital Room
A new state-of-the-art Sports Hall
“I have three young children at Dumpton and the new Sports Hall has been a fantastic provision for them. It has enabled them all to benefit from sports such as football, basketball, gymnastics and PE, as well as other great classes such as yoga in the Nursery and the range of extra curricular hobbies like Rugbytots. Furthermore, the quality of the Sports Hall is outstanding. The fit and finish are exceptional. It truly stands out as a valuable asset to the school.”
Roy Haycock, Current Dumpton Parent
Since its establishment in Broadstairs, Kent, in 1903,Dumpton School has positively influenced tens of thousands of children. Many Old Dumptonians speak fondly of their time here, especially the impact of Dumpton’s unique setting and facilities. In recent years, parental support – through school fees and fundraising efforts led by Dumpton Friends – has enabled the school to thrive and expand its outstanding facilities. Your support for the Dumpton Foundation will help ensure this legacy continues, building a strong foundation for the future.
“I have the fondest memories from my time as a pupil at Dumpton. It had a unique spirit and a very special atmosphere that prepared me brilliantly for the next stage of my life. I was delighted that my own children could attend Dumpton too, and though that special spirit remained, the school site has been impressively transformed and modernised. It is wonderful to see how Dumpton has gone from strength to strength over the years - but most importantly, I am delighted that my children have the same magical memories of their time at Dumpton as I do.”
James Ireland, Former Dumpton Pupil and Parent
We hope the establishment of The Dumpton Foundation will create a culture of philanthropy that supports Dumpton now and into the future, fuelled by the generosity of our community.
Until recently, Dumpton’s range of significant major school projects have been funded largely through fee income surpluses. While Dumpton’s finances remain strong, current challenges facing the independent sector – combined with our commitment to affordable fees –make the establishment of the Dumpton Foundation a vital step.
With VAT now applied to school fees, charitable donations, which are not only exempt from VAT, but can also include Gift Aid, provide a considerably more efficient way to support the school’s development. For example, a £500 charitable donation to the Dumpton Foundation, including Gift Aid, will result in £625 going directly towards school projects. The cost of this donation to a higher rate (40%) UK tax payer will be £375.
This summer, we will refurbish the school Swimming Pool to create a higher-quality environment for all of our pupils. Simultaneously,we will upgrade the much-loved Adventure Playground with new equipment designed to promote play, creativity, imagination, and social learning. Both the Swimming Pool and Adventure Playground are essential to life at Dumpton. The playground is enjoyed during school hours and after school with parents, while the Swimming Pool is used by all pupils – from Nursery children to our National Swimming Finalists. These upgrades will bring both spaces up to the same high standard as Dumpton’s other exceptional facilities.
Project cost: £140,000
The Swimming Pool is used by all 345 children at Dumpton throughout the year, as well as hosting weekend community swimming lessons, promoting the vital life skill of swimming. In addition, our swimming programme promotes excellence in line with our ‘aim high’ ethos at Dumpton: 33 Dumpton pupils recently competed at the IAPS Regional Qualifiers. A record 14 have been chosen to represent the school in the IAPS Nationals at the London Aquatics Centre in June.
The Adventure Playground is a haven for our younger pupils, used at least once a day by nearly all 140 children in the Nursery and Pre-Prep, once a week by around 100 pupils in the Juniors, and open to the community after school each day. It provides up to 350 hours of play and outdoor experiences for each child every year –and studies have shown that outdoor play for young children is an absolutely crucial element of their all-round social and emotional development.
We are inviting parents, former parents and alumni to consider making a donation, of any size, towards The Dumpton Foundation’s first project. We understand the financial commitment you have already made to Dumpton, which isn’t taken for granted.We respect this is a personal decision, but, if you are able to provide any additional support, you will help ensure Dumpton pupils continue to enjoy outstanding learning spaces that help them thrive and reach their full potential.
Every donation will be thoughtfully acknowledged on a plaque to commemorate our first project, and we are committed to expressing our gratitude to all who help bring this vision to life.
Whilst there will be suitable public recognition for the different levels of donations, we will of course respect any request for anonymity.
1903 ‘Founder’ Donations: Gifts over £5,000
1945 ‘Gaunt’s House’ Donations: Gifts from £1,000 to £5,000
1988 ‘Deans Grove’ Donations: Gifts of up to £1,000
Please contact the Headmaster, Christian Saenger, if you are considering any major donation – he would be delighted to share more about our projects, any recognition, and the impact of your donations. c.saenger@dumpton.com
