The Autumn Term begins on Wednesday 3 September 2025 and finishes on Tuesday 16 December 2025. There is a half-term break from Thursday 23 October to Friday 31 October 2025.
The Spring Term begins on Wednesday 7 January 2026 and finishes on Friday 27 March 2026. There is a half-term break from Monday 16 to Friday 20 February 2026.
The Summer Term begins on Tuesday 21 April 2026 and finishes on Friday 3 July 2026. There is a half-term break from Monday 25 to Friday 29 May 2026. There is also no school on Bank Holiday Monday 4 May 2026.
A termly calendar can be found on the school’s website www.dumpton.com and our parent portal at the beginning of each term
DUMPTON HOLIDAY CLUBS
Summer 2025
Monday 7 – Friday 18 July 2025 Dumpton Holiday Club
Tuesday 22 – Thursday 24 July 2025 Harry Morgan’s Football Camp
Monday 28 July – Friday 1 August 2025 Activate Cricket Club
Monday 28 July – Friday 1 August 2025 Activate Multi-Club
Monday 4 – Wednesday 6 August 2025 Activate Netball Club
Monday 4 – Friday 8 August 2025 Activate Multi-Club
Monday 11 – Wednesday 13 August 2025 Activate Hockey Club
Monday 11 – Friday 15 August 2025 Activate Multi-Club
Thursday 21 August 2025 Netball Stars
Tuesday 26 – Friday 29 August 2025 Dumpton Sports Camp
Monday 1 September 2025 Netball Stars
Spring 2026
February Half-Term 2026 Harry Morgan’s Football Camp
Monday 13 – Friday 17 April 2026 Dumpton Holiday Club
Easter Holiday 2026 Dumpton Performing Arts Club
Summer 2026
May Half-Term 2026 Harry Morgan’s Football Camp
PREP HANDBOOK
Dumpton has many moving parts! But for all the excitement and opportunity this provides the children, we are aware that there is lots to learn as parents to ensure you are up to speed.
This handbook is here to help – a one-stop shop for the key information you might need about the year ahead. Whether you are a new Dumpton parent, or an experienced one, we hope the information on the following pages helps you understand the school, your child’s experience, and importantly, your own role as parents.
We do feel that the closer we can work with you, the better. They do say ‘it takes a village to raise a child’…
Christian Saenger Headmaster
SCHOOL VALUES
Lie at the heart of all we do at Dumpton.
BE KIND
Kindness could not be more important to us. Our main school rule is ‘treat others as you would like to be treated’, and we aim for friendliness and empathy to permeate every classroom and corridor of the school. The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, and pupils, staff and parents share strong relationships as a result. Dumpton is more than just a school: it is a home away from home.
AIM HIGH
Our quiet sense of aspiration and ambition is illustrated by our school motto: ‘you can because you think you can’. Inspiring self-belief is key. Inside the classroom, this means a commitment to small class sizes, highquality teaching, and academic success for all. It means helping every child realise that with hard work, practice, determination and resilience, anything is possible. Every single child has remarkable potential within them: it is our job to help them discover it.
BE KIND, AIM HIGH
CHARACTER EDUCATION THE DUMPTON WAY
At Dumpton, we believe that character matters. Whilst academic success remains a core priority, we ensure pupils know that it is the person they become – not the grades they achieve – that is most important to us.
We are preparing our pupils for an increasingly challenging world. We believe that discovering, developing and harnessing their character at school is the best preparation for happiness and success in their futures.
Our approach to character education is underpinned by ‘The Dumpton Way’. This framework is built around seven-character virtues which we model, teach, seek out and celebrate throughout the school: Empathy, Resilience, Courage, Collaboration, Enthusiasm, Creativity and Global Citizenship.
THE STRUCTURE OF THE SCHOOL DAY
Drop Off
All pupils are expected to arrive between 8.00am and 8.15am each morning in time for registration and assembly. On the first morning in September you are welcome to accompany them to the classroom, but after this they should make their way to their classrooms independently.
Should it be required, Early Morning Drop Off is available from 7.45am-8.00am and pupils arriving between these times must go directly to the Dining Hall on arrival for supervision.
Prep School pupils can be dropped off in the following ways:
• In the Drop Off Zones (please remain in your vehicle if possible)
• By parking in the top car park and walking down to the school
• Senior pupils (Y6-Y8) can be dropped off via the staff car park behind the Main House.
Please can we ask that all parents DO NOT park their vehicle in the Drop Off Zones in the morning.
Pick Up
The ability for pupils to stay at school to complete homework as well as take part in a host of other co-curricular experiences is a vital part of life at Dumpton and benefits the pupils in so many ways. We also recognise its importance to so many parents, providing ‘wrap-around care’. As a result, the end of day arrangements are as follows:
• 4.15pm Early Pick Up
• 4.15pm Tea for those remaining – a drink and snack
• 4.25pm Prep (Homework, DECA, Hobbies)
• 5.15pm End of Prep School Day and Pick Up
• 5.20pm School Buses Depart
• 5.15pm Stay Late – to allow parents to pick up pupils flexibly from the ICT Suite between 5.15pm and 5.45pm.
ATTENDANCE
Senior Deputy Head, Mrs Shaw, is the School’s Attendance Champion. We monitor attendance closely and are dutybound to be in touch with you if your child’s attendance drops below 90%, even if this is due to illness or unforeseen circumstances.
We are very happy to support families who are having trouble with their child’s attendance, whatever the issue. Our Attendance Policy is available on the school website and parent portal.
School registers are taken twice a day – in the morning and after lunch – and at the end of their school day, all pupils must sign out with a teacher. We call this ‘deregistration’.
Pupils brought to school or collected from school at any other time of the day must sign in or out in the School Office.
All non-medical requests for authorisation of a planned term-time absence, or leaving early from school, must be made either by emailing the Headmaster ( headspa@dumpton.com ) or using the form available on our parent portal. Requests will be reviewed and responded to as soon as possible.
To avoid disruption of lessons and school activities, parents are requested not to arrange holidays during term-time – any such absences will be marked as ‘unauthorised absence’ on your child’s attendance record and will only be approved if the circumstances are exceptional.
A Typical Prep School Day
• 7.30am Early Morning Clubs
• 7.45am Early Morning Drop Off
• 8.00am-8.15am Arrival followed by Registration
• 8.30am Assembly
• 8.50am Lesson 1
• 9.50am Lesson 2
• 10.45am Break with a Drink and Snack
• 11.10am Lesson 3
• 12.10pm Lesson 4
• 1.10pm Lunch
• 2.10pm Registration
• 2.15pm Lesson 5 or Matches (Tuesdays Y3-Y4), (Wednesdays Y5-Y8)
• 3.15pm Lesson 6 or Matches (Tuesdays Y3-Y4), (Wednesdays Y5-Y8)
• 4.15pm Early Pick Up
• 4.15pm Tea with a Drink and Snack
• 4.25pm Prep (Homework), Co-Curricular Activities and Hobbies
• 5.15pm Late Pick Up
• 5.15pm-5.45pm Stay Late
CURRICULUM
We broadly follow the National Curriculum from Year 3 to Year 6. In Year 7 and Year 8 pupils embark on our own bespoke curriculum, the Dumpton Diploma, which prepares them brilliantly for life at their chosen Senior School.
All Curriculum Overviews can be found on the parent portal.
Children in Year 3 remain in their form room for Maths, English, Science, PSHE/RSE and Humanities with their class teacher. They have specialist subject staff for French, Computing, Performing Arts, Art, DT, Outdoor Learning, PE and Games.
Year 4 are gradually introduced to more specialist staff, and in Year 5 to Year 8 pupils are taught by subject specialist staff for all subjects and move to different rooms for each subject.
All classes are mixed ability classes. However, we begin setting pupils in Year 5 for Maths, and in Year 7 and Year 8 we can set across several subjects, depending on the needs of the cohort.
ATTAINMENT AND PROGRESS
Our small class sizes ensure that we gain a strong understanding of pupil’s progress. Pupils are awarded attainment statements each term in their core subjects so that their progress can be tracked. These are shared in school reports and can give you a sense of your child’s progress across the range of subjects they study. We do not share these grades with pupils – instead, we focus on sharing their ATL Grades as below.
Attainment Statement Equivalent Grade
Working significantly above age-related expectation *
The pupils are also assessed according to their attitude to learning (ATL). Every half-term, the ATL grades will be shared with parents via the parent portal, and form tutors go through these grades with their tutees.
Each subject teacher awards the pupils with scores which are based against the schools’ key values of Aim High and Be Kind.
Aim High
• Engaged and focused
• Shows resilience in the face of challenge
• Works to the best of their ability with determination
Be Kind
• Displays a positive and respectful attitude to learning
• Kind, considerate and well-mannered towards others
STANDARDISED ASSESSMENTS
We use Standardised Assessments to compare our progress against national expectations.
Pupils take Cognitive Ability Tests (CATS) from Year 3. Their standardised scores give an indicator of their innate ability, informing future choice of schools and allowing us to track progress.
In addition, the Mathematics Department carry out the Progress Test in Maths (PTM) and the English Department carry out the Progress Test in English (PTE) each year.
These results, whilst only a snapshot of your child’s performance in one test, are useful to help get a sense of your child’s progress over time, and how they are performing against their peers nationally. We share these results with parents each year in our Standardised Testing Report, which is added to the parent portal each October.
EXAMS AND ASSESSMENTS
There are no formal exams for Years 3, 4 and 5 as they are assessed regularly in the classroom throughout the year.
Year 6 start experiencing the exam process with class-based assessments in lessons which take place in the Summer term.
Years 7 and 8 complete more formal exams in the exam hall and details will be available in the school calendar.
Revision lists are sent out in advance of all exams, and pupils are given support in learning how to best revise.
ACADEMIC REPORTS AND PARENT EVENINGS
Reports are written and shared with parents for each pupil:
• Autumn Attitude to Learning Report (October)
• Standardised Testing Report (October)
• Autumn Summary Report (December)
• Spring Attitude to Learning Report (February)
• Spring Attainment Report (March)
• Summer Attitude to Learning Report (May)
• End of Year Full Report (July)
Early in the Autumn parents are invited to an Information Evening where key information for the year ahead is shared and you will meet your child’s form tutor – we do encourage everyone to attend.
In addition, there will be a schedule of parent evenings throughout the year as included in the school calendar –parent evenings occur in the Autumn and Spring terms.
We would stress that reports and parent evenings are merely the formal points where we touch base about your child – you are always welcome to contact us informally to discuss progress or any other concerns at any time.
DROP-INS
Drop Ins happen throughout the year – parents will be invited to attend optional ‘Drop In’ sessions with their child at the beginning of the school day. This is an opportunity for your child to share with you what they have been doing in their classes, for you to look through their books, and even take part in activities with them. Dates of these will be shared throughout the year in the school calendar.
HOMEWORK
A homework timetable will be sent out at the beginning of the new academic year. Pupils can complete their homework in the ‘Prep’ slot at school, or at home if they leave at Early Pick Up. Pupils will record their homework in their planners, and we encourage them to develop independence and responsibility for their homework as they progress through the school. We try to ‘get the balance right’ with the amount of homework.
READING AND WORLD BOOK DAY
We encourage reading wherever possible, and Dumpton pupils will always have a book ‘on the go’ with them. We celebrate World Book Day in March with a book week and a host of reading-related activities.
Please do all you can to continue to provide time and space for pupils to read at home.
LEARNING SUPPORT - EDX
We have a fantastic learning support department known as EdX. All pupils at Dumpton are supported to fulfil their potential, and if they have any barriers to their learning we will work closely with you to identify what these may be and put the appropriate support in place. There is universal support for every pupil in the classroom, but targeted support in small groups and one-to-one sessions are also available. We want every pupil to flourish, and we celebrate neurodiversity as a school.
We complete a dyslexia screener in Year 3 for all pupils. We also analyse data from assessments and what we do in the classroom to ensure that we identify areas where pupils might need support.
If we feel your child has a specific learning difficulty we will raise this with you, but please always feel free to speak to us if you have any concerns about their learning and progress.
ONLINE PLATFORMS
We use several online platforms to support learning which can be accessed from home, including:
• Reading Plus supports reading skills and vocabulary development
• Times Tables Rock Stars supports times table fluency
• Atom Learning (from Y5) supports preparation for the 11+ and the Quest/ISEB Pre-Tests
• Sparx Maths (from Y7)
• Quizlet to support language learning
Each pupil will be given a Microsoft Office account, and Teams is used to organise work and learning from Year 4 onwards.
INTERNET USE
As part of your child’s curriculum and the development of computing skills, we provide supervised access to the Internet. In most cases access to sites is via the school intranet and is always filtered and monitored. We believe that the use of the World Wide Web is worthwhile and is an essential skill for children as they grow up in the modern world.
Pupils are taught about online safety as part of the computing and PSHE curriculum throughout the school. As part of this process the pupils are taught how to use e-mail safely and have access to a monitored system from Year 4 upwards. The email that they have access to is filtered in such a way that the pupils are only able to email other members of the school. They do not use other webbased email in school such as hotmail or yahoo.
Should you wish to discuss any aspect of internet use please contact us.
DEVICES
We try to get the balance right with technology in the classroom. In Year 3 to Year 6, pupils have access to Chromebooks and Laptops in all classrooms, as well as access to two computing suites. Teachers will use these to supplement their teaching.
In Year 7 and Year 8, each pupil is given a school Chromebook which they take from lesson to lesson, and more of their work and learning is managed through Microsoft Teams. They do not use these devices unsupervised, or during recreational time.
USE OF IMAGES
We use information relating to our pupils - photographs, digital and video recordings - for the purpose of publicising the school and its activities. This includes use of such information in the school’s prospectus, website and social media channels. If you do not want your child’s photograph or image to appear in any of the school’s promotional material, please inform us in writing.
THE DUMPTON DIPLOMA
The Dumpton Diploma is our bespoke Year 7 and Year 8 programme that aims to ensure that every pupil is inspired to fulfil their potential here at Dumpton, as well as preparing them to flourish in their futures. The Dumpton Diploma includes six domains which capture pupils’ all-round academic and personal development. This includes their performance in the Dumpton Certificate, as well as other areas such as:
• The Independent Project – the IP aims to build independence, planning skills, research skills and presentation skills.
• Co-Curricular Participation – pupils are expected to contribute to life beyond their lessons, through sport, the performing arts, outdoor learning and more.
• Leadership Programme – Year 8 pupils get the chance to lead and become a role model to the younger children in the school in areas they select themselves.
• Leadership Trip to Snowdonia – this trip of lifetime sees the pupils work collaboratively and challenge themselves against the natural elements!
Pupils receive their Dumpton Diploma on Speech Day when they leave Dumpton – it acts as a record of their achievements, but also a memento of their time here.
THE DUMPTON CERTIFICATE
The Dumpton Certificate is the academic strand of The Dumpton Diploma. It is our own academic pathway for Year 7 and Year 8, which culminates in a set of exams in the June of Year 8. The Dumpton Certificate combines the best elements of the rigorous Common Entrance curriculum with a more bespoke approach that is aligned with our vision at Dumpton and the ever-changing needs of our pupils. We set and mark the exams ourselves, sending the papers to Senior Schools afterwards. Pupils receive their Dumpton Certificate grades as part of their Dumpton Diploma, awarded to them on Speech Day in Year 8.
YEAR 8 LEAVERS’ COURSE
The Year 8 Leavers Course happens after May half-term each year, and all pupils are off timetable after their final Dumpton Diploma examination. They participate in a range of leadership, academic, artistic, careers, water sports and sporting activities, including a residential week, usually in Cornwall. It is a wonderful end to their time in the school, where they learn a host of skills outside of the classroom.
FUTURE SCHOOLS
THE NEXT STEPS
Deciding on the next steps after Dumpton is a significant decision and we are here to support pupils and parents with this every step of the way. From offering child-centred advice on the different schools and pathways that lie ahead, to helping prepare for any of the varied admissions procedures, we are committed to working closely with parents throughout this process.
Perhaps most importantly, we offer a future schools meeting with Mr Saenger –an individualised consultation with parents – to discuss senior school options –normally for the first time when pupils are in Year 4 or Year 5.
As well as this, each year at the beginning of the Summer term, we hold a Future Schools Talk which is primarily aimed at parents with Junior pupils (Y3-Y5) and is a great starting point for information on the process. A comprehensive Future Schools Booklet is available on the parent portal.
We also offer ongoing advice and guidance, as well as working hard to ensure your child is well prepared for any admissions tests, exams or interviews they might face to secure a place at their chosen school.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
A range of activities are run in addition to our curriculum throughout the year. This includes before school clubs, break time and lunch time clubs, as well as activities during the ‘Prep’ slot (4.15pm-5.15pm).
DECA (Dumpton Extra Curricular Award) occurs each Thursday at 4.15pm for pupils in Year 3 to Year 5. Pupils who attend DECA complete a range of activities through the year, including things like cooking, lifeguarding, charity fundraising and the allotments. Pupils receive a badge as a reward if they complete DECA each year.
Hobbies occur each Friday at 4.15pm for pupils in Year 3 to Year 8. Pupils are given a long list of activities which change each term, and pupils can sign up for their favourites.
A range of other opportunities are also on offer across the week. Information about DECA, Hobbies and any other co-curricular club opportunities are sent out at the beginning of each term for pupils and parents to sign up to.
PRAISE AND REWARDS
We promote the wonderful atmosphere and culture at Dumpton by celebrating and praising pupils who display the behaviours we want to promote. Children are motivated by praise and rewards, and this helps them build their own motivation moving forwards.
As well as lots of day-to-day praise, we have a rewards system in place:
Merits: These are given as a reward for good work, trying hard or being helpful. Merit badges (Bronze, Silver and Gold) are awarded in assembly for achieving merits across the year.
Postcards: These are awarded to pupils who live the values of the school and are presented in assembly. A postcard is worth 3 merits.
‘Recommended by a Pupil’ Postcards: Pupils can nominate classmates for postcards based on their showing a specific virtue.
Headmaster’s Commendations: Exceptional acts or performances may be celebrated by the awarding of a Headmaster’s Commendation Certificate. These certificates will be presented in assembly and are worth 5 merits.
SANCTIONS
Pupils at Dumpton are invariably keen to please and we try at all times to build positive relationships. Whilst we focus very much on praise and rewards, the following is in place to help make sure that the learning, wellbeing and happiness of everyone at Dumpton continues as it should. We also ensure that our approach is based on supporting pupils to understand and reflect on any poor behaviours.
Conversation: for any low-level issues – pupils will be required to talk with their teacher about a behaviour – but this conversation is logged so we can track this carefully and intervene if necessary. Parents will not usually be informed but form tutors will be aware.
Reflection: for repeated poor behaviour or for a more serious issue or several conversations over a short time - this involves a written consideration of a pupil’s behaviour with a senior member of staff and is sent home to parents.
For more serious issues and repeated poor behaviour, this will generally involve the school making direct contact with parents. Pupils may be placed on pastoral report. This may include the involvement of the Senior Deputy Head or Headmaster. More information can be found in our Behaviour Policy.
BULLYING
We take allegations of bullying very seriously, albeit an infrequent occurrence at Dumpton. Bullying is behaviour by an individual or a group, repeated over time that intentionally hurts another individual either physically or emotionally, and usually involves an imbalance of power. We work hard to ensure that any unkindness at Dumpton is identified and responded to swiftly, and that we have a culture where pupils will speak up. Pupils are routinely given time and space to disclose anonymously in form time, encouraged to speak to their form tutors or any member of staff they feel comfortable with, or to email share@dumpton.com . We investigate all allegations and take appropriate action where necessary to help both parties involved. Please see our Anti-Bullying Policy for more information.
We would always urge any parents with bullying concerns (either victim or perpetrator) to contact their child’s form tutor to discuss it. Retrospective reports are so much harder to deal with, and minimising distress for pupils will always be our priority.
PUPIL VOICE
Pupil Voice is a big part of Dumpton life – we want the pupils to know that their voices matter. Whilst we always try to listen to pupils and take their opinions into account, in the Prep School they can volunteer to take part in one of our School Council Committees: General, Wellbeing and Global Citizenship. We also use Pupil Surveys to regularly inform us about different aspects of school life.
PSHE / RSE
PSHE and Relationships and Sex Education are taught largely by form teachers, using the Thoughtbox schemes for PSHE and the Statutory Relationships education guidance and PSHE Association for RSE.
The Thoughtbox schemes offer a fantastic opportunity to learn more about themselves within the context of our home and the wider world. They promote critical thinking, global citizenship and inclusivity.
We strongly feel that pupils benefit from a well-planned and comprehensive relationships curriculum that keeps them safe as well as informed, and develops a sense of self-awareness and self-confidence. Details of the curriculum are always available within our policies, and when there are sensitive topics arising, parents will be notified so that we can encourage further conversations to continue at home. Please see our RSE Policy for more information.
WELLBEING AND RULER
At Dumpton, kindness, empathy and wellbeing lie at the heart of all we do. Our forward-thinking approach to whole school emotional literacy is called RULER, and it aims to give every pupil the strongest possible foundations for their wellbeing.
We will share the RULER tools with you so you can use them with your children at home too. As ever, if you are every concerned about your child’s wellbeing or emotional health, please come and talk with us straight away.
We regularly survey the pupils’ wellbeing at school, and the staff wellbeing team meet weekly. We have the ability to give emotional support in school through a range of expertise on our staff team, as well as having a team of trained ELSAs (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants). In addition, we now have a school counsellor who visits once a week for scheduled sessions with pupils.
SAFEGUARDING
The most important thing of all at school is that everybody is safe. It is our top priority to know everyone as an individual and to provide a secure and caring environment so that every pupil can learn in safety. We work closely with parents to understand specific family circumstances and situations where it is appropriate to offer extra support. We encourage you to share as much with us as you can, in the knowledge that all personal information will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality.
Whilst safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility, it is led by a dedicated team of Designated Safeguarding Leads. They and all staff regularly receive relevant and up to date training and Dumpton has strong links with local Safeguarding Partners. The Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is on the public area of the school’s website. Other policies, including arrangements for admissions, accessibility, children with EHCPs, anti-bullying, health and safety and many others are available on request from the school.
If you ever have any concerns about anyone’s safety or wellbeing – a pupil, a parent or a member of staff – at Dumpton, please do let us know. The Designated Safeguarding Lead is Sam Moulton, email s.moulton@dumpton.com | Tel: 01202 847936.
Mr Sam Moulton Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mr Gary Ashworth Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mrs Hilary Shaw Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
ASSEMBLIES AND CLASS ASSEMBLIES
School assemblies are a vital part of Dumpton life. We have assemblies throughout the week from 8.30am to 8.50am (except Wednesdays), and as well as covering our theme of the week, we use assemblies to ensure that we are celebrating our school values and recognising individual and collective success together as a community.
Parents are welcome to any assembly where their child is performing. This includes our Performing Arts / Sports assemblies each Thursday where any pupil can volunteer to perform or play their instrument. Each pupil will also be involved in two class assemblies during the year, as per the school calendar. We do hope you will enjoy coming along and participating in these special community occasions.
KEY EVENTS
There are numerous performances, concerts, assemblies and events that we will invite you to over the course of the year, and these will be outlined in the school calendar. However, please be aware of the following key events:
To finish the Autumn term there is a Carol Service held in Wimborne Minster in which all pupils from Year 1 to Year 8 are involved.
On the Friday before Summer half-term we hold our Family Afternoon. All parents are invited to walk round the school with their children to view the exhibitions and displays and enjoy several performances. Tea for all is served and half-term begins afterwards.
To finish the Summer term, we hold Speech Day in our Sports Hall in which all pupils from Reception to Year 8 are involved. Once again, we hope all parents will be able to attend. The Speech Day ceremony is followed by a fete-style afternoon on our grounds. There are no lessons on this day and pupils are free to go home straight after the formalities.
TRIPS AND RESIDENTIALS
This is a big part of Dumpton life, and these opportunities can expand pupils’ horizons, broaden our curriculum, and excite and challenge the pupils in a whole range of ways. As well as a range of day trips and visits for each year group, the following residential trips happen each year:
• Y3 Campout at Dumpton (June)
• Y4 Campout at Dumpton (June)
• Y5 New Forest Residential (May)
• Y6 Outdoor Adventures in Devon (May)
• Y7 Normandy (May)
• Y8 Leadership Trip to Wales (September) and Cornwall (June)
It is entirely normal for some children to be worried or anxious about staying away from home – however, we really hope that all pupils will take part, as they stand to gain so much, even if it is a step out of their comfort zone. We look after the pupils incredibly well – if you have any concerns about the residentials, please do speak to us and we will be happy to support you.
PERFORMING ARTS
Individual Instrumental and Singing lessons
Pupils who learn a musical instrument are scientifically proven to have better cognitive abilities and improved mental health. Those who take this further and perform in groups and ensembles with others, do even better…
Once in the Prep School, pupils are able to take up singing and instrumental lessons with our full array of professional musicians. Once progress has begun, we also have a full schedule of ensembles and choirs (as well as a busy performance calendar!) which, as well as the benefits listed above, will increase their aural awareness, sight reading skills and general musicianship. Pupils who join a group, tend to progress much faster, so there are opportunities for all! Formal music exams are also encouraged for those pupils who meet the necessary requirements with progress.
Ballet
We offer specialist ballet tuition to pupils in the Pre-Prep to Year 6. Pre-Prep ballet takes place during hobbies sessions on a Monday and Prep School ballet takes place during Monday prep sessions. Ballet pupils can also work towards formal dance exams as well as school performances.
Dramarama and LAMDA
Specialist performance, speech and drama lessons are available to pupils from Pre-Prep to Year 8 starting with ‘Dramarama’ sessions for Pre-Prep andYear 3. These involve drama and singing games, performance practice, and lots and lots of fun! From Year 4, pupils can start the LAMDA programme, which is more exam focused.Year 4 and Year 5 can join group classes on a Monday or Tuesday respectively at 4.15pm. Pupils in Year 6 to Year 8 wishing to take LAMDA lessons will do so on an individual or paired basis timetabled mainly on Friday afternoons. Once appropriate standard is met, pupils will have the opportunity to take formal exams which take place in school in the Spring.
All of these additional Performing Arts lessons supplement a varied and exciting Performing Arts curriculum for all our pupils. The above ‘extras’ incur an additional termly cost. Please contact Ms Oakes, Director of Performing Arts, email s.oakes@dumpton.com for further information and do look out for relevant information at the start of the academic year.
GAMES AND PE
Sport is an important part of life at Dumpton. Pupils in the Prep School will have an hour of outdoor activity every day on their timetables, and we try to ensure that they play in a competitive match for Dumpton each week.
In the Autumn and Spring terms the pupils play football, hockey and rugby (boys) or netball (girls). In the Summer term all pupils play cricket, tennis and do athletics together.
As well as our major sports, pupils get the opportunity to compete in cross country running, swimming, sailing, and much more.
In addition, all pupils have a PE lesson each week and can swim in blocks across the year (or at the optional lunchtime Swim Squad clubs).
Pupils should participate in games every day unless an email addressed to matron@dumpton.com states to the contrary and pupils can attend off games instead.
Games Kit
Games kit must be brought to school on the first day of each term for kit check. It remains in the school changing rooms during the week and it will normally be brought home on Fridays so that it can be laundered and returned to school on Monday mornings. All kit, including socks and shoes, must be clearly named.
On Match Days (Tuesdays for Years 3-4, Wednesdays for Years 5-8) pupils come to school in their sports kit. They remain in tracksuits until their matches.
Please note there is no parental access to the changing rooms at any time.
Match Day for Year 3 (U8) and Year 4 (U9) - Tuesdays
Team lists will be posted a couple of days in advance and will include information on departure and arrival times, venue, kit and any other requirements. Please check the Dumpton Sports Website (SOCS) each week for up-to-date match information. Cancellations and late-running matches will be communicated to parents via email.
After every home match there will be tea for the pupils, parents and spectators. Following which, pupils are required to escort the visiting team back to their transport and see them off. Pupils are then either free to go home or can stay until 5.45pm if required. Evening buses will run as normal on a Tuesday and all away matches will return to school in time for these services.
Match Day for Year 5 to Year 8 (U10, U11, U12, U13) - Wednesdays
Team lists will be posted a couple of days in advance and will include information on departure and arrival times, venue, kit and any other requirements. Please check the Parent Portal each week for up-to-date match information. Cancellations and late-running matches will be communicated to parents via email.
After every home match there will be tea for the pupils, parents and spectators. Following which, pupils are required to escort the visiting team back to their transport and see them off.
On a Wednesday, following matches and activities, school finishes at 4.15pm for all pupils – please note that some matches will not finish by 4.15pm. However, if parents cannot pick up their children at this time, they will be supervised in Stay Late until 5.45pm.
Please note that the normal school bus schedule does not apply on a Wednesday afternoon.
COMMUNICATION AND KEEPING YOU UP-TO-DATE
Staying touch is so important, and we are keen to ensure the communication between home and school is as effective as possible.
iSAMS Email: If we need to tell you something important, we will email you. We try to give you as much notice as possible about upcoming events involving you or your child. All letters from school are sent home by email to parents via iSAMS. These are also stored on your Parent Portal account.
Headmaster’s Newsletter: This weekly newsletter arrives by email and contains important and useful information for parents and is a must read each week.
School Calendar: The school calendar, detailing all events for the current term is on the homepage of the school website where it can be downloaded to your mobile. It can also be found on your Parent Portal account.
Parent Portal and iParent App: All parents should also log in to a personalised parent portal which includes lots of information about your child, access to important documents, as well as a record of all school reports and communication. Whilst this can be accessed via a webpage, we highly recommend downloading the iParent App – once logged in for the first time, access is extremely straight forward.
Social Media: Social media feeds are on the home page of the school website – please do follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Updates and photographs of what has been happening within the school are posted regularly and it is a lovely way to see clips and pictures of school events, trips and much more.
Policies: All key school policies are published each year on the school website, as well as the parent portal.
Dumpton Sports Website/SOCS: All match information, including team lists and match reports, can be found on SOCS.
GETTING IN CONTACT WITH US
You can always get in contact with us. If you have any query, no matter how big or small, we would encourage you to get in touch.
In Person: Please always feel free to catch us in person at the beginning or end of the day. If we need a longer chat we can always arrange one.
Email: Email is perhaps the most efficient way to communicate with us. We have the opportunity to check emails before and after the school day and during free periods and will do our best to respond quickly, and certainly within 24 hours.
Telephone: Telephone messages may also be received via the School Office 01202 883818.
MEDICAL MATTERS
We have a fantastic team of Matrons. A Matron is ‘on call’ every day between 8.00am and 4.30pm for any medical emergencies. All medicines that are brought to school by any pupil must be handed straight to Matron, with an explanatory letter, and will be dispensed under supervision.
Mrs Hayley Corben, Assistant Matron
Mrs Beverley Brehaut, Matron
Mrs Janette Clayden, Assistant Matron
MEDICAL ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL
If for any reason your child is unwell and unable to come to school, please telephone Matron 01202 843942 or email matron@dumpton.com as soon as possible to advise of their absence. It is always worth letting your child’s form tutor know as well.
Please also send any planned medical or dental appointments to matron@dumpton.com as well as your child’s form tutor. This is to ensure our Matron team are aware of any upcoming appointments and so they can update the registers accordingly and inform the School Office. Please remember that pupils must be signed in and out from the School Office.
FOOD
The school provides a delicious home cooked lunch, which is eaten in the Dining Hall with staff. Pupils are expected to sit and use their cutlery correctly and to have good table manners. They will be encouraged to eat well. We also provide snacks in the morning and, if pupils are staying later, in the afternoons.
Pupils do not need any extra food and menus for the week can be found on the school website and parent portal.
We aim for all food leaving the kitchens to be nut free. While we understand that a completely nut free school cannot be guaranteed, we aim for a whole school awareness of allergy, educating all staff and pupils in the signs and symptoms and how to deal with allergic reactions.
As a result of ‘Natasha’s Law’ and the associated risks, we would ask that no food is brought into school from home, including birthday cakes, coins in Christmas cards and so on.
If your child has a medical allergy to certain foods or is on a special diet please complete the Medical, Dietary and Well-Being Annual Update Form.
DUMPTON FRIENDS
The Dumpton Friends organise social events throughout the year for parents to get to know each other. Events to look forward to include Quiz Night, Christmas Fayre, Dumpton Stroll, Summer Picnic, Christmas Party and the Dumpton Ball (every 5 years).
Dumpton Friends use the Classlist App for parents to connect with each other, organise events and learn about the school community. Please sign up at Classlist.com.
SCHOOL TRANSPORT
Pupils can use the school transport to and from school as soon as they are ‘ready’.
The school uses an online minibus booking system called Vectare https://dumpton.vectare.co.uk. You will be able to sign up using your email address that is registered with the school. On the website there is a useful ‘how to book’ guide along with a FAQs section. There is also a parent App ‘VecTive Passenger App’ available in the App Store where you can book and amend trips using your mobile device. If you have any queries please call the School Office 01202 883818.
ROAD SAFETY
For our purposes, it is important that Deans Grove is treated as one way - turn into the School drive at the South entrance on Burt’s Hill (nearest the Horns Inn) and leave through the exit at the North end onto Smuggler’s Lane. However, please remember that, to the general public, it is a two-way road.
SCHOOL UNIFORM AND SPORTS KIT
All items are regulation and those marked * are obtained from:
Bartlett’s Schoolwear | 45 East Street | Wimborne BH21 1DX
Email: bartletts.schoolwear@hotmail.co.uk
www.bartlettsofwimborne.co.uk
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm Monday to Saturday by appointment only
PENCIL CASE REQUIREMENTS:
From Year 3 onwards, pupils are expected to bring a named pencil case to each lesson containing, at least, the following items:
• All items must be clearly marked with printed name tapes.
• No jewellery except for one small plain pair of studs may be worn – which must be removed for Netball in the Spring term.
• No nail varnish or temporary tattoos are to be worn at school.
• Hair that has reached shoulder-length should be neatly tied back with navy or white hair accessories. Hair must not be dyed or highlighted.
• Custom Fitted Gumshield – must be named and kept in named container.
• For Rugby / Football Boots - Blade style boots are acceptable.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS:
No money, mobile phones, Smart or cellular watches should be brought to school or carried by the pupils. We would also discourage pupils from bringing fragile or very precious possessions into school, just in case they get lost or damaged.
AUTUMN TERM 2025
Wednesday 3 September –Wednesday 22 October 2025
SCHOOL UNIFORM: EVERY DAY
Dumpton White Blouse *
Dumpton Plaid Skirt * or
Dumpton White Blouse *
Dumpton Grey Cord Shorts * or
Dumpton White Blouse *
Dumpton Grey Trousers * or
Dumpton Check Shirt *
Dumpton Grey Cord Shorts * or
Dumpton Check Shirt *
Dumpton Grey Trousers *
Dumpton School Blazer *
Dumpton V-Neck Jumper *
Grey Socks or Tights *
School Belt * (optional)
Black Shoes
Dumpton Coat *
Dumpton Rucksack *
Named Water Bottle
Named Pencil Case (contents as listed)
Wednesday 3 September –Tuesday 16 December 2025
SPORTS KIT: ALL PUPILS
House Sports Top (available from school)
Dumpton Navy Games Skort or Shorts *
Dumpton Navy Training Pants *
Dumpton Navy Base Layers (Top & Leggings) *
White Dumpton Sports Socks *
Navy Dumpton Sports Socks *
Dumpton Tracksuit *
Dumpton Hoodie *
Sports Trainers
Custom Fitted Gumshield
Football Boots
Football Shinpads
Dumpton Swimming Costume *
Bath Towel (any colour/pattern)
Dumpton Swim Hat (available from school)
Dumpton Swim Bag *
Swim Goggles
Dumpton Sports Kit Bag *
Dumpton Baseball Cap *
Sports Kit: Girls
Dumpton Sports Shirt *
Custom Fitted Gumshield
Hockey Shinpads
Hockey Stick (optional)
Sports Kit: Boys
Dumpton Reversible Sports Shirt *
Rugby Boots
AUTUMN TERM 2025 AND SPRING TERM 2026
Monday 3 November 2025 –Friday 27 March 2026
SCHOOL UNIFORM: EVERY DAY
Dumpton White Blouse *
Dumpton Plaid Skirt * or
Dumpton White Blouse *
Dumpton Grey Cord Shorts * or
Dumpton White Blouse *
Dumpton Grey Trousers * or
Dumpton Check Shirt *
Dumpton Grey Cord Shorts * or
Dumpton Check Shirt *
Dumpton Grey Trousers *
School Tie *
Dumpton School Blazer *
Dumpton V-Neck Jumper *
Grey Socks or Tights *
School Belt * (optional)
Black Shoes
Dumpton Rucksack *
Dumpton Hat, Scarf and Gloves *
Dumpton Coat *
Named Water Bottle
Named Pencil Case (contents as listed)
Wednesday 7 January –Friday 27 March 2026
SPORTS KIT: ALL PUPILS
House Sports Top (available from school)
Dumpton Navy Games Skort or Shorts *
Dumpton Navy Training Pants *
Dumpton Navy Base Layers (Top & Leggings) *
White Dumpton Sports Socks *
Navy Dumpton Sports Socks *
Dumpton Tracksuit *
Dumpton Hoodie * Sports Trainers
Dumpton Swimming Costume *
Bath Towel (any colour/pattern)
Dumpton Swim Hat (available from school)
Dumpton Swim Bag *
Swim Goggles
Dumpton Sports Kit Bag *
Sports Kit: Girls
Dumpton Sports Shirt *
Sports Kit: Boys
Dumpton Reversible Sports Shirt *
Custom Fitted Gumshield
Hockey Shinpads
Hockey Stick (optional)
SUMMER TERM 2026
Tuesday 21 April – Friday 3 July 2026
SCHOOL UNIFORM: EVERY DAY
Dumpton White Blouse *
Dumpton Plaid Skirt * or
Dumpton White Blouse *
Dumpton Grey Cord Shorts * or
Dumpton White Blouse *
Dumpton Grey Trousers * or
Dumpton Check Shirt *
Dumpton Grey Cord Shorts * or
Dumpton Check Shirt *
Dumpton Grey Trousers *
Dumpton School Blazer *
Dumpton V-Neck Jumper *
Grey Socks *
School Belt * (optional)
Black Shoes
Dumpton Rucksack *
Named Water Bottle
Named Pencil Case (contents as listed)
SPORTS KIT: ALL PUPILS
House Sports Top (available from school)
Dumpton Navy Games Skort or Shorts *
Dumpton Navy Training Pants *
White Dumpton Sports Socks *
Dumpton Tracksuit *
Dumpton Hoodie *
Sports Trainers
Dumpton Swimming Costume *
Bath Towel (any colour/pattern)
Dumpton Swim Hat (available from school)
Dumpton Swim Bag *
Swim Goggles
Dumpton Sports Kit Bag *
Dumpton Baseball Cap *
Tennis Racket (optional)
Spiked Running Shoes (optional)
Cricket Bat (optional)
Sports Kit: Girls
Dumpton Sports Shirt *
Abdo Guard for Cricket
Sports Kit: Boys
Dumpton Reversible Sports Shirt *
Cricket Box (Y5-Y8 only)
SECOND-HAND UNIFORM SHOP
Buying:
Our second-hand uniform shop is open every Monday from 3.00pm to 5.30pm during term-time. If you are unable to visit the shop during these hours, requests can be made by emailing uniformshop@dumpton.com.
Selling:
Uniform and kit should be in good, clean condition and packed into bags which are clearly labelled with your name and a list of contents and handed in to the School Office. We usually accept all uniform and kit in good condition although this can vary depending on stock required. Uniform and kit which is worn, torn or stained, will be rejected and may be returned to you. You will then receive payment for the items we retain in due course. In return for this service, the shop makes a 20% administration charge.
TERMLY ACCOUNT
Fees should be paid in advance by the first day of each term. Please note that the fees are normally reviewed annually and parents are informed of any changes to take effect the following September as soon as possible.
FEES FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2025-26
Prep School Fees
Individual Music Lessons
Individual EdX Lessons
£7,562 (inc VAT)
£22.25 per 30-minute lesson
£30.00 per 30-minute lesson
School Bus Service
£6.00 per journey
KEY STAFF
Some key staff who will be a part of your child’s journey in the Prep School:
Christian Saenger Headmaster
David Morgan Deputy Head Academic
Hilary Shaw Senior Deputy Head Pastoral and Operations
Heidi Clemmitt Head of Seniors
Sam Moulton Assistant Head Wellbeing and Safeguarding Designated Safeguarding Lead
Gary Ashworth Head of Juniors
Vicki Wakefield Head of EdX
Aissa Randle Director of Sport
Sarah Oakes Director of Performing Arts
Chaffey Head’s PA 01202 883818
Siggers Admissions and School Fees 01202 883961
Justin Perry Bursar 01202 847937 Holly Clark School Secretary 01202 883818
