Dumpton School

Dumpton School
Aerial view of the 26 acre site of Dumpton School, Wimborne
Motto

Latin: Possunt Quia Posse Videntur

English: You can because you think you can
Established 1903
Type Independent Prep School
Religion Christian
Headteacher Andrew Browning
Location Deans Grove House
Deans Grove
Wimborne
Dorset
BH21 7AF
 England Coordinates: 50°48′47″N 1°58′31″W / 50.8131°N 1.97537°W
Local authority Dorset
DfE URN 113923
Gender Coeducational
Ages 2½–13
Website Dumpton School Website

Dumpton School is an independent day school in Wimborne, Dorset, South West England, for girls and boys aged 2½ to 13 years.

History

The school was founded as a boys' preparatory school at Dumpton Park in Kent in 1903, and evacuated to Cranborne Chase in Dorset to avoid bombing raids at the outset of the Second World War, (as were many schools from south-east England).

In 1945, the school moved to Gaunt's House, near Wimborne, and flourished under the Headmastership of Colonel Trevor Card. Unusually, the dormitories were named in memory of former pupils who had died on active service; (these included Cock, Pollard, Brown, York, Dutton and Fanshawe). Trevor Card was succeeded by Messrs Carter and Monkhouse as joint heads in 1958, and subsequently by Major Frank Thompson.

In 1988 the school moved again to its present site at Dean's Grove House nearer to Wimborne.

Introduction

Dumpton is a day school for boys and girls aged 2 ½ to 13, and it still retains much of the atmosphere of the days when there were boarders too. The headmaster and his family live in the school and the pastoral care and attention readily given to all pupils is still considered to be of paramount importance.

Founded in 1903, the school takes its name from Dumpton House, near Broadstairs. The outbreak of World War II saw the evacuation of the school to Dorset, where it still resides in quiet, rural surroundings. The 26-acre campus is centred on a 19th-century farmhouse and stable block, while extensive playing fields and woodland walks complement the modern sports facilities and classroom areas. Recent additions to the school have included a new science block, a new English department, a covered swimming pool, a state-of-the-art design and food technology centre, retractable seating in the assembly hall, floodlights for the full size all-weather pitch and an outdoor classroom. The outdoor facilities also include two environmental ponds (complete with pontoons), allotments, a science trail, an orchard and a pre-historic garden.

Dumpton operate an ‘open door’ policy for pupils and parents, encouraging communication by any means. Children are made to feel welcome and valued from their first day. Parents are always encouraged to attend school events and their support for the school further enhances the atmosphere that characterises Dumpton.

The School's Philosophy

The school motto is: ‘You can because you think you can’, and it lies at the cornerstone of teaching at Dumpton.

Dumpton educates children in a safe, supportive, caring environment, within a framework of family and Christian values, stressing the importance of teamwork and mutual respect at all times. Rule number one is ‘Treat others as you would like them to treat you.’ All children are expected and encouraged to fulfil their potential. Given the facilities and high staff:pupil ratio, Dumpton is well-placed to aim for high academic and extra curricular standards.

In addition, Dumpton School helps children develop a clear sense of right and wrong, to become confident communicators and to appreciate the importance of good manners, friendliness and tolerance. The atmosphere in school is cheerful and positive, created by the strong relationships between adults and children, and between the children themselves.

Notable Old Dumptonians