Dumpton School
Wimborne, Dorset, South West · BH21 7AF
Dumpton School educates children from the age of two right through to thirteen, making it a destination for families seeking continuity across the early years and prep stage in one setting. With around 328 pupils, it is a small, close-knit school, and its pupil-to-teacher ratio of roughly eight to one points to highly individual attention. The Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded its top grade of "excellent" for both quality of education and personal development. Parents should note, however, that the same ISI inspection found the school did not meet all compliance standards, a point worth raising directly during a visit.
328
Pupils
excellent
ISI
£22,686
Day fees / yr
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Mixed
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 2-13
- Pupils
- 328
- Pupil:teacher ratio
- 8
- Location
- Wimborne, Dorset, South West
- Website
- https://www.dumpton.com/
- Telephone
- 01202 883818
Headteacher
Headmaster Mr CJ Saenger
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Teaching & academics
The "excellent" ISI judgement, combined with a notably low pupil-to-teacher ratio, suggests a teaching environment built around close support and high expectations. Academic scholarships are offered, indicating the school identifies and stretches its strongest pupils. With over 15 per cent of children receiving SEN support, Dumpton also appears geared towards pupils who need additional help, rather than focusing solely on the top of the ability range.
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 15.63%
- EHC plans
- 0%
Arts & extracurricular
Scholarships
Beyond the classroom
Scholarships in art, sport and performing arts signal genuine strength beyond the classroom. Families drawn to creative or sporting opportunities will find these areas recognised and rewarded.
Ethos & heritage
- Boarding
- No
Money matters
- Day fees (per year)
- £12,690 - £22,686
Means-tested bursaries available
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 18 March 2025
The last word
A small, highly rated prep school with strong personal development and an unusually generous staffing ratio. The unmet ISI compliance finding is the one question worth asking about before applying.
The Passmate verdict
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Dumpton School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Dumpton School located?
Dumpton School is located at Deans Grove House, Deans Grove, Wimborne, Wimborne, BH21 7AF.
What type of school is Dumpton School?
Dumpton School is an independent (fee-paying) school in South West.
How many pupils attend Dumpton School?
Dumpton School has approximately 328 pupils on roll.
What is Dumpton School's inspection rating?
Dumpton School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 18 March 2025.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.