History of Dolphin

History

Dolphin School was founded in 1970 by Dr Ophelia Follett, an educational visionary. The ethos was simple: Dolphin School was a place for children to be happy, independent and experience a very broad and stimulating education.

The school began as a Montessori nursery, initially opening its doors to 25 children. The numbers attending the school gradually increased, and now several thousand children have passed through the school gates, benefiting from the unique educational experience on offer.

Today, the founding principles continue to guide and shape our work. 'Freedom to Learn' is the central tenet and Dolphin School’s unique cross-curricular field trip and pioneering walking trip programmes, remain staples of an education that has been copied and widely embraced throughout England.

1970s

Dolphin’s unique trip programme is established with residential field and walking trips to North Wales, Northumbria, York and France.

The School grows in student numbers to around 100 pupils by the end of the 1970s.

Chess and Dolphin become synonymous, the school regularly reaching and winning national finals across all age groups.

1980s

Acquisition of the current playing fields enables building and facilities development  - the main school hall building is completed in 1982-83.

The trip programme is extended with walking trips to the Lake District & Dorset, whilst the Italy trip is established as a highlight upper years feature.

The cross-curricular nature of Dolphin learning is embedded in the trip programme as students bridge humanities, science and classics in their trip experiences.

1990s

A second generation of Dolphins start at the School, a trend that continues to this day.

Heather Brough takes on a successful tenure as Head Teacher, overseeing the School’s growth to a roll of up to 250 pupils.

A secondary development phase sees the Meadow Building’s construction in 1996.

2000s

The Board of Advisors is established, providing governance support to the School.

The Drama department continues to deliver innovative and compelling productions and performances, continuing the Dolphin Company’s tradition of performing externally, including at the Edinburgh Fringe.

The Apollo bursary programme begins, offering places at Dolphin to children of multi-ethnicity.

2010s

Old Delphinian children continue to follow in their parents’ journeys, as second-generation Dolphins feature in every school year during this decade.

The science laboratory and classroom is built to enhance the scientific minds of the Dolphin students, offering GSCE facilities to a pre-secondary student body.

Our first Old Ds join the teaching body.

2020s

COVID restrictions see Dolphin lead the way in effective and engaged online learning and teaching, with outstanding uptake, attendance and academic results.

The Heather Brough Pavillion and Orchard Classroom are built, in a significant updating of school facilities.

The AstroTurf pitch replaces hard surface courts, bringing a year round, multi-sport facility to the school.