This week marks Bournemouth School's 124th anniversary - and the beginning of a project to celebrate the school's 125th anniversary in 2026.
The centenary was marked by the publication of a book written by a former deputy headteacher, David Hilliam, who carefully documented the school's history up to that point. The school intends to mark its 125th anniversary by assembling a gallery of "faces of Bournemouth School" and are encouraging all former students and staff to participate. Headteacher Dr Dorian Lewis clarified the project's intentions: "The vision is to present an online gallery of faces representative of all those who have passed through our doors in the last 125 years. By clicking on an image, you will then reveal a short biography of that individual and read the memories that they have of their time at the school. We are encouraging as many as possible to submit their photographs, biographies and memories - and we hope that families may also wish to make submissions on behalf of former students and staff who are no longer with us."
The project is being launched by current School Captain, Shayan Bidad, who will hand over the reigns to his successor, Luca Gallicchio, in the coming months. Luca will have the privilege of leading the celebrations in January 2026. Luca said, "We're really excited by this project. It will be fascinating to gain an insight into how times have changed."
Current school captain, Shayan Bidad (left) holding the centenary publication, and his successor, Luca Gallicchio, who will be leading the school's 125th anniversary celebrations next January. They are pictured by the foundation stone of the original school buildings in Portchester Road. The school moved to its current East Way site upon completion of new buildings in 1939; Fenwick Court now occupies the school's original site.
