Senior Leadership Team
Please find below details of our Senior Leadership Team.
Dr Dorian Lewis (Headmaster)
I started teaching in 1994, shortly after obtaining a PhD in Chemistry from Southampton University.
I became the headmaster of Bournemouth School in September 2009. The best part of my job is how every day is different, with each one having its own successes and challenges.
Bournemouth School is very much like the grammar school I attended in Pontypool, South Wales. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities I have in later life thanks to the foundations laid at school. I believe that education can change lives for the better – for both individuals and society as a whole. I want as many as possible to benefit from being part of our community. All three of my children have attended the school; and my wife has undertaken a number of roles over the years, most recently as an Exam Invigilator. Bournemouth School has become an important part of all our lives.
On weekends and during the school holidays, I enjoy spending time with my family (including our unruly black labrador) walking in the Purbecks or further afield. I am a keen DIYer and like nothing more than spending my spare time improving the house or garden. (My wife despairs at the consequent state of my garage!)
Mrs Katie Ateaque (Deputy Headteacher)
I joined the teaching profession in 1998 shortly after completing my degree in French and Spanish at Cardiff University.
I find Bournemouth School a very special place to work as student-teacher relationships are very strong and I particularly enjoy the challenges and rewards that working with our young people bring.
I live locally with my husband and four daughters and usually walk to and from school. My eldest daughter attended the sixth form at Bournemouth School.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family in the New Forest or visiting local beaches.
Mr Nicholas Stroud (Deputy Headteacher)
Having grown up in Dorset, I completed my degree in English Literature at Cardiff University before starting my teaching career in 2000. I joined the English Department at Bournemouth School in 2017.
I can’t imagine a better job than teaching. Everyday spent in the company of young people is an adventure and I’m constantly inspired by their energy, enthusiasm and fearless pursuit of their ambitions.
I live locally to the school with my husband. We married in 2014 and have a dog called Riley and a one-eyed cat called Pru.
Outside of school, you’ll find me enjoying walks with my dog in one of the many areas of scenic beauty around Dorset and enjoying a culinary treat at one of the many restaurants or lounges in the local area.
Mrs Rebecca Issott (Assistant Headteacher & SENDCo)
I SPENT MY TEENAGE YEARS AND THE BEGINNING OF MY ADULT LIFE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS AND IT IS HERE I STARTED MY TEACHING CAREER IN 1996.
In 2012 I moved with my family to Bournemouth and started working at Bournemouth School in 2013, becoming the Head of Biology in 2015. In 2021 I moved into my current role as SENCo.
I am proud to be call myself a member of Bournemouth School and value working with all the students and staff. I thoroughly enjoy how two days are never the same.
I currently live in Christchurch with my husband and our 3 children and can often be found walking at Hengistbury Head, enjoying the beautiful scenery and views. I also find DIY rather relaxing and I am currently renovating my home, a 110-year-old Edwardian house which seems intent on falling down!
Mrs Clare Wood (Assistant Headteacher)
Having grown up in the North-East and obtaining a Bachelor of Education in 1993, I began my teaching career in Milton Keynes.
I have gradually moved south, holding a variety of positions from Head of Department, Head of House to Assistant Headteacher at Rossmore Community College. I joined Bournemouth School in 2010 and I have found this to be the most rewarding and enjoyable experience of my career.
I live in Wimborne with my husband and two children (when they are on breaks from their respective Universities!). My daughter studied for her A-levels at Bournemouth School and my son studied for his at another local school. Other than my allegiance to, and passion for, Newcastle United football club, I enjoy travelling and visiting new countries.
Every day for me is different but one thing remains the same; the fantastic, engaging, intelligent students that I am fortunate enough to teach each day.
Mr Stephen Coombes (School Business Manager)
As a former pupil here myself, I have always valued the ethos, values and community of Bournemouth School.
Having obtained my degree in Computer Science, I initially worked within the IT and communications field. However, the majority of my career has been spent in the education sector, where the roles I have enjoyed – from timetabling to building project management – have given me a valuable, wide-ranging experience which is beneficial now as I seek to best support the talented and dedicated staff and students at Bournemouth School.
Outside of work, I volunteer as a leader and assessor for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, and I am a governor for a local primary school. At weekends, I am often found tinkering with DIY projects or relaxing at the piano. My wife, daughter and I enjoy board games and local walks.
Mrs K Newton (Finance Manager)
I have lived in and around the Dorset Hampshire border all my life
and continue to live locally with my husband, daughter and dog.
After gaining my degree in Accountancy at Bournemouth University I worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers where I qualified as a Chartered Accountant. After spending several years in accountancy practice I went on to work in the long-standing family business of wholesale confectionery with my parents. Due to the ill health of my father fate took me on a different path and brought me to Bournemouth School heading up the finance department. The experience gained throughout my career has stood me in good stead for the challenges and rewards of working in finance at the school.
Outside of work I enjoy running my dog at agility, playing flute in a local wind band and riding my pony in the New Forest. I am also kept busy by my daughter who attends Bournemouth School for Girls.