Jones, Mike

Mike Jones

Dates at Bournemouth School: 1979 - 1986
House: Forrest

Mike today

Mike studied:
Mike received the following accolades whilst at school:
  • “More interested in chattering than getting down to solid work.” 2.18 (year 8) report
  • “Cheerful and willing, but he has no real grasp of the year’s work” - French, 3.9 (year 9) report
  • “Tries hard” - PE, 5.10 (year 11) report
  • “He shows flashes of inspiration but these are no substitute for hard work.” Physics Lower 6th report

After school, Mike went to: Joined Willis Parsons English on what would now be known as an accountancy apprenticeship.

Mike's biography:

I qualified as a Certified Accountant just before my 22nd birthday. After 10 years in accountancy practice, I moved to a world without time sheets and a career as an FD in property, hospitality and care homes.

In 2016 my finance and construction experience led to me being recruited as a governor at Bournemouth School. In 2021 my ability to be in the wrong place at the wrong time resulted in me becoming chair of governors, a role I still have.

What was best about Mike's time at Bournemouth School?

Difficult to quantify really! At the time it wasn’t a particularly happy experience, but at the end of the day Bournemouth School raised my horizons and made me believe that a boy from Bear Wood could achieve something in their life. The fact that an old-boy, Douglas Eyre, was a partner at Willis Parsons English meant I got the chance to achieve what the school had made me believe.

Who does Mike remember most fondly?

Mr Neame, Mr Webb, Mr Harvey and Mr Hill.

What would Mike change about their time at Bournemouth School?

Should have worked harder. Boring I know, sorry.
A mixed sex sixth form would have been much better than a line down the field over which we were not allowed to cross!

What is Mike's favourite anecdote/most vivid memory?

Sixth form Geography trip to Leason House. We completed the orienteering exercise first, and I took the opportunity to spin the road sign for Swanage round so it pointed up a side road to a camp site. Everyone had a great 20 minutes or so watching cars slam to a halt, turn left, appear again a few minutes later and scratch their head before heading in the right direction. Just after the quite small lady teacher arrived at the meeting point one motorist got out of his car to berate the group of loitering boys for moving the sign, and Miss did a great job of putting him “straight”.

Mike's final thoughts

Bournemouth School changed me for the better, and twenty years later it gave me kids a chance as well. A son working as a lawyer in the City and a daughter well on her way to qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in Nottingham both make their dad very proud. My second stint at Bournemouth School as a governor and then chair of governors is probably more successful than first time around, but this is down to the fantastic staff and massively impressive efforts of the pupils.