David "Sidders" Sidwick
Dates at Bournemouth School: 1973 - 1980House: Twynham
- Senior Prefect
- Prefect
- CCF Cadet
| David at school | David today |
David studied: Biology, Physics and Chemistry
David received the following accolades whilst at school:
- Deputy School Captain
- Cadet Coxswain for the Navy Section of the CCF
- Lead role in two school plays
- Represented Twynham House
After school, David went to: Bristol University
David's biography:
Joined the pharmaceutical industry as a pharmaceutical representative and pursued a career in marketing. Eventually becoming CNS Therapy Director on the UK board of Parke-Davis. Won a European Marketing Award and Global President’s Award and gained an MBA with distinction. In 2000 I started my own medical education company, STAC Consultancy, with a colleague and we ran that until 2018. We ran a charitable foundation as part of it and were proud to have facilitated the training of over 17,500 senior secondary care physicians and nurses. During my career I kept in touch with Bournemouth School and served as Chair of the Old Bournemouthians, as well as a governor and chair of governors. In 2021 I stood for election and became Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset. In 2024 I stood again and am currently serving in that position driving crime down and improving safety in Dorset.
What was best about David's time at Bournemouth School?
The camaraderie and fun. We had a sixth form review, excellent drama productions and great school bands. We had two student pop bands – The Erics who still play and Vicks Sinex (this was the era of punk). The cadet force was fabulous – great courses and the range. The teachers were excellent and memorably eccentric.
Who does David remember most fondly?
Peter Read / Simon Hird / Wilf Moores / Neil Bichard / Don McQueen / Neil Bichard / Romek Kriwald / Bruce Turnbull / Bill Brocklesby / Robert Sansom / Carl Kemp / Mickey Long / Julian Pusey
Staff: Spencer / Beardshaw / BJ / RDF Williams / Lodge / Holy Joe / Carrots
What would David change about their time at Bournemouth School?
Can’t think of anything.
What is David's favourite anecdote/most vivid memory?
Tieing Wilf to a table and sliding him out to rest outside the staff room – the junior headmaster David Hilliam came by and asked him what he thought he was doing. DH was not known for his humour and obviously was not impressed. Wilf replied, “Dunno sir but I am a bit tied up at the moment…”
David's final thoughts
Only that Bournemouth School gave me so much not just as a pupil but as a governor and I will always be grateful. It is in the family DNA with first my dad Eric, then me and then my son James. I am proud the school continues to thrive and long may it do so.
Happy 125th birthday.





