BBC in shock at sudden death of respected school leader

One of South East Queensland’s longest-serving and most respected GPS leaders, who held senior roles at four top private schools, has passed away overnight.

BBC Head of Middle School, David Bell, has passed away from a heart attack.

One of southeast Queensland’s longest-serving and most respected GPS leaders, David Bell, died suddenly on Friday night (May 5) from a heart attack, leaving the region’s private school network in shock.

Mr Bell was most recently Head of Middle School at Toowong’s Brisbane Boys’ College, which he joined in 2018.

Before that he was the Director of Sport and Activities at Toowoomba Grammar School.

He also served as Deputy Head of Middle School at Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie), was Deputy Head of Boarding and Head of Year 12 at Ipswich Grammar School and was resident boarding master at Brisbane Grammar School.

BBC Headmaster Andre Casson broke the tragic news this morning (Saturday May 6) to the school community.

“It is with great sadness that I am sharing with you the news that David Bell, our Head of Middle School, passed away suddenly last night from a heart attack,’’ Mr Casson said in an email to parents.

David Bell, Head of Middle School at BCC, passed away from a heart attack.

“David has had a significant impact on the lives of so many young men, not only here at BBC but throughout Brisbane, due to his long and impressive career in GPS schools.

“He was in the truest sense of the word a school master.

“David saw the education of the whole boy as his mission and he discharged the requirements in each of the multitude of roles he held during his storied career with distinction.

“All of us who had the privilege to know and work with David have had our lives enriched for the experience.

“Queensland and beyond has been made a better place due to the young men who have been mentored and nurtured by Mr Bell.’’

BBC Headmaster Andre Casson broke the news this morning. Picture: David Clark

Mr Casson said his colleague’s passing would have a huge impact on the southeast Queensland school system.

He said Mr Bell was known for his role in the classroom and on the sporting field through his leadership in rugby.

“His impact is as far reaching as it is impressive,’’ he said.

“Our community has lost a great educator, leader and friend.”

Mr Casson said the school had reached out to Mr Bell’s family to offer them support.

“David’s love for his vocation was surpassed only by his love for his family, particularly his beautiful daughters Charlie, Molly and Rosie, and their mother Karina,’’ he said.

“The College will continue to offer our support to them as they deal with the loss of this wonderful man.

Brisbane Boys College in Toowong has been left in shock at the news. Picture: Tara Croser

“The wellbeing of the BBC community is also a priority for the College at this time.

“This is a most difficult time for our BBC family but... the mark of any community is not where they stand in the good times, but where they stand in times of challenge and strife.

“We are a strong, caring community and we will work through this difficult time with support and love for each other.’’

Mr Bell had an impressive list of achievements under his belt before he arrived at BBC as part of an overhaul of its leadership structure.

Highly qualified, with an arts degree, an MBA and a string of diplomas from several universities, he also served at a leading English school during his distinguished career.