Ballarat Grammar boarders booted out over strapping scandal

“We understand what a challenging time this has been for our school community and we know it is confronting to read media reports that have detailed some disturbing behaviour in the school we love.

“We sincerely apologise for any hurt, distress or uncertainty this situation may have caused and want to assure you that we will focus on cultural change. The happiness, wellbeing and safety of all students will remain our highest priority.”

The school has been contacted for comment.

The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority, the state’s education and training watchdog, which also manages the registration and review of independent schools, is still investigating the allegations.

It comes after this masthead reported private security guards were hired to protect boarders as they slept at the school.

Families of students who boarded at the school were told last week the guards would be on duty in the two boys’ boarding houses overnight, and communal residential areas would be covered by security cameras.

Numerous men have told The Age they were assaulted or hazed as children due to a strapping culture among Grammar boarders going back to at least the 1950s.

The school is facing legal action from a former boarder claiming “physical, sexual and psychological” abuse he suffered from fellow students that left him mentally scarred and battling drug and alcohol problems.

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