Headmaster steps down after secret agreement
The legal dispute between The King's School in Parramatta and its headmaster has been settled after a "confidential" deal was struck between both parties, according to reports.
The King's School, which is Australia's oldest private boys' school, faced legal action in late December after headmaster Anthony "Tony" George sued it for his dismissal over allegations that he struck a student.
George was accused of clipping a student on the back of the head during a heated biblical studies discussion in mid-2024, reports which the headmaster had tagged as "inaccurate or misleading."
'Confidential' deal struck
The court was supposed to hear the dispute between George and the institution on Monday, before the headmaster's barrister said the matter had been settled, according to local media reports.
"The parties have agreed to resolve the proceedings on confidential terms," Arthur Moses told the court as quoted by the Australian Financial Review.
The terms of their deal were not disclosed, and a statement from the school to parents only said George's term as headmaster has ended by agreement.
"I'm very happy with the result," George told 9News in an interview outside the court.
"I'm very grateful to our community for their support, which has been terrific and we're looking forward to the next chapter."
Online petition circulating
Prior to the settlement, an online petition circulated by "concerned parents" from The King's School called for George's reinstatement as headmaster and transparency from the Council of The King's School.
"The Council's lack of transparency, accountability and honesty is corrosive to trust, destructive to good governance, and highly damaging to the reputation and future of The King's School," the petition read.
"Repeated attempts by parents to seek clarity directly from the Chair have gone unanswered. As a result, we now feel compelled to raise our concerns publicly."
The online petition has reached 236 verified signatures on Change.org as of writing.
George was the 20th headmaster of The King's School, with his stint beginning in July 2017, according to 9News. The school was established 195 years ago in 1831.
