Court filings reveal confidentiality orders, an urgent hearing, and a looming mediation
Tony George, who served as headmaster of The King’s School in North Parramatta for eight years, has filed legal action in the Federal Court after being dismissed over allegations he struck a student during a religious studies lesson, according to court documents published online.
The case centres on an incident in mid-2024, when George allegedly clipped a student on the back of the head during a heated Biblical studies discussion in the school’s historic Futter Hall. About 100 students reportedly attended the lecture where the incident occurred.
The school confirmed it was investigating the allegations in a letter to parents in late July, stating George had taken two weeks of leave after contracting shingles. George later extended his leave “to ensure the investigation proceeds without any perception of interference,” he wrote to parents at the time.
The veteran educator has previously described media reports surrounding the incident as “inaccurate or misleading”, News.com.au reported.
The King’s School, established 195 years ago, charges fees ranging from about $30,000 for kindergarten students to $49,980 for Year-12 day students. Boarders in Year 12 pay more than $88,000 a year. The school also receives substantial government funding and reported a $4 million surplus in 2024.
Court documents show the school agreed to extend George’s termination date until January 19, the same day an urgent hearing is scheduled. The documents place confidentiality orders over exhibits and affidavits identifying the student, as well as a chronology of events filed by the school, Daily Mail reported.
Chairman of the Council of The King’s School Ken Chapman told parents on Tuesday the headmaster had brought legal proceedings related to his employment, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. “As the proceedings are now before the courts, the school will not make further comment at this time,” he said in a letter.
George’s sister, Susan Petterson, published an open letter to members of the Sydney Anglican Church on Tuesday, criticising what she described as a lack of accountability at major Anglican schools. Her husband, Tim Petterson, was dismissed as headmaster of Shore in 2022 and also launched legal proceedings against that institution.
“These two episodes, close together in time and within the same diocesan family, raise deep concerns about transparency, due process, and the exercise of power,” Petterson wrote.
Federal Court documents indicate mediation between George and The King’s School could begin this week, with leading Sydney barrister Max Kimber SC appointed to preside.
