An investigation into former King’s School headmaster Tony George over allegations he clipped a senior boy over the ear in a biblical studies class ultimately found his actions did not amount to reportable conduct under the Children’s Guardian Act.
The outcome of the investigation was detailed in a Federal Court judgement this week, which revealed there was a second investigation into George’s behaviour which helped form the grounds for his termination.
The $50,000-a-year school announced on Friday that it would make its interim head, Reverend Stephen Edwards, its 21st headmaster. He is expected to retire in 2028.
George took leave from his post following the alleged incident last year in the school’s Futter Hall. George and the school’s council were locked in a legal battle before reaching an out-of-court settlement in January.
The school’s council sought numerous suppression and non-publication orders but they were largely dismissed.
A judgment published this week detailed a second incident, which allegedly involved words spoken by George at a farewell speech for a former staff member at the school, the judgment said.
“During that speech, Mr George was said to have recounted an occasion when the former staff member had said something to a student which might be considered by some to be controversial,” Justice Michael Wigney wrote.
“Mr George was then said to have given his opinion in respect of the staff member’s actions.”
The judgment noted George’s words or actions were then subject to a “workplace investigation”.
It said while the precise outcome of the investigation was not detailed in documents filed, “it appears to have been adverse to Mr George”, and “appeared to form part of the council’s decision to terminate Mr George’s employment”.
The judgment noted George commenced proceedings against the council for breach of contract and adverse action under the Fair Work Act, seeking an injunction to restrain the school from implementing its decision to fire him.
After the school reached a confidential settlement, the council sought a range of non-publication and suppression orders regarding the documents filed to the court, but they were dismissed.
Wigney also said that while the secret settlement between George and the school council focused on inaccurate reporting about the issue, it did not detail what it was.
“That statement included an assertion that the ‘public commentary surrounding these matters has not reflected the correct or complete facts’, though the joint statement did not seek to correct or complete the facts,” he said.
On Friday, the school announced Edwards, who has worked at The King’s School for 27 years, would lead the school. He has previously been deputy headmaster, head of senior school and acting and interim headmaster.
“He is held in the highest regard across our community, recognised for his steadiness of judgement, pastoral wisdom, personal integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the flourishing and wellbeing of every student,” the school’s statement read.
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