Pulteney Grammar parents, old scholars raise concerns with school Board

Parents, former staff and old scholars at one of Adelaide’s top private schools have described a “toxic environment” they claim is driving away teachers and families.

Parents, former staff and old scholars at one of Adelaide’s top private schools have described a “toxic culture” they claim is driving away teachers and families.

It is understood at least four staff members have left Pulteney Grammar School and a number of families have moved children to other schools as a result of changes in culture.

Late last month The Advertiser revealed the school’s Board of Governors has launched an independent review of its leadership after a damaging petition – signed by more than 100 people – emerged.

The Board committed to collecting confidential feedback and interviewing school board members, staff – including principal Cameron Bacholer – and “interested groups”.

Parents, former staff and old scholars have warned of a “toxic environment” at Pulteney Grammar. Picture Dean Martin

Mr Bacholer was appointed in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, and was previously Deputy Principal at The Knox School in Melbourne.

Comments submitted to the Board from Pulteney parents, old scholars and former staff – seen by The Advertiser – lament a “toxic culture” and negativity at the school of up to 1000 students.

Comments included concerns about a “toxic environment” and reports of staff being treated “appallingly”.

Another comment stated “senior teachers are leaving in droves”.

However, it is understood the school is no longer conducting formal exit interviews to gather feedback on why families decide to pull students out.

Some parents have complained that Pulteney’s tuition fees no longer guarantee the resources families expect of a top private school.

The school charges between $17,000 for Reception and $28,000 for Year 12.

Parents, former staff and old scholars have warned of a “toxic environment” at Pulteney Grammar. Picture Dean Martin

In a statement the Board said: “While we will refrain from responding publicly to specific concerns, there are significant inaccuracies throughout these claims.”

“The Board of Governors remains committed to meaningful engagement with our school community,” it said.

“The Board is allowing the independent review process to take its course.

“The School remains steadfast in our commitment to the education, care and wellbeing of our students and our staff.”

In response to requests for comment from Mr Bacholer, the school referred The Advertiser to the Board’s statement.

In a letter sent to the school community in late August, Chair of Pulteney’s Board of Governors David Reynolds – who is also the chief executive of SA’s Department for Trade and Investment – said the independent review was expected to be complete by mid-October.

Mr Reynolds wrote the board “will not express a position on matters that have been raised, to ensure we do not prejudice the review’s findings”.