Grammar School launches probe into claims older boarders lashed younger ones with straps

A strapping scandal has engulfed prestigious Ballarat Grammar, with reports senior boarding school students lashed younger ones with straps when they were perceived to have stepped out of line.

Ballarat Grammar School is embroiled in a student strapping scandal.

A strapping scandal has engulfed a prestigious regional Victorian private school, with reports senior boarding students lashed younger ones when they were perceived to have stepped out of line.

An investigation has been launched into claims of multiple assaults wherein students at a Ballarat Grammar boarding house were strapped.

The school has said it is unclear when the behaviour started or how widespread it became, as it was only informed earlier this month when a concerned parent claimed her child had been lashed.

In a letter to parents on February 20, seen by the Herald Sun, Ballarat Grammar headmaster Adam Heath condemned the senior students’ alleged behaviour.

“I want to inform you that I have become aware of certain behaviours in our boarding houses that do not align with the school’s values and, if substantiated, would constitute serious misconduct,” Mr Heath said.

Ballarat Grammar is the richest school in the region.

“As part of this investigation, I am committed to upholding the principles of natural justice, ensuring that all parties are treated fairly while I establish the facts.

“While the investigation is ongoing, I want to reassure our community that, should the allegations be substantiated, decisive action will be taken to ensure accountability.”

The alleged elite school boarding house brutality is not the first to surface in Victoria.

In February 2020 reports emerged of a “fight club” within one of prestigious Geelong Grammar School’s boarding houses.

It was shut down after a student broke his hand in the savage start-of-year ritual.

Geelong Grammar School sent a letter to parents at the time revealing “many” students in the Cuthbertson boys’ boarding house had been drawn into the organised, illicit fights.

“You may be aware that some of the boys have unfortunately involved themselves in organising or participating in boxing bouts within the boarding house, after lights out. There were many students involved and we have established the understanding that no one student is more responsible than any other,” the February 12, 2020, letter from school leaders Steven Church, Graham Hislop and Andrew Borthwick stated.

Geelong Grammar School, Corio. Picture: Supplied

After speaking with the boys, it was clear they thought the night fights were “expected”, the letter went on to say.

“Whilst our understanding from the many boys we have spoken with, is these bouts were not intended to cause harm and occurred out of an understanding this was expected or normalised behaviour, it is not something we condone or want within any aspect of our school environment,” the school leaders wrote.

The Herald Sun was told the boarding house night fights were a longstanding tradition and happened at the start of every school year.

Sources said pillows and mattresses were placed on the floors at night time to create a form of boxing ring, where the boys would slug it out.

While injuries were usually minimal, in 2020 a senior student broke his hand and had to be taken to hospital, the sources said.

Originally published as Grammar School launches probe into claims older boarders lashed younger ones with straps