Ballarat Grammar boarders booted out over strapping scandal

Boarders embroiled in the Ballarat Grammar strapping scandal have been kicked out of the school after an independent investigation, according to an email sent to former students and supporters.

Ten senior boarders at the school were sent home last month over claims junior students – some as young as year 7 – had been assaulted as part of a hazing culture going back decades and known as strapping. Up to 12 alleged victims were involved.

An internal investigation has uncovered “completely unacceptable” behaviour at Ballarat Grammar.Credit: Joe Armao

The Anglican school sent an email on Friday morning confirming an independent investigation had been completed and handed to the board.

It had been a “challenging period” for the school community, and the investigation uncovered behaviour that was “completely unacceptable”, it read.

“Disciplinary actions have been taken against some students identified in the investigation. They will no longer attend Ballarat Grammar,” the email sent by board chair Sarah Lia and headmaster Adam Heath said.

Changes to accommodation arrangements for other students had also been made after they returned from suspension, the email said.

“They will not return to the Dart Boarding House and will attend as day students.”

Several staff members with boarding house responsibilities have been repositioned, and new boarding staff installed who were “completely committed to change to ensure safety, wellbeing and empathetic support for our boarding students”, the email said.

“We understand what a challenging time this has been for our school community and we know it is confronting to read media reports that have detailed some disturbing behaviour in the school we love.

“We sincerely apologise for any hurt, distress or uncertainty this situation may have caused and want to assure you that we will focus on cultural change. The happiness, wellbeing and safety of all students will remain our highest priority.”

The school’s headmaster Adam Heath confirmed in a statement to The Age it had taken “decisive action” to ensure the safety and trust of the boarding community.

“Disciplinary actions have been taken, including some students leaving the school and the repositioning of several staff who had boarding house responsibilities, to reinforce our commitment to a safe and supportive environment,” he said.

However, he did not say how many students were booted from the school, and how many returned as day students rather than as boarders.

The school continues to work with Bradley Fenner, a respected education and boarding leader, to further strengthen its boarding program.

“Our focus is on meaningful cultural change to ensure Ballarat Grammar remains a place where all students feel safe, respected and supported,” Heath said.

The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority, the state’s education and training watchdog, which also manages the registration and review of independent schools, is still investigating the allegations.

It comes after this masthead reported private security guards were hired to protect boarders as they slept at the school.

Families of students who boarded at the school were told last week the guards would be on duty in the two boys’ boarding houses overnight, and communal residential areas would be covered by security cameras.

Numerous men have told The Age they were assaulted or hazed as children due to a strapping culture among Grammar boarders going back to at least the 1950s.

The school is facing legal action from a former boarder claiming “physical, sexual and psychological” abuse he suffered from fellow students that left him mentally scarred and battling drug and alcohol problems.

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