Former teacher Matthew Leeds back teaching after previously facing multiple sexual misconduct allegations

A former private school teacher sensationally sacked before becoming principal at Scotch College is back educating trainee teachers despite allegations he sent sexual photos of himself to a female student.

Mr Leeds was dumped as Scotch College principal before starting the role in 2022. Picture: Supplied

A former teacher at elite Victorian and NSW private schools who faced multiple sexual misconduct allegations is now educating trainee teachers at a university in Sydney.

The man, Matthew Leeds, was hired as principal of Scotch College in Melbourne, but was sensationally sacked before he started in 2022.

The Herald Sun can reveal the prized job was pulled when Scotch College became aware Mr Leeds was investigated over allegations he sent sexual photos of himself to a female student — known as “dick pics” — while employed by Geelong Grammar School.

Some of these photos were allegedly uncovered in a legal investigation done by Scotch College by Allens lawyers, and viewed by the school council, but Mr Leeds denies they were taken or sent by him.

A spokesman for Mr Leeds said he “strenuously denies sending the intimate images described”.

“He has never been given access to the alleged images that were the subject of the Scotch College investigation. A subsequent investigation by Victorian authorities found the images appeared to have been manufactured and found no evidence that they came from a social media account owned by Mr Leeds,” the spokesman said.

Mr Leeds is now back teaching. Picture: Supplied

The Commissioner for Children and Young People is unable to confirm the investigation or its outcome for legal reasons.

Mr Leeds previously held a plum role at the exclusive Sydney Church of England Grammar School – known as Shore - and also worked at St Andrew’s Cathedral School.

He also worked for four weeks in 2024 as a deputy principal at Westbourne School, an elite International Baccalaureate school in Sydney.

Mr Leeds is currently employed in the High Achieving Teachers program at the University of Western Sydney. The government-funded program trains teachers from diverse backgrounds to work in hard-to-staff schools.

Mr Leeds was also investigated over inappropriate social contact with a student while at Geelong Grammar School.

Mr Leeds said these allegations were “investigated by the regulatory body for teaching in Victoria, the Victorian Institute of Teachers, and found to be unsubstantiated”.

However, the Victorian Institute of Teaching only relied on the evidence presented by the school and did not do its own investigation.

Geelong Grammar School’s previous administration is alleged by school insiders to not have appropriately investigated Mr Leeds.

Mr Leeds strenuously denies sending the images described. Picture: Supplied

The probe into the serious claims was led by one senior staff member at Geelong Grammar School in 2017, and may not have followed child safety laws. It is not proper process for schools to investigate such claims of inappropriate conduct internally.

The investigation involved the staff member speaking separately to both Mr Leeds and a young female student, who both insisted no such things had occurred.

It’s understood the investigation dismissed the claims.

Although the Allens legal report was not provided to Geelong Grammar School, the information gathered meant the Scotch College council decided not to go ahead with the appointment of Mr Leeds.

There is no record of Victoria Police being notified at the time. The police are required to be notified under mandatory reporting laws.

Mr Leeds has taken down his LinkedIn profile which describes him as an “educational leader”. He is registered as a teacher in NSW but not in Victoria.

Mr Leeds is back teaching. Picture: Supplied

The principal of Westbourne College, Patrick McGing, confirmed Mr Leeds was hired as a deputy principal and business studies teacher in late 2024 but resigned four weeks later.

“Following a successful working with children check and positive comments from referees, he was employed for 4 weeks in 2024,” he said.

“There were no allegations made against Matt Leeds during the short time he was at the school.”

A Western Sydney University spokesperson said the university “cannot comment on individual circumstances of staff or students for privacy reasons”.

A spokesman for Geelong Grammar School said “student safeguarding, care and wellbeing are critical priorities for our school”.

“Geelong Grammar School complies with laws and regulations intended to protect students from harm by properly investigating any allegations, and reporting matters to the appropriate authorities for further inquiry, including to Victoria Police, when required,” he said.

A spokeswoman for Scotch College said: “The school became aware of matters not concerning Scotch College and engaged Allens law firm to investigate.”

“The matter was referred to authorities and Scotch College was diligent in ensuring it fulfilled all reporting obligations.”

Originally published as Former teacher Matthew Leeds back teaching after previously facing multiple sexual misconduct allegations