Beaudesert State High School toxic bullying claims: Principal takes new job at Coombabah State High School

The principal from a Queensland school accused of having a toxic culture of bullying and where two students suicided within 20 months of each other has been appointed to another government school.

The principal from a Queensland school accused of having a toxic culture of bullying has been appointed to another government school.

Grant Stephensen is currently head of Beaudesert State High School, where two students suicided within 20 months of each other and many families have raised repeated concerns about what they describe as unchecked bullying and violence.

Mr Stephensen went on leave for family reasons after The Courier-Mail in August reported the tragic deaths of Onyx Rose Lambert, aged 13, on July 16, and of Lilly Osborne on November 24, 2021.

Former Beaudesert High principal Grant Stephensen.

Both families said the school failed to act on bullying despite many pleas for help. Others came forward subsequently with shocking stories of alleged abuse as an internal survey found many students no longer felt safe at the school.

On Monday, Coombabah State High School on the Gold Coast announced Mr Stephensen would be starting in 2024.

Jasmine Osborne lost her daughter Lilly Osborne to suicide at age 16 in November 2021. Picture: Tara Croser.

Onyx Rose Lambert, who suicided on July 16. Photo: Facebook.

“I am thrilled to share the exciting news that our new principal, Grant Stephenson (sic), has officially been appointed and will formally join the Coombabah State High School community in 2024,” current principal Tameeka Schelks wrote on the school’s Facebook page.

“We are confident that Grant’s wealth of experience at Beaudesert SHS will contribute to the continued success and growth of our school. Once again, congratulations to Grant! We look forward to a successful and rewarding journey,” Ms Schelks posted.

The Courier-Mail has contacted Mr Stephensen and the Education Department for comment.