Prestigious Brisbane private school rocked by Year 9 cheating incident

The principal of a Brisbane private school subject to a cheating scandal has denied the students involved escaped punishment.

Cannon Hill Anglican College principal Gary O’Brien confirmed the school had taken action against students involved in a cheating incident. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

The principal of a Brisbane private school rocked by a cheating scandal has denied the students involved escaped punishment following a “rigorous” investigation.

Cannon Hill Anglican College principal Gary O’Brien confirmed students had faced disciplinary action but said the outcome was confidential.

It comes after emails from the college’s assistant principal were sent to parents informing them part of its Year 9 cohort had cheated on a science exam in November.

The emails, obtained by The Courier-Mail, said students had shared information from the end of semester science exam with fellow classmates yet to sit the test – a practice considered “strictly forbidden”.

Mr O’Brien said the college took the matter “very seriously” as part of a “rigorous” investigation which included discussions with parents, staff and students.

He said the matter was resolved with the majority of parents supportive of the process.

“We had open discussions with staff and students regarding the best way forward in this situation and the students involved faced disciplinary action however, individual outcomes remain confidential,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Our conversations focused on the importance of integrity and fairness, and the direct and indirect impact on the year level.

“During the process, members of our senior leadership team were transparent and open with parents in the Year 9 cohort and spoke with any parents who raised concerns or required further clarification.”

Cannon Hill Anglican College principal Mr Gary O’Brien said the school had taken action against the cheating students.

One parent had accused the college of failing to discipline the students.

“How can action from a couple of individuals impact the cohort and escape with no punishment apart from a learning experience,” the parent said in a letter to The Courier-Mail.

“It is not fair for students who did not engage in emails or conversations or sit the exam.”

Mr O’Brien said the college was aware of one family who were dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation.

He said the college, which is set to charge parents school fees upwards of $16,000 next year, works to develop a strong moral compass with its young people.

“Occasionally our students make mistakes. This is part of working with adolescents,” Mr O’Brien said.

“We take our role in the character development of our students very seriously.

“Learning from mistakes, taking ownership, reflecting and moving forward are all part of our pastoral processes.”

According to the assistant principal’s emails, the cheating incident happened after information from the exam was collated and sent out to students in a document by email.

“This is an exceptional group and I admit I was astonished when the information was provided to me. I let them know how disappointed I was. I explained the impact of their actions, not just on their peers, but also on their teachers and you,” the email read.

“A student who had collated information about the exam after speaking to other students, and sent this to students in Year 9, via email.”

A third email to parents said the students who had come forward to admit they opened the document would sit another exam at a later date.