Newington College boys and MLC School girls at odds over cultural ‘differences’ in cadet unit

Newington College, a prestigious Sydney boys’ school that charges up to $42,000 in fees, has been wrapped up in more drama with the female gender. This time, its sister school is involved.

Two of Sydney’s oldest and most expensive single-sex private schools have become embroiled in a cultural clash over a military-style youth leadership program.

Parents of army cadets at Newington College, a 160-year-old boys’ school that charges up to $42,000 in tuition fees, and $39,000-per-year girls’ school MLC School have been advised of an investigation into cultural “differences” between both genders in their combined cadets program.

In a letter co-signed by Newington headmaster Michael Parker and MLC principal Lisa Moloney, parents were told a “third party” had been tasked with undertaking a review into the 640-strong joint MLC School-Newington Army Cadet Unit.

“Over the last few months, differences have emerged among some in the student body about some of the cadet processes, aspects of the cadet culture, and how these differences should best be handled,” the school heads wrote.

“Both schools are reviewing the manner in which these issues came to light and the substance of their feedback. It is also worth nothing that there were many positive comments about the Cadet program.”

Newington College and MLC cadets. Around 140 female cadets descend on Newington’s grounds each fortnight for the program. Picture: Facebook

Mr Parker and Ms Moloney said they wanted the review “to be a learning opportunity” for students, and said for it to result in “an improved Cadet Corps program”.

Newington brought female cadets from its sister school into the fold for the first time in February 2020, and four years on girls remain in the vast minority, with approximately 140 MLC students and 500 Newington boys enlisted this year.

Former students and parents of Newington College held a silent protest against the school’s move to co-ed. Picture: Richard Dobson

The Daily Telegraph understands there has been tension between the boys and the girls over the six senior positions among their ranks, which have been assumed by four male cadets and two females, and that the review was precipitated by the results of an independent survey distributed among the MLC girls.

A current Newington parent who asked to remain anonymous said the boys believe some of the girls only enlist to meet potential love interests, leaving male students to “carry” the unit.

“They’re not getting on particularly well,” he said.

Cadets nominate themselves for the senior positions, and after applying must take a promotions course. The positions are then awarded based on merit.

Female cadets are in the minority in the combined unit, but occupy two of six leadership positions. Picture: Facebook

The conflict comes amid heightened tensions at Newington College over the school’s decision to transition to a coeducational campus from 2026.

Parents, students and ‘old boys’ opposing the move and criticising the school’s leadership rallied in the streets of Stanmore and outside the school gates in January, staging their protest to coincide with the first day of term.

A legal challenge is also underway, with parents engaging a law firm to investigate how introducing girls would impact the 100-year-old act of Parliament governing Newington’s council.