Justin Marks front court on a charge of committing a sex act

A highly praised maths and science teacher in Melbourne’s western suburbs is fighting a charge of sexually penetrating a child under the age of 16.

Tarneit P-9 College science and maths teacher Justin Marks has been suspended on an interim basis after he was charged with committing a sexual offence. Picture: Facebook.

A respected Melbourne maths and science teacher has been charged with committing a sexual offence against a child after the school he worked at went to police.

Justin Marks was suspended on an interim basis from Tarneit P-9 College in December last year by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) after his employer became aware of a child safety allegation against him and police were notified.

He appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday via a video link for a committal mention on a charge of sexually penetrating a child under 16. The alleged offence happened on December 24, 2024 in Tarneit.

The court heard that an application for legal aid has been tentatively approved and Mr Marks sought an adjournment for three to four weeks which was granted.

He will return to court on May 30 for a further committal mention hearing.

Tarneit P-9 College science and maths teacher Justin Marks will return to court at the end of May.

Families at the school were informed about Mr Marks’ charges just before Christmas Day last year.

“Dear parents and carers, I am writing to let you know that Justin Marks, a teacher of our school, was charged with serious child sexual offences late Wednesday evening,” a letter to parents said.

“Justin Marks has worked at our school since January 2017 as a teacher for Year 7 to Year 9 classes.

“Given the nature of these charges, I believe it is important to inform you of this matter as soon as possible, rather than waiting until after school holidays.

“I am sorry to be sending such concerning news just before the term break.”

In addition to teaching maths and science, Mr Marks was promoted to the role of Year 8 science professional learning team leader in 2022, according to his LinkedIn profile which has since been modified to have all teaching history removed.

He was also a “mathematics reSolve Champion” – an initiative managed by the Australian Academy of Science in collaboration with the Australian Association of mathematics Teachers, which is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education.

Tarneit P-9 College reported teacher Justin Marks\to police just before Christmas last year.

Outside of maths and science, Mr Marks also specialised in physical education and outdoor education, and previously taught at Melton Secondary College, including VCAL – now called VCE Vocational Major – classes.

Prior to his teaching career, Mr Marks was a bartender and gaming attendant at Bacchus Marsh Golf Club and The Red Lion Hotel in Ballarat.

A Department of Education spokeswoman said in January that Mr Marks’ charge was “deeply distressing to the school and community concerned, and to the Department of Education”.

“Our current priority is to ensure full support is available to any impacted student and their family,” she said.