Private school staff fears after new Scotch principal axed for unproven allegations

A union representing private school staff has said there should be “no disadvantage” to teachers if allegations against them are not proven, in the wake of the Scotch College principal sacking.

Matt Leeds was sensationally dumped by Scotch College, shortly before he was due to start his new role as principal. Picture: Supplied

The sensational dumping of incoming Scotch College principal Matthew Leeds — after he was cleared of allegations at a former school — has sent shockwaves through private school staff across the country.

It’s understood former colleagues of Mr Leeds are horrified by his dismissal and fear for his welfare in its wake, revealing he is shattered by the experience.

Teachers and school leaders have also questioned what it means for staff of Australian private schools generally, if employees can be terminated after being cleared of allegations levelled against them.

A union representing Victorian independent school staff said “natural justice” needed to prevail when allegations against teachers and school leaders were investigated.

“This includes ensuring there is no disadvantage where allegations are disproven,” Independent Education Union (of) Victoria, Tasmania general secretary, Deb James said.

Scotch College cancelled Mr Leeds appointment just days before he was due to take up his prestigious post, after it became aware he had faced misconduct allegations in 2017 at his former school, Geelong Grammar.

The allegations levelled against Mr Leeds were investigated in 2018 and he was cleared.

Allegations in 2017 against Mr Leeds were investigated by Geelong Grammar School, and he was cleared.

Scotch College also hired a Melbourne law firm to investigate the claims — which centred on “the maintenance of proper professional standards and boundaries” — when it became aware of them, through a whistleblower.

Although the school did not establish the allegations were true, it decided to sack its new recruit anyway.

In a statement to the Scotch community, chairman Alex Sloan said the school council put the allegations to Mr Leeds, who “strenuously denied” them.

Ms James said while the union could not comment specifically on Mr Leeds case, its experience with members was that investigation processes were “incredibly stressful and do impact the mental health of many involved”.

Rumours are swirling within the state’s top schools about how Mr Leeds was selected by Scotch, given educational institutions must be satisfied applicants disclose “any current or past investigations that would make him/her unsuitable for employment with children”.

Scotch College has had just nine principals in its 170-year history, with the principal Mr Leeds would have replaced, Tom Batty, coming from one of the world’s most prestigious schools, Eton, in the UK.