Former Carey Baptist Grammar students accuse teachers of sex abuse

Three former students of Carey Baptist Grammar School have alleged they were sexually abused and groomed by multiple teachers at the prestigious school.

Former students of Carey Baptist Grammar School allege they were sexually abused and groomed by multiple teachers at the prestigious school. Picture: David Crosling

Former students of Carey Baptist Grammar School allege they were sexually abused and groomed by multiple teachers at the prestigious school.

The allegations involve three male teachers accused of offending against three students – two girls and a boy – from the 1970s to 1990s.

Law firm Judy Courtin Legal will soon file proceedings over the historic sexual abuse claims.

Several potential witnesses came forward within hours of the allegations being made public on Friday.

“We have had quite a response already. At least six people have contacted us already today,” Judy Courtin told the Herald Sun.

Advertisements were placed by Judy Courtin Legal asking people with knowledge of “alleged institutional abuse” at the school to come forward.

“We would like to speak to anyone who has information or recollections about male teachers alleged to have groomed and sexually abused student(s) at Carey Baptist Grammar School during the late 1980s,” the advertisement read.

Carey is one of the state’s most expensive and exclusive schools, with campuses in Kew and Donvale. Picture: David Crosling

Ms Courtin – whose firm specialises in institutional abuse claims – said the legal process often retraumatised victims.

“Many institutions have mouthed compassion and empathy following the Royal Commission but they really fight these claims to the death and drag them out unnecessarily, causing more and more trauma to clients,” she said.

“They do all they can to fight these claims with the black letter of the law. It’s appalling.”

Carey is one of the state’s most expensive and exclusive schools, with campuses in Kew and Donvale.

Its website states it has “zero tolerance to child abuse”.

In an email sent to Carey Alumni on Friday, Principal Jonathan Walter wrote: “The School is not aware of the basis of these claims and have not been contacted by these former students.”

He said Casey welcomes “any member of our school community to contact the School if they have been subjected to sexual abuse whilst at Carey so that we may offer the appropriate care and support.”

“Please be assured that Carey has very clear and strong student protection measures in place as well as stringent standards in the selection, training and management of all staff and we are committed to ensuring Carey provides an environment where students feel safe and happy and can thrive,” he added.

Carey was contacted for comment.