Carey Grammar principal confirms complaints were made about school’s former rowing coach

The principal of Carey Grammar has revealed complaints of misconduct were made against the school’s then head rowing coach last year, after he allegedly made lewd remarks to students he coached.

Carey Grammar principal Jonathan Walter has confirmed complaints of misconduct were made against the school’s then head rowing coach in 2024 in a letter to parents following recent Herald Sun revelations.

The Herald Sun reported on Wednesday that Richard Bartlett was under investigation for allegedly making sexual references in his coaching of students. The comments included references to hookers, and led to more than 20 staff and students being interviewed in an external investigation, concluding in a report more than 40 pages long.

Mr Bartlett resigned in a confidential deal with the school.

As parents responded to the story, Mr Walter explained the lack of school communication on the issue, saying they had to “ensure that due process is followed before we share any information publicly”.

Former Carey Grammar rowing coach Richard Bartlett. Picture: LinkedIn

“Any allegations of this nature are treated very seriously and we immediately put steps in place to ensure student safety, conduct a thorough investigation and report the allegations to the appropriate authorities. Following the completion of this investigation we referred the matter to the Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP) and the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) for their consideration,” he said.

He said there was “zero tolerance for inappropriate behaviour” and that “student safety and wellbeing remain our highest priority”.

Mr Bartlett, known as “Dick”, left Carey Grammar abruptly midway through the rowing season citing personal health reasons and is now the head development coach at Melbourne University Boat Club.

Mr Bartlett resigned in a confidential deal with the school.

The Herald Sun is not suggesting Mr Bartlett is guilty, only that the allegations were made and investigated.

The school has been dealing with the fallout from Mr Bartlett’s resignation, particularly because his job at the Melbourne University Boat Club puts him in the same locations as Carey Grammar students and staff.

One parent said Mr Bartlett’s presence at regattas was “intimidating” to students and staff who spoke to the external investigators and a breach of risk mitigation procedures.

Another parent welcomed communication from the school on the matter, but said “more should have been said at the time”.

Mr Bartlett told the Herald Sun that after having “an unblemished record of 35 years in teaching” he demonstrated “poor judgement” in his choice of language.

Mr Bartlett said there was “nothing sexual in nature and no gratification or arousal” in his comments.