Staff at a private school at the centre of a “strapping” scandal are being investigated after new information has come to light in an internal review.
The probe of Ballarat Grammar has also been expanded to include another of its boarding houses – Wigan House.
Ballarat Grammar is investigating some staff as the fallout from the “strapping” scandal continues.Credit: Joe Armao
Ballarat Grammar is taking the steps after senior students allegedly abused younger pupils at its Dart House boarding facility in 2023 and 2024.
Two senior boarders were expelled over allegations that junior students – some as young as year 7 – were assaulted as part of a hazing culture going back decades and known as “strapping”. Up to 12 alleged victims were involved.
The upmarket private school shared an update with the school community on Monday.
“An independent staff investigation has been initiated,” headmaster Adam Heath wrote in the email.
“In line with our values and to ensure the integrity of the process, during the investigation some staff members may not be on campus.”
This was due to “new information” that came to light over the past fortnight, as part of its internal processes. The email did not detail how many staff members would be absent as a result of the latest probe.
The headmaster also revealed the school had commissioned a second investigation into another residential hall on the campus.
“Recognising the broader implications of the events in Dart House, the school also commissioned a second independent investigation into Wigan House, again led by independent investigator, Alexander Thomas,” the email read.
The investigation has been reviewed, and “appropriate actions” were being taken, Heath said.
Ballarat Grammar principal Adam Heath has apologised to the school community over the “strapping” scandal.Credit: Ballarat Grammar.
The email detailed arrangements for overnight security to patrol boarding precinct grounds, the appointment of an overnight supervisor and a new “housemother” role.
The school also confirmed CCTV was installed at all the boys’ boarding houses, and two of the girls’ boarding houses which covers common spaces and hallways as well as entry and exit points.
Heath said in the email that they expected “meaningful improvements” to the school’s culture in the next six to 12 months.
In May, the state government’s education regulator launched an official review of its registration as a residential facility.
The legislation gives the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority the power to conduct a “specific” review of a boarding provider if it believes “there are matters concerning the safety of students boarding at the premises that require urgent action”.
If the school is found to be non-compliant with child safety standards, the authority can impose conditions on its registration and has the power to cancel Grammar’s registration, potentially putting an end to more than a century of boarding tradition.
The school declined to comment on how many teachers were under investigation, what information prompted the decision and when the report into Wigan House was commissioned.
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