NSW HSC trials ‘scotched’ after exam papers stolen

One of Sydney’s most exclusive schools has been forced to cancel its trial HSC exams after two ­papers were stolen.

Scots College in Sydney.

One of Sydney’s most exclusive schools has been forced to cancel its trial HSC exams after two ­papers were stolen in a late-night break-in.

Physics papers were stolen from a cupboard at Scots College, a private boys school in Bellevue Hill in the city’s east on Monday night, hours before the exam was due to begin. The school is under pressure to expel students if they are found to be behind the theft.

Scots is one of 480 NSW schools, public and private, that use trial HSC papers written by the Catholic Schools Secondary Association. The CSSA’s papers are considered to be the most rigorous exam papers available and are recognised as good preparation for the HSC.

Fairfax Media reported that college staff told students yesterday the test would be rewritten and rescheduled for next week.

Scots College head of curriculum John Montgomery told Fairfax Media that the school was reviewing its procedures for the storage of trial exam papers and would co-operate with NSW police inquiries.

“This incident is very upsetting and extremely disappointing,” Dr Montgomery said.

“Today, our focus is on ensuring students are supported in the change to schedules and as far as possible mitigating the impacts on students.”