Scotch College principal Tom Batty quits for family reasons

An international search for Scotch College’s next head has begun after principal Tom Batty stepped down, ending a 13-year tenure.

Melbourne’s elite Scotch College is on the hunt for a new principal.

Scotch College principal Tom Batty is leaving the prestigious Hawthorn school for family reasons, he announced on Wednesday.

An international search for his replacement has begun.

A letter to parents from school council chairman Alex Sloan said Mr Batty, who has been at the school for 13 years, would return to the United Kingdom mid-2022.

Scotch college principal Tom Batty has stepped down.

The letter noted it had “not been an easy decision for Tom from a professional point of view” but said “the Scotch community will understand the compelling personal reasons behind his decision”.

“Tom and Lee have two daughters who have, for several years now, been studying and residing in the UK. In addition, Tom’s father, who also lives in the UK and is in his early 90s, is confronting the challenges expected at this stage of life. Proximity will give Tom and his family the opportunity to support his father during this time,” the letter said.

The news comes as a Scotch College music teacher, Peter Mander, was suspended for what is understood to be a historical alleged offence.

While the school has appeared in the news in recent years in connection to its schoolyard culture and handling of sexual abuse allegations from a female teen, it had largely escaped the turmoil that has plagued many private boys’ schools.

A push at similar schools, such as St Kevin’s College, has seen male principals replaced with women in a bid to broaden the male-dominated school culture.

Originally published as Scotch College principal Tom Batty quits for family reasons