Ex-Headmaster Tony George Settles Secret Legal Battle With King's School

Key facts

• Tony George was headmaster of The King's School in Sydney.
• He was dismissed from his role last year.
• George made remarks during a staff farewell speech on June 24.
• He also struck a student on June 25, an act deemed an assault but 'trivial and negligible'.
• The school council chair found George's remarks breached the code of conduct on December 15.
• George was terminated on December 22 and told to vacate his residence by Christmas Eve.
• He reached a secret out-of-court settlement in January.
• Sydney Anglican Archbishop Reverend Kanishka Raffel was involved in mediation discussions.

Headmaster's Departure Follows Controversial Incidents

Former King's School headmaster Tony George has concluded a legal dispute with his former employer through a secret out-of-court settlement reached in January. The dismissal followed two separate incidents in June: a physical interaction with a student and remarks made during a staff farewell speech. These events triggered investigations that ultimately led to his termination from the prestigious Sydney institution. The legal battle culminated in a confidential agreement, bringing an end to a period of public scrutiny for both George and the school. Court documents, released on a Wednesday, detailed the findings of external investigations that formed the basis of the school council's decision. The saga began in late June, a period that proved pivotal for George's tenure. of two distinct events, prompting a series of inquiries that would shape the future of its leadership.

The Farewell Speech and a Student's Assault

On June 24, during a farewell speech for the school sergeant, Aaran Booth, George made comments referencing a previous incident where the sergeant had allegedly told a student, "I’ll kick your arse until your nose bleeds." George reportedly stated, "Sarge is not infallible. He found himself in a situation last year where he used a figure of speech to a student, I’ll kick your arse until your nose bleeds. I don’t necessarily disagree with those words, but we can’t speak to an autistic student like that." The following day, June 25, George struck a student on the right side of the head with the back of his hand. An external investigation later concluded that while this action constituted an assault of a child, it was "trivial and negligible in nature" and not reportable conduct. These incidents, occurring on consecutive days, set in motion a chain of events that would challenge George's position as headmaster.

Investigations and Code of Conduct Breaches

Following the June incidents, George took leave from the school. On August 15, he received two letters from the school council informing him of impending investigations. The Halloran Morrisey Group was tasked with a reportable conduct investigation into the student incident, while a separate workplace investigation examined the remarks made during the farewell speech. During this period, George also made a statement to the effect of "I could lose my job over it," which was later found to be a breach of The King's School's code of conduct. The council chair formally found on December 15 that the "I’ll kick your arse until your nose bleeds" remarks, as referenced by George, also constituted a breach of the school's code of conduct. George was asked to provide submissions on his suitability to continue as head and leader of a child-safe organisation, and a meeting was scheduled for December 19 to discuss employment outcomes.

Mediation Attempts and Termination

As the investigation progressed, George's legal team proposed mediation to the school council's representatives, also seeking further documentation. Earlier in December, before the misconduct findings were finalised, George had contacted Sydney Anglican Archbishop Reverend Kanishka Raffel, a member of the council, and other council members to request mediation. Archbishop Raffel indicated his support for this approach. However, on December 17, the school council foreshadowed its decision to terminate George's employment and declined the mediation requests. A formal termination letter was issued on December 22. George was subsequently informed on Christmas Eve that he had one month to vacate the headmaster’s residence.

The Settlement and its Aftermath

The confidential settlement reached in January brought a formal end to the legal proceedings between George and The King's School. While the terms of the agreement remain undisclosed, the resolution allows both parties to move forward. George's tenure at the helm of the well-regarded institution was marked by controversy in its final months. The investigations and subsequent dismissal highlight the complexities of leadership in educational settings, particularly concerning conduct and adherence to organisational codes. The resolution of this dispute closes a chapter for the former headmaster and the school, though the details of the agreement ensure a degree of privacy for all involved.

The bottom line

• Tony George, former headmaster of The King's School, has settled a legal dispute with the institution.
• His dismissal followed an incident where he struck a student and remarks made at a staff farewell.
• Investigations found his comments breached the school's code of conduct.
• The physical act against the student was classified as a 'trivial' assault.
• Mediation attempts were declined by the school before termination.
• George was given a month to leave the headmaster's residence after his dismissal.