29-07-2025
One of Australia's oldest and most elite private schools costing upwards of $45,000 a year is rocked by scandal involving principal
The headmaster of one of Sydney 's most elite private schools has taken leave amid allegations he struck a student on the back of the head.
Rumours of The King's School headmaster, Tony George, being incredibly blunt and cynical about 'victimhood' began shortly after he took on the top job in July 2017.
However, those whispers of authoritarianism around the campus in Parramatta, western Sydney, took a new tone following an alleged incident in the last week of Term Two.
Sources close to the school claimed the headmaster struck the back of a senior student's head during discussions in a biblical studies class at the historic Futter Hall.
The description of the severity of the assault drastically differs, with some likening it to a 'clip' to the ears while others alleged Mr George descended from the stage to 'hit' the teenager.
With students resuming classes for Term Three this week, the school sent a letter to parents informing them it was investigating the alleged incident.
In the meantime, Mr George has taken a two-week leave after contracting shingles.
The letter, seen by Daily Mail Australia, reassured parents 'the wellbeing of our students and the integrity of our learning environment are of paramount importance'.
'The school is aware of concerns regarding an interaction that occurred during a lecture attended by approximately 100 students and staff,' it read.
'The matter is being reviewed in accordance with the school's established procedures.'
The King's School is one of Australia's oldest private schools, having been built in 1831.
Fees at the institution start at almost $30,000 for kindergarteners and $47,000 for Year 12 students.
Costs are significantly higher for children boarding at the school.
Mr George has found himself in headlines several times over the years.
Last year he drew attention for his response to negative media coverage of the attitude shown in Australia's elite private schools.
'Toxic masculinity has become a memetic cliché of progressive extremism,' he said.
'Unfortunately, genuine critical reflection and action has given way to movements of cancel culture.
'For example, 'wokeness', initially a call for heightened awareness and sensitivity to social and racial injustices, has evolved into a broader social movement of complaint and victimhood.'
Mr George was also the centre of a financial scandal in 2022 after business class flights to London for he and his wife were covered by the school.
The pair, alongside the school's deputy and his wife, flew to attend the world's most prestigious rowing event, the Henley Royal Regatta, where students competed.
The King's School receives substantial funding from the government on top of its million-dollar profits. In 2024 alone, the school reported a surplus of $4million.
In later 2022, the Department of Education launched an audit of King's following concerns it was misusing taxpayer money.
The reports stemmed from the school council approving a request from the headmaster to build a plunge pool at his on-site residence.
King's was ordered to stop construction of the pool after the government investigation determined it to be an improper use of the school's money.
The school has since submitted plans for a $170million campus development.
Construction includes a new science and technology building, nine staff townhouses and performing arts centre for primary students.
King's also has 'concept plans' for a sports pavilion, new boarding and day boy houses, and an entrance through land owned by Tara Anglican School for Girls.
