The King’s School and its former headmaster, Tony George, have resolved their legal dispute through a confidential out-of-court settlement, bringing to a close proceedings that began after George was dismissed following an allegation that he struck a student.
Court documents filed on Monday show the parties agreed to settle the matter on confidential terms, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. George’s term as headmaster ended by agreement on Monday.
George served as headmaster of the North Parramatta school for eight years before being stood down in mid-2024. The move followed an incident during a biblical studies lecture in the school’s Futter Hall, where he was alleged to have clipped a student on the back of the head. About 100 students were present at the lecture.
The school confirmed in a letter to parents in late July 2024 that it was investigating the allegation. George initially took two weeks’ leave after contracting shingles, then extended his absence “to ensure the investigation proceeds without any perception of interference”, he wrote to parents at the time.
George has previously described media reporting of the allegation as “inaccurate or misleading”, the News.com.au reported.
Settlement reached
George filed proceedings in the Fair Work division of the Federal Court of Australia in December 2025, according to court documents.
Ken Chapman, chairman of the council of The King’s School, wrote to parents on Monday to inform them of the settlement.
“The School Council and Mr George advise that they have resolved matters, and that Mr George’s term as Headmaster of The King’s School has concluded by agreement on 19 January 2026,” he said, Sydney Morning Herald reported.
“This has been a challenging period for everyone. Both the Council and Mr George regret any disruption or difficulty this has caused students, staff, and families.”
Chapman said public commentary surrounding the matter did not reflect the “correct or complete facts”, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
George released a separate statement thanking supporters and acknowledging the council’s work.
“I remain deeply thankful for the privilege of serving this School for the past eight years, and I hold it in my prayers as it continues its important work to educate young men bravely and faithfully,” he said.
The Reverend Stephen Edwards has been appointed interim headmaster.