Sydney private school headmaster steps down after secret courtroom deal

Monday, 19 January 2026 21:34

The controversial headmaster of a prestigious $50,000-a-year boys school has agreed to step down after reaching a secret courtroom deal.

Anthony "Tony" George was dismissed by the council of The King's School in Sydney's west in late December, months after reports he had clipped a student over the head.

He has denied the accuracy of media reports surrounding the alleged incident.

George was the 20th headmaster of the 195-year-old private school, taking up the role in July 2017.

First challenging his dismissal in a Federal Court lawsuit filed on December 29, the dispute was finally settled today.

"The parties have agreed to resolve the proceedings on confidential terms," the headmaster's barrister Arthur Moses SC told Justice Houda Younan.

In a statement sent to parents and children, King's School said George's term as headmaster had ended by agreement.

Due to the terms of confidentiality, it is not known whether the settlement included a monetary payment or how much this was.

"Both the Council and Mr George acknowledge that it has been a difficult period that has been approached with grace," the letter read.

Outside court, the former headmaster told reporters he was "very happy" with the outcome.

"I'm very grateful to our community for their support, which has been terrific and we're looking forward to the next chapter," he said.

An online petition filed last week raised concerns about the governance, transparency and conduct of the school's council.

It claimed parents had received "scant, inconsistent and at times misleading communication" from the council's chair during a quiet attempt to dismiss the now ex-headmaster during school holidays.

George's sister Susan Petterson is married to Timothy Petterson, the headmaster of another Sydney private school, Shore, who was himself dismissed in July 2022.

Both schools are governed by the Sydney Anglican Church.

In an open letter on LinkedIn, Mrs Petterson said church members should demand greater accountability and transparency from school councils.

"These institutions ought to embody the same standards of integrity and humility that we preach," she wrote.

Mr Petterson has sued Shore in the NSW Supreme Court and the case is still ongoing.

The King's School charges just under $50,000 annually for students in its most senior years.

Those attending boarding school pay tens of thousands of dollars more.

A number of notable figures have passed through King's halls, including ex-NSW premier Mike Baird, former deputy prime ministers Doug Anthony and John Anderson, and King Rama X of Thailand.

Past alumni also include top-100 tennis professional Rinky Hijikata, and current and former Australian rugby internationals Joseph Suaalii and Stirling Mortlock.

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