Elite Australian boarding school review uncovers 'normalized' abuse and racism

An independent review commissioned by Ballarat Grammar, an elite private school in regional Victoria, Australia, has exposed a deeply concerning culture of "normalized" racism, bullying, and abuse within its boarding houses. The review was initiated following media reports detailing student violence and other serious concerns.

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The review heard evidence of historical and entrenched harmful practices, including physical punishment and hazing rituals carried out by older students against younger boarders.

The report, conducted by Intersection, acknowledged "genuine strengths" and a "deep sense of community" at the school. However, it also highlighted a significant erosion of trust in leadership, characterized by unclear communication and values. The review found that the school had grown too rapidly, contributing to these issues. Evidence presented described historical and persistent harmful practices, including physical punishment and hazing rituals inflicted by senior students upon younger boarders, with some behaviors dating back to the 1940s.

Participants in the review described these practices as having become commonplace within a hierarchical peer culture that was perceived as inadequately supervised. Intersection heard from over 400 students, current and former staff, and parents. Some individuals felt let down by the school, while others reported feeling deeply supported. The review noted that incidents of boarding students being whipped by older peers tested the confidence parents placed in the school's ability to maintain appropriate standards and accountability.

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Participants described these practices as having become normalised within a hierarchical peer culture that some perceived to be inadequately supervised.

Concerns were also raised about staff supervision in boarding houses, with one staff member describing the boarding culture as "incredibly toxic." The report indicated that staff members involved in such toxic cultures often moved into middle management without the necessary skills, perpetuating negative behaviors. A staff survey within the report revealed that 44 percent of respondents had experienced "harmful behaviors" from colleagues, with bullying by other staff being the most common issue. Almost half of respondents also reported experiencing harmful behaviors from parents.

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Parents observed a lack of leadership and transparency and questioned the school's capacity to run a school with the right standards and the right accountability.

In response to the findings, Intersection has made 44 recommendations. These include transitioning boarding houses to co-educational models, overhauling incident reporting systems, and implementing a curriculum focused on respectful relationships, bystander responsibility, and consent. The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) has already reviewed Ballarat Grammar's boarding operations and imposed six interim conditions in April 2025, indicating the seriousness of the situation.

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Unfortunately the culture of boarding is so incredibly toxic.