The principal of Scots College has issued a directive to the school's alumni, advising against social media speculation following the arrest and charging of three students in connection with an alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl. The alleged incident occurred on July 22 in a Bondi Junction alleyway.
Two of the accused, aged 13 and 14, face charges including aggravated sexual assault in company and aggravated sexual touching. A third 14-year-old boy is charged with one count of aggravated sexual assault in company and one count of aggravated sexual touching.
Dr. Ian Lambert, principal of Scots College, addressed the Old Boys' Union, emphasizing the ongoing police investigation. "There is a police investigation underway and, for that reason, it would not be appropriate for the college to comment on the specific allegations or make findings about what may have occurred," Dr. Lambert stated in a message. He further urged alumni to "exercise care in any discussion of the matter, particularly online," warning that "speculation, commentary or material that identifies or targets young people can cause significant harm and may have serious consequences."
While declining to comment on the investigation's specifics, Dr. Lambert affirmed that the alleged behavior is "never acceptable" and "entirely inconsistent with the standards and values" of Scots College. He stressed the importance of allowing the legal process to proceed and noted that allegations against individuals do not define the wider school community. "That does not lessen the seriousness of the present matter, but neither should the actions alleged of a small number be allowed to stand as a judgement on the many thousands of boys and men who have carried the values of the college into their families, professions and communities," he added.
The college's immediate focus is on the well-being of its current students. Staff, pastoral teams, counselors, and chaplains are providing support to help students process the events and reinforce expected standards of behavior. The school, described as Sydney's most expensive private school with Year 12 fees exceeding $50,000 annually, is cooperating with the police investigation.
Police sources suggest the accused and the alleged victim may have known each other and were potentially drinking prior to the incident. The three boys were granted strict conditional bail and are scheduled to appear before a children's court on August 25.
During a search of one of the homes, police reportedly seized electronic devices, two replica firearms, a BB gun, three laser pointers, and a license plate believed to be stolen. These items are undergoing forensic examination.
The charges, if proven, could lead to a criminal trial in the children's court and potential imprisonment. The arrests have reportedly caused significant concern within the school community. The school announced the postponement of its annual 'Giving Day' to August 17, citing the news affecting the community.
The allegations have drawn public scrutiny to the elite school, with families connected to the accused also reportedly facing online attention. The charges remain allegations and have not yet been tested in court.