Prestigious Perth school hit with historical sex abuse claim

One of Perth’s most prestigious schools is bracing for an allegation of historical sexual abuse carried out by a staff member — with a top law firm on the verge of lodging a damages claim based on years of devastating trauma an old-boy says he has suffered.

Maurice Blackburn lawyers are today asking for staff, students and teachers connected to Guildford Grammar School between 1985 and 1997 to contact them — if they believe they have information about a staff member alleged to have been behind the abuse.

That staff member will be alleged to have abused the boy in the school dormitories between those years.

And that same boy is now set to use the civil arm of WA’s court system to seek justice for what he says happened to him, and the impact those acts have had on him since.

“Our client was a promising and highly academic student when the abuse occurred, and it’s had a devastating impact on his life,” lawyer Lily Hall told The West Australian.

“The period we are looking at is 1985 to 1997.

“And as part of our investigations into his abuse, we are asking anyone who might have seen or heard anything to get in touch.”

Ms Hall said a statement of alleged facts was currently being compiled in anticipation of a claim being lodged. The school is aware of the allegations, and who they are made against.

“The school is unable to comment or speculate about generalised allegations made in an advertisement,” they said in a statement.

“However, if specific allegations are made and provided to the school, those will be investigated and dealt with as may be necessary.

“We work closely with our legal advisors to ensure that we appropriately address and respond to any requests or questions that may arise. As always, the safety and well-being of our students is of our highest priority.

“Our commitment to transparency and support remains unwavering.

“The school is open to addressing all historical matters, and we are dedicated to working with all families affected. We encourage anyone with concerns or issues stemming from their time at the school to reach out to us directly.”

It is not the first time the independent school — whose history can be traced back to 1896 — has been hit with accusations of historic sexual abuse.

In 2000, former Guildford teacher and dormitory master Peter Longley was jailed for six years, for abusing several boys in his care — three of which were students at Guildford.