Call for witnesses: The Heights School, Modbury Heights
Koffels Solicitors & Barristers is seeking information from anyone who attended The Heights School in Modbury Heights, South Australia, in connection with investigations into historical child sexual abuse.
We are particularly interested in hearing from former students, staff, and families connected with the school between approximately 1978 and 1988.
What we are looking for
We are looking for class photographs, yearbooks, newsletters, or other records from The Heights School from that period. These documents can help confirm who was at the school, in which year, and in which classes.
Even small details may help us identify patterns, timelines, and the individuals involved. You don’t need to have experienced abuse yourself to help, and you don’t need to be certain that what you know is important.
How to contact us
If you can assist, please call 02 9283 5599 and ask for Sharon Cai or Danya Jalal, or email danyajalal@koffels.com.au. You can also use the form below.
All information is treated confidentially. Contacting us does not commit you to anything, and you can share as much or as little as you are comfortable with.
If you experienced abuse at the school
If you were abused as a child at The Heights School or any other institution, you may be entitled to compensation. In most cases, there is no longer a time limit for bringing a civil claim for child sexual abuse in Australia, although individual circumstances still matter. You can read more about limitation periods for historical institutional abuse claims.
A civil claim is assessed on the actual harm you have suffered, including the impact on your health, career, and relationships, and is not capped. Virtually all claims settle before hearing, and confidentiality is standard. Learn more about institutional abuse compensation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to have been abused to come forward?
No. We want to hear from anyone who attended or worked at The Heights School between approximately 1978 and 1988, including people who can help with class photographs, yearbooks, or memories of staff and classmates. Small details can help establish timelines and identify patterns.
Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes. Any information you provide is treated confidentially and handled by our legal team. Contacting us does not commit you to giving evidence or taking any further step.
Is it too late to make a claim for abuse that happened in the 1970s or 1980s?
In most cases, no. Australian states and territories have removed time limits for civil claims for child sexual abuse, although individual circumstances still matter. Read more about limitation periods for historical abuse claims, or call us on 02 9283 5599 for advice on your situation.
Should I apply to the National Redress Scheme instead?
For most survivors with a viable civil claim, a civil claim is the better path. The National Redress Scheme caps payments at $150,000; average payments for serious abuse are around $80,000, and many are significantly lower. Accepting a Scheme payment permanently extinguishes your right to bring a civil claim. Applications close on 30 June 2027, so we strongly recommend getting independent legal advice before applying. Read our review of the National Redress Scheme.
This page does not make findings or allegations against The Heights School or any individual. It provides general information to help former students and staff understand how they can support ongoing investigations and what options may be available.
