Personal Injury

Established in 1924, Knox Grammar School is an independent boys’ school for Kindergarten to Year 12 students, with both day school and boarding houses. Operated under the Uniting Church in Australia (NSW/ACT), the school is managed by Knox Council and the Headmaster’s administration.

If you attended Knox Grammar School and are looking for general, survivor-focused information about the school and institutional pathways, you can read our
Information for former students here.

Over the course of 2015, 12 former students and their parents gave evidence to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse relating to sexual abuse against students during the period from 1970 to 2003.

This evidence followed a 2009 investigation by NSW Police’s Strike Force Aria, which led to the conviction of five former Knox teachers for offences including indecent assault, sexual assault, and assault against students. The Royal Commission also identified further individuals in evidence; some matters did not result in convictions.

The Royal Commission also examined evidence about the role of then-headmaster Dr Ian Paterson and the school’s responses to complaints and safeguarding issues during the relevant period.

Individuals named in public proceedings relating to Knox Grammar School

Roger James

Roger James was employed as a science teacher at Knox between 1974 and 1977 and assisted in the establishment of Camp Knox during his employment. In 2009, he was convicted of two counts of assault and indecency and received a 12-month suspended sentence. These convictions arose from allegations by a former student relating to incidents at Camp Knox and on the Knox campus.

Evidence before the Royal Commission included references to concerns raised during James’ employment and decisions made by the school at the time.

Adrian Nisbett

Adrian Nisbett was employed as a part-time teacher in 1971 and was later promoted to boarding housemaster and senior teacher, and between 1999 and 2004, Director of Students. In 2010, Nisbett pleaded guilty and was convicted of sexual assault offences involving a student under 16 who was in his authority.

Evidence before the Royal Commission included accounts of earlier concerns raised and the school’s responses at the time. The Commission’s analysis considered whether the actions taken were adequate.

Damien Vance

Damien Vance was a resident headmaster in 1984, with responsibilities for boarding students. Evidence referred to a student complaint at the time and the response that followed. Vance later worked as a teacher in Victoria and was convicted of sexual offences in 2009.

Craig Treloar

Craig Treloar was a resident headmaster at Knox in 1982 and later joined the teaching staff. Evidence before the Royal Commission included multiple accounts of misconduct and the school’s response at the time. In 2010, Treloar was convicted of indecent assault offences and related charges.

Barrie Stewart

Barrie Stewart was employed as a preparatory teacher at Knox from 1972 until 2000. Evidence referred to concerns raised during that period and the responses taken at the time. In 2009, Stewart was convicted of indecent assault and sexual assault offences.

Dr Ian Paterson (Headmaster)

Dr Ian Paterson was headmaster of Knox from 1969 to 1998. Evidence before the Royal Commission included admissions and findings about aspects of how the school handled allegations and information provided to the Knox Council and others.

For general, survivor-focused information about Knox Grammar School and institutional pathways (including civil compensation and the National Redress Scheme where applicable), see: Knox Grammar School – Historical Abuse & Options Information.

If you would like confidential advice about your options, you can contact Koffels Solicitors & Barristers on
+61 2 9283 5599.