If you attended Knox Grammar School
Knox Grammar School is a long-established independent boys’ school located in Wahroonga, on Sydney’s Upper North Shore. Over past decades, the school has educated students from a wide range of backgrounds and operated across different age groups.
Some former students have later reflected on experiences during their time at school that were distressing or harmful. For some people, these experiences may only be recognised or spoken about many years later.
This page is intended to help former students recognise the institution and understand, at a general level, what options may exist if abuse occurred in an institutional setting.
About Knox Grammar School
Knox Grammar School is an independent school in New South Wales that has operated for many decades. Like many long-running educational institutions, it has undergone changes in leadership, policies, and safeguarding practices over time.
When considering historical matters, the focus is on the institutional context in which a child was educated and supervised, rather than on any individual.
More general information about historical abuse in
independent and non-government school settings in New South Wales is available here.
Historical abuse in institutional settings
Abuse in institutional settings may occur where a child is under the care, supervision, or authority of an organisation such as a school.
In historical matters, abuse may have occurred:
- many years or decades ago
- during periods when child protection standards were different
- in circumstances where reporting pathways were unclear or unavailable
It is not uncommon for survivors to come forward later in life, often after many years of silence.
What options may be available?
If abuse occurred while you were a student at an institution, there may be different pathways available depending on the circumstances.
These can include:
- institutional abuse compensation through a civil claim, where appropriate
- applying under the National Redress Scheme, if eligibility requirements are met
Each pathway has different processes, outcomes, and implications. Not every option will be suitable for every person.
What if the abuse happened a long time ago?
In NSW and most Australian jurisdictions, time limits for child sexual abuse claims have been removed. This means that, in many cases, historical abuse can still be considered, even if it occurred decades ago.
Historical matters can be complex and often involve careful consideration of records, evidence, and institutional responsibility.
What records or information might be relevant?
In historical school matters, relevant information may include:
- enrolment or attendance records
- school reports or administrative documents
- medical or counselling records
- personal recollections or disclosures
You do not need to have reported the abuse at the time for it to be taken seriously now.
Taking the next step
Many people begin by simply seeking information and understanding their options. There is no obligation to take legal action.
If you are considering your next steps, you may wish to read more about:
Any decision should be made at a pace that feels manageable for you.
Frequently asked questions
Does this page mean Knox Grammar School is being accused?
No. This page provides general information to help former students recognise an institution and understand their options. It does not make findings or allegations.
Can abuse at a school be considered institutional abuse?
In some circumstances, yes. Abuse that occurs while a child is under the care or authority of a school may be considered institutional abuse, depending on the facts.
What if I am not sure whether what happened to me counts as abuse?
Many people are unsure at first. Seeking information or advice does not require certainty and can help clarify whether an experience may fall within a recognised category.
Do I have to take legal action?
No. Accessing information does not create any obligation to proceed. Many people choose only to understand their options.
Is there a time limit for taking action?
In NSW, time limits for child sexual abuse claims have generally been removed. However, individual circumstances still matter.
