Allegations of Toxic Culture at Cranbrook School Unveiled by ABC Investigation

Following an in-depth investigation by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Four Corners program, allegations of a toxic culture at Cranbrook School in Sydney have been brought to light. The report, aired on Monday night, shed light on claims of workplace bullying and mistreatment of individuals within the esteemed institution.

In response to the program, school council president Geoff Lovell expressed concern over the raised allegations and reassured the school’s support for headmaster Nicholas Sampson. A subsequent email from deputy headmaster Bob Meakin advised students to refrain from discussing the program on social media.

The program showcased interviews with former Cranbrook staff members, including Jasmine Hyde and Fiona Richards, who detailed instances of workplace mistreatment. It also highlighted the case of Travis Matthews, a former student who initiated civil action against the school last month regarding sexual abuse allegations from 2013.

One key aspect of the investigation was the handling of the abuse claims by school leadership, particularly headmaster Nicholas Sampson. The program unveiled documents and statements outlining a challenging environment for female staff members at Cranbrook.

Noteworthy figures mentioned in the report include powerful parents supporting the school’s co-education plan, such as Atlassian founder Scott Farquhar, and former council president Jon North, who expressed a loss of confidence in Mr. Sampson’s leadership.

Travis Matthews, the former student at the center of the abuse allegations, disclosed his experiences on the program, shedding light on the school’s response and the subsequent legal actions taken.

In light of the unfolding events, the Cranbrook School council remains committed to addressing the issues raised and supporting its current leadership. The school’s journey towards co-education by 2026 is also emphasized in their response.