Newington College has reaffirmed its commitment to coeducation, with Chief Operating Officer Ross Xenos declaring the school will move forward “as expeditiously as possible” despite a fresh legal challenge from a current student.
The student, known only as Student A, last year attempted to block the prestigious Stanmore college from admitting female students, arguing that its 1873 deed of trust permitted only boys to be enrolled.
In May, Supreme Court Justice Guy Parker dismissed the claim, finding the word “youth” in the deed was used in a gender-neutral sense.
Backed by a group of old boys and parents opposed to coeducation, Student A has now launched an appeal through his tutor, Peter Johnston.
The case was briefly mentioned in court on Monday, where Registrar Peter Onisforou noted that the student must first clear the legal hurdle of seeking leave to appeal.
“It’s our view that we do have a right to appeal,” barrister Denis Barlin, acting for Student A, argued. “Our view is that given the value of the trust property is over $100,000… the provisions in relation to seeking leave to appeal don’t apply and we’ve got a right without seeking leave.”
But Mr Onisforou replied: “Your appeal is in relation to the definition of the word youth. Not in relation to the trust property which may well be worth more than $100,000.”
Despite the renewed challenge, Mr Xenos last week insisted the school remained undeterred.
“We will be seeking for this appeal to be dismissed as expeditiously as possible by the court, and we remain both excited and committed to welcoming girls and boys to our prep schools next year,” he said.
Newington announced in 2023 that it would become fully coeducational by 2033, beginning with the admission of girls into kindergarten and year five at its Stanmore and Lindfield campuses in 2026.
The decision sparked protests from some alumni and parents, but the college leadership has stood firm on the reform.
The matter is listed for hearing in October.
Source: The Daily Telegraph
