View source for The King's School, Parramatta

{{about|the current school located in North Parramatta|the former school site, now heritage listed, located in Parramatta|Old King's School, Parramatta|other schools of the same name|King's School (disambiguation)}}
{{Use Australian English|date=April 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2016}}
{{More citations needed|date=May 2009}}
{{Infobox school
| name                    = The King's School, Australia
| logo                    = MASTER-TKS-CREST-PMS-1.png
| logo_size               = 220
| image                   = The King's School Entrance.JPG
| image_size              = 240px
| caption                 = School entrance
| motto                   = {{langx|la|Fortiter et Fideliter}}
| motto_translation       = "Bravely and Faithfully"<ref name="Mission">{{cite web|url = http://www.kings.edu.au/documents/mission04.pdf|title = Mission Statement and Goals 2003–2007|access-date = 2007-10-09|year = 2003|work = Headmaster's Welcome|publisher = The King's School|pages = 2}}{{Dead link|date=June 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=no }}</ref>
| streetaddress           = 87–129 [[Pennant Hills Road]]
| city                    = [[North Parramatta, New South Wales|North Parramatta]], Sydney
| state                   = New South Wales
| country                 = Australia
| coordinates             = {{coord|33|47|11|S|151|1|22|E|display=inline,title|type:edu_region:AU-NSW}}
| pushpin_map             = Australia Sydney
| pushpin_label_position  = bottom
| pushpin_mapsize         = 250
| pushpin_map_caption     = Location in [[Sydney|greater metropolitan Sydney]]
| type                    = Independent day and [[Boarding school|boarding]]
| denomination            = [[Anglican Church of Australia|Anglican]]
| established             = {{start date and age|1831 }}<ref name="HistoricalSociety">{{cite web |url=http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~jray/kings/gunther.htm |title=A short history of The King's School, Parramatta |access-date=2007-10-22 |year =1903 |work=Australian Historical Society}}</ref>
| founder                 = [[William Grant Broughton]]
| chairman                =
| headmaster              = Tony George<ref>{{cite web |title=The King's School – The School Executive in detail |url=https://www.kings.edu.au/discovering/governance-at-kings/the-school-executive-in-detail/ |website=The King's School |access-date=21 May 2022 |language=en-AU}}</ref>
| key_people              =
| grades                  = [[Pre-kindergarten|Early learning]] and [[K–12 (education)|K–12]]
| grades_label            = Years
| gender                  = [[Single-sex education|Male]]
| colours                 = Sky blue and white {{color box|#87CEEB}}{{color box|white}}
| slogan                  = Academic excellence with character development
| athletics               = [[Athletic Association of the Great Public Schools of New South Wales|AAGPS]]
| affiliations            = {{unbulleted list|[[Junior School Heads Association of Australia]]|[[Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference]]|[[G30 Schools]]|Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia|Australian Boarding Schools' Association}}
| alumni = [[List of old boys of The King's School, Parramatta|Old Boys of the King's School, Parramatta]]
| website                 = {{URL|https://www.kings.edu.au/}}
| enrolment               = ~2,100<ref name=MySchool>{{cite web|url=http://myschool.edu.au/Bookmark.aspx?r=330wdOtlatz9YPbdYlXJDDN3Ixgko5MuzJgMZXIUMfM%3d|title=MySchool|work=MySchool Profile – ACARA|publisher=ACARA|access-date=11 May 2011}}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
| enrolment_as_of         = 2019
| num_employ              = ~264<ref name=MySchool/>
}}
'''The King's School''' is an [[Education in Australia#Non-government schools|independent]] [[Anglican Church of Australia|Anglican]], [[Pre-school education|early learning]], [[primary school|primary]] and [[secondary school|secondary]] day and [[boarding school|boarding]] school for boys, located in [[North Parramatta, New South Wales|North Parramatta]] in the western suburbs of [[Sydney]], [[New South Wales]], [[Australia]]. Founded in 1831, the school is Australia's oldest independent school,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.australianboardingschools.com.au/the-king-s-school|title=The King's School
|website=australianboardingschools.com.au|language=en-AU|access-date=2021-01-08}}</ref> and is situated on a {{convert|148|ha|km2|adj=on}} suburban campus.
The school hosts about 2,100 students in K-12<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://myschool.edu.au/school/43883|title=School profile {{!}} My School|website=myschool.edu.au|language=en-AU|access-date=2018-03-26}}</ref> and about 430 boarders from Years 5–12, making it one of the largest boarding schools in Australia. It is Australia's oldest boarding school.<ref name="ABSA">{{cite web|url = http://www.boarding.org.au/site/school_detail.cfm?schID=132|title =The King's School|access-date = 2007-10-09|work = New South Wales Schools|publisher = Australian Boarding Schools Association |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070829080708/http://www.boarding.org.au/site/school_detail.cfm?schID=132 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 29 August 2007}}</ref><ref name="Headmasterwelcome">{{cite web|url = http://www.kings.edu.au/home_set.html|title =Greetings from the Headmaster|access-date = 2007-10-09|work = Headmaster's Office|publisher = The King's School |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070829091957/http://www.kings.edu.au/home_set.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 29 August 2007}}</ref>
The school is afiliated with the [[Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference]],<ref name=HMC>{{cite web |url=http://www.hmc.org.uk/schools/international.htm |title=International Members |access-date=2008-03-11 |work=HMC Schools |publisher=The Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080315000031/http://www.hmc.org.uk/schools/international.htm |archive-date=15 March 2008 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA),<ref name=AHISA>{{cite web |url=http://www.ahisa.com.au/Display.aspx?tabid=2230 |title=AHISA Schools: New South Wales |access-date=2007-10-09 |date=April 2007 |work=Association of Heads of independent schools of Australia |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070829152442/http://www.ahisa.com.au/Display.aspx?tabid=2230 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 29 August 2007}}</ref> the [[Junior School Heads Association of Australia]] (JSHAA),<ref name=jshaa>{{cite web |url=http://www.jshaa.asn.au/nsw/directory/index.asp |title=JSHAA New South Wales Directory of Members |access-date=2007-10-09 |year=2007 |work=Junior School Heads' Association of Australia |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080117201219/http://www.jshaa.asn.au/nsw/directory/index.asp |archive-date=17 January 2008 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and the Australian Boarding Schools' Association (ABSA).<ref name=ABSA/> It is a [[G30 Schools|G30 School]] and is a founding member of the [[Athletic Association of the Great Public Schools of New South Wales]] (AAGPS).<ref name="GPSHistory">{{cite web|url = http://portals.studentnet.edu.au/sports/base.aspx??tabindex=10&tabid=162|title = AAGPS History|access-date = 2007-10-09|year = 2007|work = Info|publisher = Athletic Association of the Greater Public Schools of New South Wales|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080501155635/http://portals.studentnet.edu.au/sports/base.aspx?%3Ftabindex=10&tabid=162|archive-date = 1 May 2008|df = dmy-all}}</ref>
== History ==
In January 1830, the archdeacon of New South Wales, [[William Grant Broughton]], devised a plan for the establishment of [[grammar school]]s in the colony under the governorship of Sir Ralph Darling. The Duke of Wellington assisted in securing royal patronage, the text of which stated that with the authority of [[King George IV]] such schools would be named "The King's Schools". It is said,{{by whom|date=December 2015}} although no documentation exists, that royal sanction was granted by [[King William IV]]. Two schools were opened in 1832: the first in [[Pitt Street, Sydney]], the other in George Street, [[Parramatta, New South Wales|Parramatta]], {{convert|25|km}} inland. The former, opened in January, closed eight months later after the death of its first headmaster, while the Parramatta campus remained open under the stewardship of Robert Forrest, who was<!--had been? Confused about timing.--> appointed headmaster in 1831.
According to ''The King's School 1831–1981'', on opening day, Monday, 13 February 1832, with a handful of pupils.<ref name="HistoricalSociety">{{cite web |url=http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~jray/kings/gunther.htm |title=A short history of The King's School, Parramatta |access-date=2007-10-22 |year =1903 |work=Australian Historical Society}}</ref> Forrest was paid a salary of £100 per annum, but it was inclusive of a land and housing grant. From fees of £28 and £8 per annum for boarders and day pupils respectively he was expected to maintain boarders and pay the salaries of his assistants, whose fees were £4 per annum for each pupil taught. According to an article in the ''Australian Historical Society Journal'' in 1903, enrolment reached over 100 pupils before the end of the first year.<ref name="HistoricalSociety"/>
Military drill was established in 1855; in this era, the school experienced a protracted period of expansion in facilities and enrolments. The number of pupils increased to nearly 200, 150 of whom were boarders. As well as religious holidays, there were two official school holidays per year, including a mid-winter vacation from 15 June to 15 July, and a mid-summer vacation from 24 December to 31 January. In 1859 Armitage adopted school arms similar to those of [[The King's School Canterbury]] in England, which according to ''The King's School 1831–1981'', was due to the erroneous assumption that the australian school was named after the English one.<ref name="AusBiography">{{cite encyclopedia |last=Mccormack |first=Terri |encyclopedia=Australian Dictionary of Biography |title=Frederick Armitage (1827–1906) |chapter=Armitage, Frederick (1827–1906) |chapter-url=http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A030048b.htm |access-date=2008-01-27 |edition=Online |year=1969 |publisher=[[Melbourne University Press]] |volume=3 |location=Melbourne | pages=49}}</ref>
Headmaster LJ Trollope saw a drastic contraction in the number of pupils to just 10 by June 1864, resulting in the closure of the school.
== Campus ==
{{Infobox historic site
| name = Kings School Group (former)
| image = Tks1890.jpg
| caption = The King's School {{circa|1890}}
| map_relief = yes
| locmapin =
| map_width = 250px
| map_caption = Location in [[Sydney|greater metropolitan Sydney]]
| map_dot_mark =
| map_label =
| coordinates = {{coord|33.80985234|151.00224321|display=inline|format=dms|type:edu_region:AU-NSW}}
| location = 3 Marist Place, [[Parramatta]], [[Parramatta City Council]], [[New South Wales]], Australia
| area =
| elevation =
| height =
| beginning_label = Design period
| beginning_date =
| formed =
| founded =
| built = 1833
| built_for =
| demolished =
| architect = {{bulleted list|[[Ambrose Hallen]]|Blacket Brothers|Moorhouse & Isaacs|Power Adam & Munnings}}
| architecture = [[Australian non-residential architectural styles#Georgian Revival|Georgian Revival]]
| owner = NSW Department of Health
| designation1 = New South Wales State Heritage Register
| designation1_offname = Heritage Office Building, Marsden Rehabilitation Centre, Laurel House, Old King's School, Old Kings School
| designation1_type = State heritage (complex / group)
| designation1_date = 2 April 1999
| delisted1_date =
| designation1_partof =
| designation1_number = 771
| designation1_free1name = Type
| designation1_free1value = Education
| designation1_free2name = Category
| designation1_free2value = School – Private
| designation1_free3name = Builders
| designation1_free3value = C. A. Millyard; W. Noller
}}
The King's School was originally in George Street, Parramatta, near the wharves on [[Parramatta River]]. The school soon acquired land and premises further upriver in Parramatta, close to the [[Old Government House, Parramatta|Government House]].<ref name=nswshr-771>{{cite NSW SHR|5045107|Kings School Group (former)|hr=00771|fn=14/5123; 09/2379; S93/1403|access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref> The school remained there for 130 years until August 1968, when it relocated to the current site in North Parramatta, originally the family residence of [[James Burns (Australian shipowner)|James Burns]], co-founder of [[Burns Philp and Company]]. Since the relocation, the school maintained a {{convert|147|ha|acre|adj=on}} site, while other sections of property were sold to [[Redeemer Baptist School]] and [[Tara Anglican School for Girls]], with as well as the NSW Synod of the Uniting Church as the Uniting Theological College. A further section was sold for residential development, now the locality of ''Kingsdene'' in the suburb of [[Carlingford, New South Wales|Carlingford]].<ref name="SchoolChoice">{{cite web|url = http://www.schoolchoice.com.au/find_a_school?cid=12343&pid=2701668|title =The King's School|access-date = 2007-10-09|work = New South Wales|publisher = School Choice |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070830202058/http://www.schoolchoice.com.au/find_a_school?cid=12343&pid=2701668 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 30 August 2007}}</ref> A small patch of land is still owned by Burns and his descendants, and this is for the family cemetery at the centre of the Senior School.
Within the senior school, there are extensive facilities for arts, agriculture, [[PDHPE]], industrial design, and technology. The school theatre was renovated in 2010, adding a second smaller theatre and drama classrooms. The school opened its new science centre in 2014, which includes classrooms and labs.
Sporting facilities include 15 playing fields used for both cricket and [[rugby union]], 14 tennis courts, 12 basketball courts, 7 football fields, a 50-metre lap pool, a 25-metre swimming pool, a diving pool, a gym, and an indoor rifle range.
== House system ==
=== Senior school ===
[[File:TKS CLL.jpg|thumb|280px|The Centre for Learning and Leadership, which includes a library, an auditorium, computer laboratories and classrooms]]
Until 2024, the school had [[house system|11 houses]], for both day students and boarders. The boarding houses comprised Gowan Brae, Baker Hake, Bishop Barker Harris, Broughton Forrest, Macarthur Waddy, and the day student houses Britten, Burkitt, Dalmas, Kurrle, Macquarie and Wickham.
=== Preparatory school ===
The preparatory school has four houses, housing students in relatively small peer groups of similar age. King's also operates a co-educational preparatory boarding school, Tudor House, in Moss Vale, which is approximately 100 kilometers south west of the North Parramatta campus.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Australian Schools Directory |url=https://www.australianschoolsdirectory.com.au/2873/the-kings-school-tudor-house-moss-vale |access-date=2024-11-04 |website=www.australianschoolsdirectory.com.au}}</ref>
== Uniform ==
The school uniform is the oldest [[military uniform]] still worn in Australia and is highly distinctive.<ref name="Newsletter1">{{Cite news|last=Hawkes|first=Timothy|publication-date=9 February 2007|year=2007|title=Celebrating 175 Years|periodical=King's Herald|publication-place=Parramatta, NSW|publisher=The King's School|issue=1|pages=1|url=http://www.kings.edu.au/documents/heralds07/herald0107.pdf|access-date=2007-10-09|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829100630/http://www.kings.edu.au/documents/heralds07/herald0107.pdf|archive-date=29 August 2007|df=dmy-all}}.</ref> The uniform reflects the military history of the school. Students are required to adapt their uniform for various events and commemorations in the course of the school year.
[[File:KingsPupils1931.jpg|thumb|280px|William Archer Gunn and fellow King's students in uniform, c. 1931]]
There are several patches and buttons which reflect rank and memberships. Historically, the school uniform was available to purchase from some department stores ([[David Jones Limited|David Jones]], [[Myer|Farmers]] and Peapes).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ham|first=Melinda|date=2014-10-26|title=What the blazers: private school uniform costs add up|url=https://www.smh.com.au/education/what-the-blazers-private-school-uniform-costs-add-up-20141021-119d2v.html|access-date=2020-11-09|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en}}</ref> Students now purchase their uniforms from the school uniform shop.<ref>{{Cite web|last=kings.edu.au|title=The King's School, North Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia|url=https://www.kings.edu.au/enrolments/braeside-shop.php|access-date=2020-11-09|website=The King's School - Academic Excellence with Character Development|language=en}}</ref>
== Co-curricular activities ==
Co-curricular activities offered by the school include debating, choir, theatre, bands and ensembles, sport, and the [[Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme]]. Clubs for senior students (the Twelve Club, the Cartesian Club, the [[Scipionic Circle]], Tom Barrett Society and the Faraday Club) meet once a month, to discuss the current affairs and present papers on topical issues.
The school produces at least one musical and two drama productions each year. Productions have included ''[[Les Misérables (musical)|Les Misérables]]'', ''[[The Pirates of Penzance]]'', ''[[South Pacific (musical)|South Pacific]]'', ''[[Guys and Dolls (musical)|Guys and Dolls]]'', ''[[Fiddler on the Roof]]'', ''[[My Fair Lady]]'', ''[[The Mikado]]'', ''[[Grease (musical)|Grease]]'', ''Jesus Christ Superstar'' (2015), ''Addams Family'' (2016), ''A Fleeting Night's Dream'' (2017), ''We Will Rock You'' (2018), ''The Producers'' (2019), ''Grease'' (2020), ''Mamma Mia'' (2021), ''School of Rock'' (2022) and ''Shrek'' (2023).{{citation needed|date=July 2014}}
=== Academic clubs ===
The headmaster, deputy headmaster, and other senior staff host intellectual clubs composed of high achieving students from year 11 and 12. The members of these clubs are selected on the basis of achievement in academics, leadership and character.
=== Debating ===
The school competes with other schools' debate teams on a national and international basis. The Senior A team won the GPS on two occasions; winning outright in 1928, and tied first place with Sydney Grammar in 2007.
=== Cadet corps ===
[[File:Tkspassingout.JPG|thumb|280px|The cadet corps's annual passing-out parade on the JS White Oval. The school chapel is in the background.]]
Founded in 1868, the cadet corps vies with [[Newington College]]<ref>[https://archive.today/20140709094729/http://prezi.com/exobgjwkgrdf/copy-of-australian-army-cadets/ Australian Army Cadets]</ref> as the oldest<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lancers.org.au/site/The_Military_at_Parramatta.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017203742/http://lancers.org.au/site/The_Military_at_Parramatta.asp |archive-date=17 October 2007 |title=The Military at Parramatta}}</ref> in Australia. All students in Years 9 and 10 are required to undergo cadet training.
=== Music ===
The program is held in the sesquicentenary music building. The school has two pipe organs: a chapel organ in the memorial chapel and a large baroque pipe organ in Futter Hall.<ref name=SydneyOrgan>{{cite web|title=Kings School Parramatta|url=http://www.sydneyorgan.com/Kings.html|website=The Organ Music Society of Sydney|access-date=31 May 2015}}</ref>
====Curriculum====
Year 7 students complete the mandatory 100-hour [[Board of Studies]] (NSW) music course, which introduces them to basic concepts of music in a variety of styles. Year 7 boys participate in a singing program and undertake a theory exam toward the end of the year. As part of the Year 8–10 elective program, students can continue to study music in these years. They are required to learn an instrument as part of this course and regular performance assessments take place. For the [[Higher School Certificate (New South Wales)|HSC]], students can continue their music studies in either the Music 1 or Music 2 courses, with the option of choosing Music Extension as well. Music 1 and 2 cover a variety of music styles, however, the Music 2 course has a focus on [[Western art music]]. Recently the school has been successful in this field, with a number of student performances and compositions nominated for ENCORE.{{citation needed|date=July 2014}}
====Co-curricular program====
The school has seven large Wind Bands, which form the core of the Wind, Brass and Percussion program. The Symphonic Band is the school's elite level band and is composed of musicians typically studying AMEB or Trinity Grade 7 and above. The Wind Orchestra is the middle ensemble within the senior school, whilst Gowan Brae Band is a special ensemble for year 7 students only, which receives extra attention and allows students to develop their talents intensively upon their arrival at King's. The marching band includes members of the Symphonic Band who are enrolled as cadets in The King's School cadet corps. In the Preparatory school, the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Junior Band complete the 3-12 wind bands program. The school also runs three stage bands, and numerous other jazz and chamber ensembles for Wind and Brass players. The King's School is particularly renowned for its 'Drumline', a percussion ensemble in the American tradition in which outstanding percussion students perform memorised precision drumming routines, in military-style formation.
The school has a chamber string orchestra for experienced players.
There is a non-auditioned choir for boys in the senior school, and the auditioned Schola Cantorum; both ensembles are in four vocal parts.  In the preparatory school there are three choirs consisting of trebles and altos.
A number of small ensembles exist including piano trios, guitar ensembles, percussion ensembles, flute ensembles, clarinet quartet, saxophone quintet and a number of popular music bands.
====Regular concerts and events====
The Music Department conducts a number of regular events each year, including the annual [[Nine Lessons and Carols|Festival of Lessons and Carols]], Gala Concert, ensembles concerts, and studio recitals for individual performances. Most events are held in either the Recital Room (part of the Sesquicentenary music building) or Futter Hall.
=== Sport ===
Sport is compulsory for all students. Senior school students must participate in one of rugby union, association football, volleyball or cross country in winter, and rowing, cricket, basketball, tennis, athletics or swimming in summer. If personally selected by the sportsmaster, students may represent the school at shooting outside their regular sporting commitments. Students may participate in a sport in which they have achieved excellence (deemed by the sportsmaster). Cricket, rugby union, association football, basketball and tennis is also available at the preparatory school. The school engages in these sports as a member of the Athletic Association of the Great Public Schools of New South Wales) with other schools: [[Saint Ignatius' College, Riverview|Saint Ignatius' College]], [[St. Joseph's College, Hunters Hill|St Joseph's College]], [[Sydney Boys High School]], [[Sydney Grammar School]], [[Sydney Church of England Grammar School]] (Shore), [[Newington College]], [[The Scots College]] and [[The Armidale School]].
[[File:KingsRowing1932.jpg|thumb|280px|King's School eight-oar crew, 1932]]
====Rugby union====
The school was instrumental in the development of rugby union in Australia, playing in the first inter-school game against [[Newington College]] in 1870. The school has produced 30 Wallabies and four of them have been captains.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rugby Football History|url=http://www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/wallabies.html|access-date=12 January 2012}}</ref> In 1880 members of the school rugby team also participated in the first recorded soccer match in Sydney against the Wanderers Club.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kruger|first=Andre|title=The Southern Cross|url=http://www.ak-tsc.de/hp/History/aushistory.htm|access-date=11 January 2012}}</ref> On their [[1888 British Lions tour to New Zealand and Australia|1888 tour of New Zealand and Australia]], the [[British and Irish Lions]] drew against a team from the school.<ref>{{cite web|title=British & Irish Lions Match Archive|url=http://www.lionsrugby.com/history/matcharchive.php?includeref=5939&season=1887-1888|access-date=12 January 2012}}</ref> The rugby union 1st XV has won several GPS Premierships in recent years, including in 2018, 2020 and 2023. The team won the 2000 [[Sanix World Rugby Youth Tournament]] in Japan. Current and recent [[Australia national rugby union team|Wallabies]] [[Stirling Mortlock]], [[Benn Robinson]], [[Dean Mumm]], [[Lalakai Foketi]], [[Nicholas Phipps (rugby)|Nick Phipps]] and [[Julian Huxley (rugby union)|Julian Huxley]] are former students of the school. Other former students including [[Teddy Wilson]], [[Archer Holz]], [[Ben Batger]], [[Daniel Halangahu]], [[Will Caldwell]], [[James Hilgendorf]], [[Ben Hand]], [[Tom Carter (rugby union)|Tom Carter]], [[Mitchell Chapman]], [[Hugh Perrett]], [[Guy Millar]] and [[Tim Davidson]] play or played recently in the [[Super Rugby]] competition. [[Greg Jeloudev]] and [[Dylan Pietsch]] play for Australia in the [[World Rugby Sevens Series]]. [[Joseph_Sua%27ali%27i|Joseph Sua'ali'i]] plays rugby league for the [[Sydney Roosters]] in the [[NRL]] and has signed to play for the [[NSW Waratahs|Waratahs]].{{citation needed|date=July 2014}}
The [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] reported on 19 May 2016 that [[RSPCA Australia]] was investigating alleged cruelty to sheep after a video was posted on [[Facebook]] showing members of the school's teams tackling older rams around a paddock.  The principal of the school likened it to "shearing".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-19/sheep-tackling-video-prompts-cruelty-investigation-into-kings/7428312 |title=King's School in Sydney investigated for animal cruelty after ABC obtains 'horrific' sheep-tackling video |author=Lorna Knowles |date=19 May 2016 |website=www.abc.net.au |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=19 May 2016}}</ref>
====Rowing====
In rowing, the school has won the GPS [[Head of the River (New South Wales)|Head of the River]] 19 times, including in 2021 and 2022, and the Schoolboy VIII at the National Rowing Championships in 1982, 2001, and 2006. The school won the [[Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup]] at the [[Henley Royal Regatta]] in 2001 and the [[Fawley Challenge Cup]] in 2006.
==Filming location==
The junior boarding house 'Gowan Brae' was used as a filming location in the 2013 adaptation of [[The Great Gatsby]] movie. The boarding house was the Louisville home where the younger Gatsby meets Daisy before the war.<ref>{{cite web|last=Maddox|first=Garry|title=Great Scott: Sydney is Gatsby scene-stealer|date=3 June 2013 |url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/great-scott-sydney-is-gatsby-scenestealer-20130603-2nm1w.html|publisher=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=17 June 2013|quote=For the Louisville home where the younger Gatsby meets Daisy before the war, the filmmakers shot at Gowan Brae, which houses junior boarders at The King's School in Parramatta.}}</ref>
== Controversy ==
=== Bullying and sexual misconduct ===
In 2010, a former student sued the school after he alleged that he was subjected to sexual assaults and daily beatings by fellow students. Two decades after the incidents, the former student is in institutional care, suffering from a psychiatric illness that he claims is caused by the negligence of the school. The school denied the allegations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Man sues school over alleged beatings |url=https://amp.smh.com.au/national/man-sues-school-over-alleged-beatings-20100310-pzem.html |access-date=2023-06-01 |website=amp.smh.com.au}}</ref>
In 2011, a teacher was arrested for possession of images of child abuse. They were not of students from the school.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ralston |first=Saffron Howden, Nick |date=2011-06-14 |title=Teacher among 11 charged over child porn |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/teacher-among-11-charged-over-child-porn-20110614-1g24a.html |access-date=2022-07-02 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref>
In 2014, students filmed and uploaded an incident where a student rubbed their genitals on another boy's face. The Child Abuse Squad investigated the incident and a student was expelled.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 August 2014 |title=Police investigate sexual contact claims at The King's School's at North Parramatta as alleged ringleader expelled |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/police-investigate-sexual-contact-claims-at-the-kings-schools-at-north-parramatta-as-alleged-ringleader-expelled/news-story/07771a2287bb3d63690d2307190d80db}}</ref>
In 2016, the [[Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse]] found that the school had helped an alleged abuser move to another private school by withdrawing from the school rather than being expelled or suspended, making it easier to transfer to another school.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-10-31 |title=Kings head helped alleged abuser transfer to another school |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-31/kings-school-headmaster-at-child-abuse-royal-commission/7979652 |access-date=2022-07-02}}</ref> The royal commission found that the alleged abuser had ejaculated onto the victim's sleeping bag during a school camp which led to months of bullying and the school had not reported the incident to the police.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fife-Yeomans |first=Janet |date=18 October 2017 |title=Abuse at exclusive schools revealed by royal commission |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/abuse-at-exclusive-schools-revealed-by-royal-commission/news-story/1dc6dfed48369f592106f7c0d1357db9}}</ref> The headmaster, Timothy Hawkes, had told the parents of the victim that the boy "bore some of the blame" for subsequent bullying.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Browne |first=Rachel |date=2016-10-20 |title=Alleged abuse victim told he 'bore some blame' for bullying, royal commission hears |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/alleged-abuse-victim-told-he-bore-some-blame-for-bullying-royal-commission-hears-20161020-gs6dy3.html |access-date=2023-06-01 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref>
=== Animal cruelty ===
In 2016, the [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] obtained footage of the school's rugby team crash-tackling sheep in a farm paddock. The headmaster at the time, [[Timothy Hawkes]], defended the incident, stating that it was a "rugby camp training exercise not dissimilar to shearing".<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-05-19 |title='Horrific' sheep-tackling video prompts investigation into Sydney school |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-19/sheep-tackling-video-prompts-cruelty-investigation-into-kings/7428312 |access-date=2022-07-02}}</ref> [[RSPCA Australia]] attended the school to investigate the incident.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pearlman |first=Jonathan |date=2016-05-20 |title=Anger as King's School's rugby teams filmed tackling sheep at farm |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/anger-as-kings-schools-rugby-team-filmed-tackling-sheep-at-farm-20160520-gozgqf.html |access-date=2022-07-02 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref>
On 29 March 2023, near the start of the annual [[Australian Army Cadets|Cadet Corps]] Camp (held at Singleton Military Base in [[Hunter Valley]]), a group of students killed a [[goanna|tree goanna]], which was reported to the police on April 5, 2023. The school spokesperson confirmed the incident, and that it was "inconsistent with the values and expectations" at King's".<ref>{{Cite web |last=McMillan |first=Isabel |title=Private school students investigated over allegedly killing a goanna |url=https://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/private-school-students-investigated-over-allegedly-killing-a-goanna/news-story/b7076baa0bcdbd159515e657e2147762}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Prestigious Sydney school students investigated over killing of goanna |url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/kings-school-students-animal-cruelty-alleged-torture-goanna/fca9a258-8c58-4998-9e35-6f81e8a00ecf |access-date=2023-04-21 |website=www.9news.com.au|date=21 April 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Keoghan |first=Sarah |date=2023-04-21 |title=Police probe after King's School students allegedly kill goanna |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/police-probe-after-king-s-school-students-allegedly-kill-goanna-20230421-p5d2b3.html |access-date=2023-04-21 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> The headmaster, Tony George, later stated in a volunteered interview with [[2GB]] that "there was realm of possibility" the animal wasn't tortured by the students but the allegation was enough for a police investigation – anyone found guilty of aggravated animal cruelty in Australia can face up to 2 years in prison, or fines of up to $22,000.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-24 |title=EXCLUSIVE: King's headmaster breaks silence on animal cruelty case |url=https://www.2gb.com/exclusive-kings-headmaster-breaks-silence-on-animal-cruelty-case/ |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=2GB |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title='Difficult' time for students accused of killing goanna, headmaster says |url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/kings-school-students-accused-killing-goanna-headmaster-tony-george-speaks/f8098547-c3fb-467b-8708-18d7f9f0c703 |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=www.9news.com.au|date=24 April 2023 }}</ref> George later released a public response which reiterated many of the points made in the interview, repeating his disgust for the "tabloids and virtuous trolls" using the controversy for [[clickbait]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Lucy Carroll, Christopher |date=2023-04-25 |title=King's School headmaster calls out 'frenzy of public shaming' over goanna death |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/king-s-school-headmaster-calls-out-frenzy-of-public-shaming-over-goanna-death-20230425-p5d390.html |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref>
=== COVID-19 ===
In July 2021, a staff member was reported to the police for violating public health orders and attending an [[Protests against responses to the COVID-19 pandemic|anti-lockdown protest]], including posting about the experience to social media.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fitzsimmons |first=Jordan Baker, Caitlin |date=2021-07-27 |title=The King's School reports teacher for attending lockdown protest |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/the-king-s-school-reports-teacher-for-attending-lockdown-protest-20210727-p58dew.html |access-date=2022-07-02 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> The staff member was suspended from the school.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-07-27 |title=King's School staff member who attended anti-lockdown protest reported to police, suspended |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-27/school-worker-who-went-to-lockdown-protest-reported/100327996 |access-date=2022-07-02}}</ref>
In October 2021, the school was the only school in NSW to refuse a mask mandate during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. The headmaster Tony George stated that "NSW Education Department guidelines are primarily intended for NSW public schools", but as the school is independent, it only had a legal obligation to follow public health orders.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baker |first=Jordan |date=2021-10-26 |title=Masks required for high school students - except those at The King's School |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/masks-required-for-high-school-students-except-those-at-the-king-s-school-20211026-p593af.html |access-date=2022-07-02 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref>
=== Jobkeeper ===
The school came under fire for claiming the [[JobKeeper]] subsidy, handed out by the government during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] to help protect jobs. The private school claimed $8m in JobKeeper subsidies, despite delivering a surplus without the subsidy, largely due to high school fees.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-05-19 |title=Millions in JobKeeper went to private schools that grew their surpluses |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-20/millions-in-jobkeeper-went-to-private-schools-that-grew-surplus/101075098 |access-date=2022-07-02}}</ref>
=== School spending ===
In 2022, the school came under scrutiny over the school's spending and lack of transparency, after it approved a trip to fly business class for the school's headmaster Tony George, deputy and both of their wives to fly to watch the King's First VIII race in the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carroll |first=Jordan Baker, Lucy |date=2022-06-21 |title=King's School defends regatta trip, says business class trips with spouses are standard |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/kings-school-defends-regatta-trip-says-business-class-trips-with-spouses-are-standard-20220621-p5avev.html |access-date=2022-07-02 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> It was later revealed that the school had also approved a plan to build a plunge pool for the headmaster's residence.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baker |first=Lucy Carroll, Jordan |date=2022-06-24 |title=Plan for plunge pool at headmaster's residence at King's fuels tension |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/plan-for-plunge-pool-at-headmaster-s-residence-at-king-s-fuels-tension-20220624-p5awcl.html |access-date=2022-07-02 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> The business class flghts were forced to be repaid after an investigation revealed that it breached the Education Act, and was an improper use of funds.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carroll |first=Lucy |date=2023-08-10 |title=Business class flights to be repaid following probe into King's School regatta trip |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/business-class-flights-to-be-repaid-following-probe-into-king-s-school-regatta-trip-20230810-p5dvec.html |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref>
=== Group chats ===
In March 2010, a student posted racist comments about [[Aboriginal Australians]] onto [[Facebook]], with other students replying to the comment expressing support. The school took down the comments and the students were made to write essays explaining why their comments were offensive.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-03-08 |title=Students punished over racist comments on net |url=https://www.smh.com.au/technology/students-punished-over-racist-comments-on-net-20100308-psv5.html |access-date=2023-06-01 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref>
In April 2023, students were found to have sent [[Racism|racist]] and [[Antisemitism|antisemitic]] messages on a private online group chat named "Studies of Religion" on [[WhatsApp]] and [[Instagram]] in September 2022. A spokesperson for The King's School stated that immediate action took place as soon as the school was made aware of the incident.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Cuneo |first1=Clementine |last2=Stewart |first2=Elliott |date=27 April 2023 |title=Sex acts, racial slurs: Disturbing online chats at top Sydney school |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=DTWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailytelegraph.com.au%2Fnews%2Fnsw%2Fsex-acts-and-racial-slurs-vile-online-chats-at-the-kings-school-north-parramatta%2Fnews-story%2F92b3d576ed0d901a70ef811ea8887160&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=dynamic-high-control-score&V21spcbehaviour=append}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Ajn |title=Antisemitic slurs exposed at top private Sydney school |url=https://www.australianjewishnews.com/antisemitic-slurs-exposed-at-top-private-sydney-school/ |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=www.australianjewishnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Other controversies ===
==Notable alumni==
{{See|List of old boys of The King's School, Parramatta}}
== See also ==
{{stack|{{Portal bar|Schools|Christianity}}}}
* [[Old King's School, Parramatta]]
* [[List of non-government schools in New South Wales]]
* [[List of boarding schools in Australia]]
* [[GPS Schools]]
* [[Tudor House School]]
* [[G30 Schools]]
== References ==
{{reflist|33em}}
== External links ==
* {{Official website|http://www.kings.edu.au}}
{{Great Public Schools}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kings School, Sydney}}
[[Category:Boarding schools in New South Wales]]
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1831]]
[[Category:Private primary schools in Sydney]]
[[Category:Private secondary schools in Sydney]]
[[Category:Anglican schools in Sydney]]
[[Category:Member schools of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference]]
[[Category:Boys' schools in New South Wales]]
[[Category:Junior School Heads Association of Australia Member Schools]]
[[Category:1831 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:History of education in Australia]]
[[Category:Schools in Parramatta]]
[[Category:Athletic Association of the Great Public Schools of New South Wales]]
[[Category:North Parramatta, New South Wales]]