Christian principal sacked as regulators investigate conduct allegations

Allister Rouse, the principal of King's College Warrnambool, has been dismissed following allegations of inappropriate behavior towards senior students. The school reported these complaints under the Mandatory Reportable Conduct Scheme, which led to separate investigations by Victoria's teaching and education regulators, as well as Victoria Police.

The school's decision to dismiss Rouse came after an external investigation by a Melbourne-based law firm found he had breached the college's policies and the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) code of conduct. Victoria Police, in April, deemed no criminal offence had occurred based on their investigation, but they referred the matter to the Department of Education.

King's College, a kindergarten-to-year-12 Presbyterian school with 279 students, is owned and operated by Warrnambool Presbyterian School Ltd, a non-profit company. Rouse, who has remained registered as a teacher with the VIT, had been with the college since 2017. The school's chairman, Ian Pech, acknowledged the news was difficult for the community, particularly students and families directly affected.

The ABC reported that both the VIT and the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) are now investigating the matter, while the Social Services Regulator is working with these authorities. Rouse's profile remains visible on the school's website, where he is described as the principal and chief executive.