Update from Save Newington College
Save Newington College Disappointed by Appeal Court Ruling - Commitment to Stakeholders Endures
Together with Student A (whose identity is protected by a suppression order) the Save Newington College group is disappointed by yesterday’s decision of the New South Wales Court of Appeal, in which the Court dismissed his Appeal, and thus confirmed the original decision of Justice Parker earlier in 2025 that the College Council could proceed with its plans to transition the College to co-ed. At this time the Court’s reasons for denial of the Appeal have not been seen.
Notwithstanding this further adverse decision, SNC group commends the efforts of Student A who, with the support of his tutor Peter Johnston, pursued the legal case. This Appeal was lodged on the basis that the original judgement erred in its determination that the word “youth” was used in a gender-neutral sense instead of referring to boys and young men, and the finding that the published context and circumstances of use of the word “youth” in 1873 was inadmissible.
Yesterday’s decision is at odds with the understanding held by generations of Old Boys, parents, staff, and community members — that Newington was founded, funded and entrusted as a school for boys, and this was consistent with the original deeds and other founding records. While it has never been in dispute that the College was founded in 1863 as a school for boys and young men, yesterday’s decision, while respected, finds that when the school relocated from Silverwater to Stanmore in 1880, it became co-ed enabled, a hidden status that lay dormant for the next 140 years.
The case brought by Student A to protect Newington’s heritage was never about resisting change. It was about ensuring that the families who chose a boys’ school for their sons could continue to receive what they signed up for. It was also about honouring the school’s founding values, its purpose, and the legacy that thousands have contributed to since 1863.
Student A’s efforts have also highlighted the many risks and pitfalls during a transition to co-ed that will be encountered, now and into the future. Despite the Court’s decision, high risks remain around future academic performance and co-curricular capacities, the financial strength of the school, and continuation of its founding membership of the GPS.
Particular challenges around successful integration of future girls, anticipated pushback from surrounding all-girls schools, disregard for the wishes of families who support single-sex education for their sons, and retreat by former supporters of the Newington Foundation have not been addressed.
Student A is no doubt deeply grateful to the many Old Boys, former and current staff, parents, and members of the Newington community who supported his efforts. Their encouragement was invaluable in defending the traditions, values and character that have made Newington a respected institution in Australian education.
While these current Court proceedings have now concluded, the broader discussion about governance, transparency, and community engagement at Newington College continues. We remain committed to advocating for decisions that respect the voices of those who built this institution and who seek to protect its future identity.
Media contact: Ian Webster
Email: ian.webster@sallymilner.com.au