Police Investigating Scots College After Alleged Assault During Unofficial School Tradition

A 17-year-old student from The Scots College in East Sydney was left bruised and humiliated after attending an unofficial school tradition over the weekend, his mother says.

NSW Police have confirmed they are now investigating the events that happened Saturday afternoon off the college campus in Rose Bay.

According to Daily Mail, the student told the police that he had arranged to meet up with the group after receiving an invitation to a private Snapchat group.

“He was lured there and pressured into going. He was told that it was an expectation that he’d be there, and all of the boys needed to be there to show support,” the mother, Trish, told Ben Fordham’s 2GB breakfast program.

Trish further explained that from her own research, the ritual is called ‘Bob 2025’ and it is done twice a year with year 10-12 boys as a coming of age.

The mother of the Scots College student, Trish, describes how her son was forced to walk through a human tunnel while being slapped, pushed and verbally abused before he escaped.

“When he got there, he was set upon by this group. They handed him a flag and they ridiculed him. Poured beer over his hair, pulled his shirt, the beer was burning his eyes, all his shoulders, and bruises all over him, and just absolutely humiliated him, laughing and taunting him, calling him disgusting names that I don’t think he will ever forget,” Trish explained to Ben Fordham’s breakfast program 2GB.

Most of the incident was shared in videos on Snapchat.

Mother criticises school after silence from principal

The 17-year-old’s mother explained that she has been contacted by the head of the senior school but that she hasn’t heard from Dr Lambert, Principal at the Scots College.

“I sent the videos to three members of the teaching staff. One of them was Dr Lambert, who hasn’t replied or reached out to me. The head of the senior school has, and he said that he is willing to work with the detective to name some of the boys in this clip.”

“What are they teaching our boys? This isn’t okay,” Trish asked 2GB as she stated that she feels the education system has lost the ability to discipline and teach respect and accountability.

On their website, The Scots College describe themselves as one of Australia’s oldest and most respected Presbyterian boys’ schools. The college further states that they are committed to developing a culture of high expectations that nourishes the development of creative, confident and accomplished young men. 

In 2024, the college charged fees up from $27,240 per annum for Kindergarten students to $46,970 per annum for a year 12 student.