The Supreme Court has rejected a legal challenge aiming to prevent a 162-year-old boys’ school in Sydney’s inner west from beginning to enrol female students starting next year.
Newington College, a prestigious private school in Stanmore with over 2,000 male students, revealed plans in late 2023 to transition to a co-educational model.
The decision sparked backlash among some students, parents, and alumni — known as ‘old boys’ — who launched a petition and later initiated legal proceedings in the NSW Supreme Court.
The case was led by a former student, referred to as Student A, whose identity remains confidential due to court orders. The legal action targeted the Newington College Council and 25 other parties.
Student A’s legal team argued that the school was established specifically for educating males, citing an 1873 trust deed describing Newington as “an efficient college for youth.” They interpreted the term “youth” as referring solely to boys and young men.
However, Justice Guy Parker dismissed that interpretation in his ruling on Wednesday.
“I find that the word ‘youth’ in the 1873 trust deed was intended in a gender-neutral way and does not require the college to enrol only male students,” he said.
Following the decision, the Save Newington College group released a statement expressing disappointment.
“While we respect today’s outcome, it contradicts the long-held view of many alumni, parents, staff, and community members that Newington was founded, funded, and entrusted as a school for boys,” the statement read.
They clarified that the effort led by Student A was not about opposing change, but rather about preserving the school’s founding values and honoring the legacy built over more than 160 years.
With the court’s decision, Newington College is now free to proceed with its co-educational plans. Fees range from $26,217 for kindergarten to $45,369 for senior students in Years 11 and 12.
Girls will be admitted into the primary school in 2026 and the high school beginning in 2028, with the transition to full co-education expected to be complete by 2030.
