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Teaching watchdog raids Fitzroy Community School
Victoria's education regulator inspects an alternative school facing abuse allegations, checking for unregistered teachers and staffing levels.
In brief
Victoria's education regulator inspects an alternative school facing abuse allegations, checking for unregistered teachers and staffing levels. Victoria's teaching watchdog raided Fitzroy Community School's two campuses, investigating unregistered teachers and staff-to-student ratios following historical abuse…
Watchdog raids alternative school
The Victorian Institute of Teaching made unannounced visits to Fitzroy Community School's North Fitzroy and Thornbury campuses about 11am on October 20, 2026.
What inspectors were checking
The ABC understands the watchdog was checking whether any teachers were unregistered and whether enough staff were supervising children at the school.
Rare use of regulatory power
It is a rare step for the VIT to use its authorised officer powers. The power allows the watchdog's investigators to enter a school to search the premises and seize documents.
Abuse allegations and suspensions
The raids follow ABC reporting of historical sexual abuse allegations, a sexualised culture, and concerns about violent physical discipline. In August, three staff members were found unfit to hold authority.
Teachers suspended and under investigation
The VIT suspended co-founder Faye Berryman in August. Her son Nick Berryman was suspended in September last year. Former principal Tim Berryman remains under investigation, as does a third teacher for physical abuse allegations.
Leadership changes and departures
Former principal Craig Dowell resigned earlier in October. Board chair Clare Myers and board member Peter Behrendorff resigned in September. Acting principal Miranda Frankel is the former partner of Sean O'Carroll, the co-founder's son.
Enrolment drops significantly
Federal school data from 2025 shows about 98 students at both campuses. The ABC understands that figure has dropped significantly, with numerous families leaving the Brunswick Street campus.
Federal and state await VIT findings
The federal education department said it would consider VIT investigation outcomes when determining if Fitzroy Community School remained a fit and proper school. The Victorian government said it would await the VIT's outcome before commenting.
The short version
Victoria's teaching watchdog raided Fitzroy Community School's two campuses, investigating unregistered teachers and staff-to-student ratios following historical abuse allegations.
