Dilworth Independent Inquiry

Report:

An Independent Inquiry into abuse at Dilworth School

From 1 July, 2022, the Dilworth Independent Inquiry (the Inquiry) was engaged to review the nature and extent of sexual and serious physical abuse of Dilworth students from 1 January 1950 to 1 July 2023, to find out how and why it happened and how the School responded to complaints of abuse, and to assess whether current school policies were adequate to keep current and future students safe from abuse. The Inquiry was chaired by Dame Silvia Cartwright with Frances Joychild KC as Co-Inquirer.

The Inquiry was independent of Dilworth and the Dilworth Trust Board. It was guided by its Terms of Reference.

This report answers the questions posed under the terms of reference. It is based on analysis of information provided to the Inquiry by 175 former students; 30 family members, some representing deceased students; over 100 people who were employed by Dilworth or closely associated with it, including all living headmasters, 10 of the 13 living trustees, and personnel from the Anglican Church. The analysis also included an in-depth review of a wide variety of documentation.

Regrettably, it is a catalogue of damage and injustice, and the distress it will cause to the Dilworth community at large is acknowledged.

Distressing content warning

The Inquirers chose to include some of the former students' experiences in their own words, and in doing so they acknowledged the reality of their suffering. However, many of these accounts are graphic and may be distressing. Some contain explicit language. This may be difficult to read and could evoke strong emotions. If you need support, please contact your GP or healthcare provider.

Co-Inquirers’ Video Statement

Co-Inquirers Dame Silvia Cartwright and Frances Joychild KC provide an overview of their Inquiry findings and recommendations.