Anthony “Tony” George was dismissed by the The King’s School’s council in late December months after reports he had clipped a student over the head.

He has denied the accuracy of media reports surrounding the alleged incident.

George was the 20th headmaster of the 195-year-old private school, taking up the role in July 2017.

First challenging his dismissal in a Federal Court lawsuit filed on December 29, the dispute was finally settled on Monday.

“The parties have agreed to resolve the proceedings on confidential terms,” the headmaster’s barrister Arthur Moses SC told Justice Houda Younan.

In a statement sent to parents and children, King’s School said George’s term as headmaster had ended by agreement.

Due to the terms of confidentiality, it is not known whether the settlement included a monetary payment or how much this was.

The letter stated that the public commentary surrounding the matter did not reflect the “correct or complete facts”.

“Both the Council and Mr George recognise that this has contributed to uncertainty within the community.

Both the Council and Mr George acknowledge that it has been a difficult period that has been approached with grace,” the letter read.

The letter also included a statement from George.

“I am grateful to the members of the School community who have expressed support for [wife] Jen and me in recent months,” he wrote.

“I appreciate the goodwill with which that support has been offered.

“I also appreciate the careful and diligent work that the Chairman and the Council have done for the School, demonstrating a commitment to the strong child-centric culture and workplace conduct frameworks that I have promoted throughout my tenure and that we all strive to maintain.

“I remain deeply thankful for the privilege of serving this School for the past eight years, and I hold it in my prayers as it continues its important work to educate young men bravely and faithfully.”

Outside court, the former headmaster told reporters he was “very happy” with the outcome.

“I’m very grateful to our community for their support which has been terrific and we’re looking forward to the next chapter,” he said.

An online petition filed last week raised concerns about the governance, transparency and conduct of the school’s council.

It claimed parents had received “scant, inconsistent and at times misleading communication” from the council’s chair during a quiet attempt to dismiss the now ex-headmaster during school holidays.

George’s sister Susan Petterson is married to Timothy Petterson, the headmaster of another Sydney private school, Shore, who was himself dismissed in July 2022.

Both schools are governed by the Sydney Anglican Church.

In an open letter on LinkedIn, Susan Petterson said church members should demand greater accountability and transparency from school councils.

“These institutions ought to embody the same standards of integrity and humility that we preach,” she wrote.

Timothy Petterson has sued Shore in the NSW Supreme Court and the case is still ongoing.

The King’s School charges just under $50,000 annually for students in its most senior years.

Those attending boarding school pay tens of thousands of dollars more.

A number of notable figures have passed through King’s halls including ex-NSW premier Mike Baird, former deputy prime ministers Doug Anthony and John Anderson, and King Rama X of Thailand.

Past alumni also include current and former Australian rugby internationals Joseph Suaalii and Stirling Mortlock.

(with AAP)