View source for Knox Grammar School

{{Distinguish|The Knox School (Australia)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Use Australian English|date=January 2012}}
{{Infobox school
 | name                    = Knox Grammar School
 | image                   = Knox Grammar School Logo.svg
 | motto                   = {{langx|la|Virile Agitur}}
 | motto_translation       = The Manly Thing Is Being Done<ref name=History/>
 | established             = {{start date and age|1924}}
 | founder                 = John Gilmore, William McIlrath, Robert Gillespie and Andrew Reid<ref name=ABSA/>
 | type                    = [[Independent school|Independent]], [[Day school|day]] & [[Boarding school|boarding]]
 | gender                  = [[Single-sex school|Male]]
 | denomination            = [[Uniting Church in Australia|Uniting Church]]<ref name=Schoolchoice>{{cite web |url=http://www.schoolchoice.com.au/find_a_school?cid=12348&pid=2701612 |title=Knox Grammar School |access-date=2008-01-23 |work=New South Wales |publisher=School Choice |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070830192913/http://www.schoolchoice.com.au/find_a_school?cid=12348&pid=2701612 |archive-date=30 August 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[Presbyterianism]] (De Facto)
 | chairman                = Simon Rothery
 | chaplain                = Rev Dr Rosalie Clarke MacLarty
 | principal_label1        = Headmaster
 | principal1              = Scott James
 | address                 = 2 Borambil Street
 | city                    = [[Wahroonga, New South Wales|Wahroonga]]
 | state                   = [[New South Wales]]
 | postcode                = 2076
 | country                 = Australia
 | coordinates             = {{coord|33|43|24|S|151|7|11|E|display=inline,title|type:edu_region:AU-NSW}}
 | enrolment               = ~3,170
 | enrolment_as_of         = 2021
 | grades_label            = Years
 | grades                  = [[Kindergarten|K]]–[[Year Twelve|12]]<ref name=AnnualReport06>{{cite web |url=http://www.knox.nsw.edu.au/img/pdfs/ar/Knox%20Annual%20Report%2006_final_web.pdf |title=Annual Report 2006 |access-date=2008-02-07|work=Prospective |publisher=Knox Grammar School |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070830152305/http://www.knox.nsw.edu.au/img/pdfs/ar/Knox%20Annual%20Report%2006_final_web.pdf |archive-date=30 August 2007}}</ref>
 | num_employ              = ~278
 | colours                 = Black and blue<br />{{color box|#000000}} {{color box|#0000FF}}
 | rival                   = Barker College
 | affiliation             = [[Combined Associated Schools]]
 | website                 = [http://www.knox.nsw.edu.au www.knox.nsw.edu.au]
 | alumni                  = [[List of Old Knox Grammarians|Old Knox Grammarians]]
}}
'''Knox Grammar School''' is an [[Independent school|independent]] [[Uniting Church in Australia|Uniting Church]] [[Day school|day]] and [[boarding school]] for boys, located in [[Wahroonga, New South Wales]], an [[Upper North Shore (Sydney)|Upper North Shore]] suburb of [[Sydney]], Australia. Founded in 1924 by the [[Presbyterian Church of Australia]] as an all-boys [[school]] named after [[John Knox]]. The school has since grown, branching out into a large [[High school|Senior School]] and a [[University-preparatory school|Preparatory School]], enrolling approximately 2900 students.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://myschool.edu.au/school/40367|title=School profile {{!}} My School|website=myschool.edu.au|language=en-AU|access-date=2018-03-26}}</ref> The school also caters for approximately 160 boarding students from Years 7 to 12.<ref name=ABSA/>

Knox is affiliated with the [[Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference]],<ref name=HMC>{{cite web|url=http://www.hmc.org.uk/schools/international.htm |title=International Members |access-date=2008-03-11 |work=HMC Schools |publisher=The Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080315000031/http://www.hmc.org.uk/schools/international.htm |archive-date=15 March 2008}}</ref> the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA),<ref name=AHISA>{{cite web|url=http://www.ahisa.com.au/Display.aspx?tabid=2230 |title=AHISA Schools |access-date=2008-01-23 |date=January 2008 |work=New South Wales |publisher=Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071102165134/http://www.ahisa.com.au/Display.aspx?tabid=2230 |archive-date=2 November 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> the [[Junior School Heads Association of Australia]] (JSHAA),<ref name=jshaa>{{cite web|url=http://www.jshaa.asn.au/nsw/directory/index.asp |title=JSHAA New South Wales Directory of Members |access-date=2008-01-23 |year=2007 |work=New South Wales Branch |publisher=Junior School Heads' Association of Australia |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080117201219/http://www.jshaa.asn.au/nsw/directory/index.asp |archive-date=17 January 2008}}</ref> the Australian Boarding Schools' Association (ABSA),<ref name=ABSA>{{cite web |url=http://www.boarding.org.au/site/school_detail.cfm?schID=14 |title=Knox Grammar School |access-date=2008-01-23 |year =2007 |work=Schools|publisher=Australian Boarding Schools' Association |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071117110226/http://www.boarding.org.au/site/school_detail.cfm?schID=14 |archive-date=17 November 2007}}</ref> and is a founding member of the [[Combined Associated Schools]] (CAS).<ref name=Sport/><ref name=CAS>{{cite web |url=http://www.knox.nsw.edu.au/pf/about/history/cas.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20080123094008/http://www.knox.nsw.edu.au/pf/about/history/cas.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2008-01-23 |title=CAS |access-date=2008-01-23 |work=About Knox |publisher=Knox Grammar School}}</ref>
==History==
[[File:KnoxEarlston1923.jpg|thumb|'Earlston' (now Gillespie Heritage House), {{circa|1923}}]]

Knox Grammar School was established on Sydney's North Shore in 1924, by the [[Presbyterian Church of Australia|Presbyterian Church]]. The school was named after [[John Knox]],<ref name=Founders /> the 16th century Scottish reformer, who planned a network of schools in every church parish.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}}

Knox opened as a Presbyterian Boys' School after founding members John Gilmore, William McIlrath, Robert Gillespie and Andrew Reid purchased the original property, 'Earlston', as the first school building.<ref name=History/> Now the Gillespie Heritage House, 'Earlston' was previously owned by [[Charles Mackellar|Sir Charles Mackellar]], was designed by architects [[Spain and Cosh|Spain & Cosh]], and built in 1908 for W. Moses Esq., [[Warrawee, New South Wales|Warrawee]].<ref name=Founders>{{cite web |url=http://www.knox.nsw.edu.au/about/history-and-tradition/school-founders |title=School Founders |access-date=2015-03-02 |work=History & Tradition |publisher=Knox Grammar School}}</ref>

The school was officially opened by the [[George Fuller (Australian politician)|Hon. Sir George Fuller]] KCMG, [[Premier of New South Wales]], on 5 February 1924.<ref name=Founders/> Under the founding [[headmaster]] Neil MacNeil, a [[Rhodes Scholar]], Knox grew rapidly and survived the [[Great Depression]]. Student numbers rose from 28 in 1924 to over 300 in 1939.<ref name=History/>

In 1939, William Bryden [[FRSE]] (1904–1992)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.royalsoced.org.uk/cms/files/fellows/biographical_index/fells_indexp1.pdf |title=Microsoft Word - oldfells_list_jun06.doc |website=Royalsoced.org.uk |access-date=2016-12-18 |archive-date=19 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919152306/https://www.royalsoced.org.uk/cms/files/fellows/biographical_index/fells_indexp1.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> took over the role of headmaster. As [[World War II]] broke out, around 370 Old Knox Grammarians served in the armed forces. 53 of them lost their lives and are now commemorated in the John Williams Memorial Hall, the School [[Chapel]], the Old Students' [[War Memorial]], and the original Science Building. The school's [[Pipe Band]] was established during Bryden's period as headmaster.<ref name=History/>
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:KnoxPipeBand1950.jpg|thumb|Knox Pipe Band, {{circa|1950}}]]  -->John Mill Couper, a Scot, became headmaster in 1953. Couper focused on broadening the School's education, with attention to [[music]] and [[art]], however, problems culminated in Couper's departure from a divided Knox in 1955.<ref name=History/>

T. Ross McKenzie, former head of [[Brisbane Boys' College]], replaced Couper. The school's fifth headmaster, Ian Paterson, initiated further developments including a substantial building program.<ref name=History /> During this period three teachers sexually abused students; these teachers were later convicted and it has been alleged that other teachers abused students. In 2015 Paterson told the [[Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse]] that he had failed to protect students from abuse.<ref name="ABC Former headmaster Ian Paterson admits he failed to protect students">{{cite news|last1=Chettle|first1=Nicole|title=Knox Grammar: Former headmaster Ian Paterson admits he failed to protect students|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-06/knox-grammar-former-headmaster-admits-failed-protect-survivors/6285504|access-date=7 March 2015|work=ABC News|date=7 March 2015}}</ref>

In 2018, Scott James, who was formerly the deputy headmaster became Knox's eighth headmaster, replacing John Weeks.<ref name=History/>

===Headmasters===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Period
!Details
|-
|1924&ndash;1939
|Neil MacNeil
|-
|1939&ndash;1953
|William Bryden [[Order of the British Empire|CBE]]
|-
|1954&ndash;1955
|John Mill Couper
|-
|1956&ndash;1969
|T. Ross McKenzie [[Order of the British Empire|OBE]]
|-
|1969&ndash;1998
|Ian Paterson [[Order of Australia|AM]]
|-
|1999&ndash;2003
|[[Peter Crawley (headmaster)|Peter Crawley]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/mar/11/old-boys-of-knox-grammar-like-me-will-always-be-marked-by-how-close-we-came-to-the-abuse-there|title=Old boys of Knox Grammar, like me, will always be marked by how close we came to the abuse there|last=Brereton|first=Adam|date=2015-03-10|work=The Guardian|access-date=2017-10-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311094516/http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/mar/11/old-boys-of-knox-grammar-like-me-will-always-be-marked-by-how-close-we-came-to-the-abuse-there|archive-date=2015-03-11|url-status=dead|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
|-
|2004&ndash;2018
|John Weeks<ref name=smh-22-jan-15>{{cite news |author=Bibby, Paul |url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/royal-commission-to-publicly-examine-sydney-private-school-knox-grammar-over-child-sexual-abuse-20150122-12w0kw.html |title=Royal Commission to publicly examine Sydney private school Knox Grammar over child sexual abuse |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date =2015-01-22 |access-date=2015-03-02}}</ref>
|-
|2018&ndash;Present
|Scott James
|}

==Motto==
Knox's school [[motto]] is a [[Latin]] phrase, ''{{Lang|la|Virile Agitur}}'',<ref name="History">{{cite web|url=https://myschool.edu.au/school/40367|title=School History|work=History & Tradition|publisher=Knox Grammar School|access-date=2015-03-02}}</ref> which has been translated variously as being "Do the Manly Thing" (The translation most common in the Preparatory School), "The manly thing is being done".{{cn|date=May 2025}}

==Campus==

There are several locations throughout Sydney with the main campus at Wahroonga. The smallest campus is Wahroonga Preparatory School, a small co-ed school located next to Wahroonga Park.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wahroonga Prep |url=https://wahroongaprep.nsw.edu.au/ |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=wahroongaprep.nsw.edu.au}}</ref>

=== Facilities ===
[[File:KnoxGrammar1943.jpg|thumb|Knox Grammar School, 1943]]

Knox's senior campus includes the Great Hall and Aquatic Centre (opened August 2011), sports facility, gymnasium, squash and weights rooms, music and drama centres, two boarding houses (one opened September 2010) and the new performing arts academy (opened late 2019). Knox owns several major sporting fields including one on campus at the Senior School, two on campus at the Prep School, and two off campus in [[Warrawee, New South Wales|Warrawee]] and neighbouring [[North Turramurra, New South Wales|North Turramurra]].{{citation needed| date = May 2025 }}

Since 2006 the school has been actively involved in the [[Future Problem Solving Program International|Future Problem Solving Program]].{{citation needed| date = May 2025 }}

=== Building projects ===

Knox has in recent years completed new buildings at both the Senior and Prep Schools. The Senior School's KG1 Building opened in 2007. The KG1 Project The Prep School's K-2 Centre, opened in 2004, provided new classroom, library, art and music facilities for Years K-2 students.{{cn|date=May 2025}}

The new Boarding Centre was finished in September 2010. The Great Hall and Aquatic Centre project,<ref>{{cite web |title=COMPETITION AND AWARDS - MEDIA 2012 Knox Grammar School |url=http://www.jsastudio.com.au/new/?page_id=52132 |publisher=JSA Studio Architects |access-date=27 June 2018 |language=en-AU}}</ref> was finished in August 2011 and won design awards in 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.timberawards.com.au/component/content/article/131?start=2 |title=2012 Winners - 2016 Australian Timber Design Awards |page=3|website=www.timberawards.com.au}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/news/2012-spun-awards-recognise-small-practise-architec |title=2012 SPUN Awards recognise small practice architects |website=Architecture And Design}}</ref>

Construction for the new Knox Senior Student Academy began in 2014, with construction continuing to August 2015 and the academy being officially opened in October 2015. The building houses the lockers of Year 11 and Year 12 students, as well as featuring a cafe, classrooms for Science as well as Finance and Legal classrooms, a Senior Library and a Lecture theatre.{{cn|date=May 2025}}

In 2016, Headmaster John Weeks announced that Knox Grammar School would commence construction of a new Performing Arts Centre and Junior Secondary Academy in February 2017. It was completed in early 2019.{{cn|date=May 2025}}

The Senior School's construction for a new locker area for Years 7-10 as well as a basketball court, which is in the process of refurbishing the KG1 Building for the new Middle Academy, was completed in early 2020.{{cn|date=May 2025}}

==House system==

===Boarding===
Knox Grammar School provides boarding facilities for approximately 300 boarders. Boarding facilities have been available since the School's opening, in 1924
[[File:RobertGillespie.jpg|thumb|Sir Robert Gillespie, a founder of Knox, {{circa|1920s}}]]
*'''Gillespie''' (Maroon) – the original school house and is named for Robert Gillespie, a founder and benefactor of the School, and chairman of the School Council (1923–1945). It was later converted into a Boarding House, now known as "Gillespie Heritage House".
*'''Boarding Centre''' – opened in September 2010, the Boarding Centre accommodates Boarders in 21st Century style.

===Other Houses===
*'''MacNeil''' (Black) – originally MacNeil House was an expansion to Gillespie House, completed to add room to the new school. It is named for Neil MacNeil, the first headmaster of the School (1924–1938).
*'''Adamson''' (Dark green) – John Adamson – a long-serving chairman of the School Council.
*'''Angus ''' (Brown) – Rev Samuel Angus – a [[Professor]] of [[Theology]] at [[Sydney University]] and former member of the School Council.
*'''Bryden''' (Grey) – Dr William Bryden – the second headmaster of the School (1939–1953). Also known as the cultural house. House mascot is the 'Bryden Squid'.
*'''McIlrath''' (Dark blue) – William McIlrath – a founder and benefactor of the School and a long-serving council member (1923–1955). His widow contributed 50,000 pounds for the construction of the School chapel in 1960, which contains a [[Baroque]] organ by [[Ronald Sharp]].
*'''McKenzie''' (Orange). Dr Ross McKenzie – fourth headmaster of the School (1956–1969).
*'''Montgomery''' (Lime green) –  Ross Montgomery – a School Council member (1953–1970) and benefactor of the School. His major gifts included the Montgomery Building and Gilmore House.
*'''Murdoch''' (Red) – AM Murdoch – a long-serving School Council member (from 1938) and chairman (1855–1969)
*'''Reid''' (Yellow) – Andrew Reid – a founder and benefactor of the School. A business leader, sole proprietor of [[James Hardie]] in 1912, he made many financial contributions to the School; he also built the Margaret Reid Home for Crippled Children in St. Ives, in memory of his late wife.
*'''Sinclair''' (Purple) – George Sinclair – a school council member (from 1944) and chairman (1952–1955).
*'''Turnbull''' (Light blue) – Alex Turnbull – a founding member of the School Council, serving 1923 to 1947, and an elder at St Margaret's Church in nearby Turramurra.

==Co-curriculum==

=== Army Cadet Unit ===

The Knox Ravenswood Cadet Unit (KRCU) comprises up to 2000+ members, ranging from recruits (RCTs) to Cadet Under Officers (CUOs). The KRCU is an army cadet unit  within the 26th Battalion of the NSW 2nd AAC BDE.{{cn|date=August 2025}} Participation is compulsory from the start of Term 4 Year 8, through to the end of Term 3 Year 9 for attendees of Knox Grammar School, and offers voluntary participation for attendees at the [[Ravenswood School for Girls]] from Term 4 Year 8. After the completion of basic recruit training in their first year, cadets may decide to either discharge from the Unit, or attend a Promotion Course to attempt to attain a higher rank and/or continue into a Senior or Recruit company.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cadets - Knox Grammar School |url=https://www.knox.nsw.edu.au/senior-school/beyond-the-classroom/cadets/ |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=www.knox.nsw.edu.au}}</ref>

The Unit participates in combined Annual Field Exercise (AFX) at the end of Term 1, and holds its own Junior, Senior, and CUOs Promotions Courses during August each year. Additionally, the KRCU holds ceremonial parades for the Old Knox Grammarians Association (OKGA), an ANZAC Day Parade to commemorate [[ANZAC Day]] (though held several weeks after the day itself), and a Passing-Out Parade at the end of the cadet year to farewell the Year 12 members at the conclusion of their service to the Unit.<ref>{{cite web|title = Cadets|url = http://www.knox.nsw.edu.au/senior-school/beyond-the-classroom/cadets|website = www.knox.nsw.edu.au|access-date = 2015-12-15}}</ref>

The KRCU was formerly called the Knox Grammar School Army Cadet Unit (KGSACU), but was renamed to its current name in 2024 to "acknowledge and formalise the deep and lasting partnership between Knox and Ravenswood School for Girls".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Knox Ravenswood Cadet Unit |url=https://www.knox.nsw.edu.au/news/latest-news/knox-ravenswood-cadet-unit/#:~:text=In%20keeping%20with%20the%20philosophy,the%20Knox%20Ravenswood%20Cadet%20Unit.&text=The%20School%20wishes%20to%20acknowledge,and%20Ravenswood%20School%20for%20Girls. |access-date=2024-10-22 |website=www.knox.nsw.edu.au |language=en}}</ref>

===Sport===

Knox is a member of the [[Combined Associated Schools]] (CAS), and plays competitive sport against the five other member Schools namely, [[Barker College]], [[Cranbrook School Sydney|Cranbrook School]], [[St Aloysius' College (Sydney)|St. Aloysius College]], [[Trinity Grammar School (New South Wales)|Trinity Grammar School]] and [[Waverley College]]. Trial and pre-season fixtures are played against the [[Athletic Association of the Great Public Schools of New South Wales|GPS]] and [[Independent Schools Association (Australia)|ISA]] Schools. Students may represent Knox in a variety of inter-school sporting fixtures played each Saturday throughout the term.<ref name=Sport>{{cite web |url=http://www.knox.nsw.edu.au/senior-school/beyond-the-classroom/sport-and-fitness |title=Sport |access-date=2015-03-02  |work=Beyond the Classroom |publisher=Knox Grammar School |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071020235050/http://knox.nsw.edu.au/pf/cocurric/sport/ |archive-date=2007-10-20}}</ref>

The Intra-School sporting programs includes House carnivals, Standards and Inter-School competitions open to all boys.<ref name=Sport/>

Participating in sport at Knox is compulsory in both the winter and summer sporting seasons.

Knox plays 5 weeks of sport against GPS schools, and then 5 weeks of sport against CAS schools

==== CAS premierships ====
Knox Grammar School has won the following CAS premierships.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Trophies Awarded – cas-web|date=17 September 2017 |url=http://www.cas.nsw.edu.au/trophies-awarded/|access-date=2021-09-17|language=en-US}}</ref>

* Athletics (29) – 1929, 1931, 1933, 1935, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1957, 1959, 1961, 1962, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1992, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008
*Australian Football – 2021
* Basketball (9) — 1978, 1979, 1980, 1997, 2009, 2014, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
* Cricket (15) – 1936, 1940, 1941, 1991, 1993, 1996, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016
* Cross Country (4) – 1993, 1994, 1998, 2006
* Debating (6) — 1998, 2000, 2007, 2020, 2021, 2024
* Diving (3) – 2007, 2009, 2011
* Rugby (25) – 1932, 1934, 1936, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1945, 1954, 1957, 1962, 1964, 1967, 1972, 1976, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2015, 2016
* Soccer (10) – 1993, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2006, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2022
* Swimming (36) – 1933, 1934, 1939, 1941, 1947, 1948, 1959, 1963, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1992, 2003, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
* Tennis ''Summer'' (20) – 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024
* Tennis ''Winter'' (10) – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
* Volleyball ''Summer'' (2) – 2002, 2009, 2022, 2023
* Water Polo – 2020, 2022, 2023

===Music===
Knox has a Gallery Choir and the Knox Symphony Orchestra (KSO). Its Symphonic Wind Ensemble (SWE) toured Spain and Portugal in December 2019. The Knox Symphony Orchestra toured Croatia, Slovenia and Italy in December 2023.

The [[Ronald Sharp]] [[pipe organ]] in the school's chapel, built in 1965, is highly significant as the first of many Baroque revival (or [[Organ reform movement|Orgelbewegung]]) mechanical action pipe organs built in Australia in the latter half of the 20th century, and is a sibling to organs in [[St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney|St Mary's Cathedral]], [[Perth Concert Hall (Western Australia)|Perth Concert Hall]], Wollongong Town Hall, and the [[Sydney Opera House Grand Organ|Sydney Opera House]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sydneyorgan.com/Knox.html|title=Knox Grammar School|website=www.sydneyorgan.com|access-date=2019-11-15}}</ref>

===Knox Grammar School Pipes and Drums===
{{unsourced section|date=May 2025}}

The Knox Pipes and Drums have toured globally including to Scotland, Ireland, England and Northern Ireland. The band also competed in the 2016 and 2019 European Pipe Band Championships and All Ireland Pipe Band Championships and the 2019 Corby Highland Games. At the Corby Highland Games, The Knox Pipes and Drums won first place for every event that they entered in.

In Australia the band have been State Champions, National Champions, and Best Drum Corps. The band was crowned at Grade 4 2018 National Champions. The band competed in the 2018 Australian Pipe Band Championships at Brisbane Boys College, Brisbane. The KGS Pipes and Drums took first place in Grade 4 for both the overall band and the Drum crops, hence the band was crowned Grade 4 National Champions. The KGS Drum Corps also won National Drumming Championships in 2016 and 2018.

== Notable alumni ==
{{Main list|List of Old Knox Grammarians}}

[[Alumni]] of Knox are known as "Old Knox Grammarians" or "Old Boys", and may elect to join the schools [[alumni association]], the Old Knox Grammarian's Association (OKGA).<ref name="OKGA">{{cite web |url = http://www.knox.nsw.edu.au/community/okga |title = OKGA (Old Knox Grammarian's Association) |access-date = 2015-03-02 |work = OKGA |publisher = Knox Grammar School }}</ref>

== Controversies ==

=== Sex offences by teachers ===
The school attracted widespread media coverage in 2009, when criminal charges were laid against five former teachers for alleged [[sex offence]]s between 1976 and 1990.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/knox-teacher-guilty-of-child-sex-charge-20090711-dgp4.html |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |title=Knox teacher guilty of child sex charge |first=Les |last=Kennedy |date=2009-07-12 }}</ref><ref>[http://north-shore-times.whereilive.com.au/news/story/fifth-teacher-arrested-in-knox-school-child-sex-scandal/]  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090922015155/http://north-shore-times.whereilive.com.au/news/story/fifth-teacher-arrested-in-knox-school-child-sex-scandal/|date=22 September 2009}}</ref> All five teachers were subsequently convicted.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/royal-commission-into-sex-abuse-seven-key-knox-grammar-figures-20150303-13tdfb.html |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |title=Royal commission into sex abuse: seven key Knox Grammar figures |date=2015-03-03}}</ref>

==== Royal Commission hearings ====
In 2015 the [[Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse]] conducted public hearings concerning the response of Knox Grammar, and the [[Uniting Church in Australia|Uniting Church]], to complaints and criminal proceedings involving teachers who [[sexually abused]] students. The commission will examine the "systems, policies and procedures" involving the school's response to the complaints since 1970 and the experiences of former students sexually abused by teaching staff.<ref name=carc-23-Feb-15>{{cite web |url=http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/case-study/6202742a-5e8d-490b-bec4-84876bef3de0/case-study-23,-february-2015,-sydney |work=Public Hearings, Child Abuse Royal Commission |title=Case Study 23, February 2015, Sydney |publisher=[[Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse]] |date=2015-02-23 |access-date=2015-03-02 |quote=The public hearing will inquire into the response of Knox Grammar School ... and the Uniting Church in Australia between 1970 and 2012 to concerns raised about inappropriate conduct by a number of teachers towards students at Knox Grammar School.}}</ref> The royal commission is expected to conclude in December 2017.<ref>{{cite news|title=Child sex abuse and Australia's institutions|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2015/02/child-sex-abuse-australia-institutions-150214123136329.html|publisher=Al Jazeera |date=2015-02-16}}</ref>

During hearings in early March 2015, a collection of former Knox students and staff alleged that headmaster Ian Paterson did not refer several allegations of sex abuse he received to the police, despite there being a requirement for such allegations to be reported from 1988. The commission heard that in fact Paterson had never reported any student's allegation of sexual abuse to police during his thirty years in charge of the school.<ref>{{cite news|title=Knox Grammar Royal Commission: Former headmaster Ian Paterson admits to hindering police investigation into paedophile ring|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/knox-grammar-royal-commission-former-headmaster-ian-paterson-admits-to-hindering-police-investigation-into-paedophile-ring/story-fni0cx12-1227247464285|access-date=17 May 2015|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=4 March 2015}}</ref><ref name="Knox to rename ethics centre" /> Paterson also stated that he had allowed several teachers accused of sexual abuse to resign and subsequently gave them positive references. Paterson denied that he had covered up the sexual abuse of students, arguing that he had responded to the allegations brought to his attention, and stated that "I should have known and I should have stopped the events that led to the abuse and its tragic consequences for these boys in my care and their families".<ref name="Knox to rename ethics centre">{{cite news|last1=AAP|title=Knox to rename ethics centre after royal commission into child sex abuse|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/north-shore/knox-to-rename-ethics-centre-after-royal-commission-into-child-sex-abuse/story-fngr8h9d-1227251643912|access-date=7 March 2015|work=North Shore Times|date=6 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Former Knox headmaster gave glowing reference to teacher with child-sex convictions, inquiry told|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/north-shore/former-knox-headmaster-gave-glowing-reference-to-teacher-with-child-sex-convictions-inquiry-told/story-fngr8h9d-1227247827665|access-date=7 March 2015|work=North Shore Times|date=4 March 2015}}</ref> Paterson stated that he was not aware that it was a crime for a teacher to grope or sexually proposition a student.<ref>{{cite news|title=Royal commission into sex abuse: Knox Grammar headmaster Ian Paterson 'did not realise groping was a crime'|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/royal-commission-into-sex-abuse-knox-grammar-headmaster-ian-paterson-did-not-realise-groping-was-a-crime-20150303-13tjnn.html|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=2015-03-03}}</ref> Following the section of the hearing concerning Paterson, the then headmaster, John Weeks, stated that the school had changed considerably since the end of Paterson's period in the role and that Knox's Paterson Centre for Ethics and Business Studies would be renamed. He also stated that the school was actively reaching out and providing support to those who were affected.<ref name="Knox to rename ethics centre" />

Weeks also gave evidence to the Royal Commission. During this hearing he was questioned over why he had not sacked the teacher who was arrested in 2009 despite having received allegations in 2007 that the teacher had behaved improperly with a student during the 1980s. Weeks told the media that the allegations had not been detailed or specific, and he had received advice that "it would have been difficult on industrial grounds" to have dismissed the teacher. Weeks also stated that he had reported the teacher to the police child protection unit.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Higgins|first1=Ean|title=Knox Grammar: Master quit over suspected pedophile's appointment|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/knox-grammar-master-quit-over-suspected-pedophiles-appointment/story-e6frg6nf-1227244628122|access-date=7 March 2015|work=The Australian|date=2 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Higgins|first1=Ean|title=Knox headmaster insists he informed police|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/knox-grammar-master-quit-over-suspected-pedophiles-appointment/story-e6frg6nf-1227244628122|access-date=7 March 2015|work=The Australian|date=6 March 2015}}</ref>

The Royal Commission issued its findings on Knox Grammar in September 2016. The ''[[Sydney Morning Herald]]'' stated that its conclusions were that "Paterson deliberately covered up allegations about [[child sexual abuse]] because he placed the reputation of the school ahead of student welfare".<ref name="SMH Former Knox Grammar headmaster Sept 2016">{{cite news|last1=Browne|first1=Rachel|title=Former Knox Grammar headmaster Ian Paterson 'covered up' abuse, Royal Commission finds|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/former-knox-grammar-headmaster-ian-paterson-covered-up-abuse-royal-commission-finds-20160912-grewhi.html|access-date=14 September 2016|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=14 September 2016}}</ref> The Royal Commission also found that principal Ian Paterson had a "dismissive" attitude towards complaints of sexual abuse, "deliberately withheld information" from a police officer investigating allegations made against Knox Grammar staff and did not notify the school's council or affected parents of complaints. In addition, it judged that a statement made as part of his evidence to the Royal Commission that he had only been aware of a single allegation of misconduct while principal was "clearly incorrect", as he had been aware of five allegations.<ref name="SMH Former Knox Grammar headmaster Sept 2016" />

The Royal Commission recommended the establishment of a National Redress Scheme, which commenced on 1 July 2018.<ref name="National Redress Scheme">{{cite news|title=National Redress Scheme|url=https://www.dss.gov.au/national-redress-scheme-for-people-who-have-experienced-institutional-child-sexual-abuse/|access-date=3 March 2019|work=Australian Government Department of Social Services|date=17 December 2018}}</ref> Knox Grammar School has not signed up to compensate its sexual abuse survivors through the National Redress Scheme, though it indicated it plans to do so.<ref name="New Daily National Redress Scheme Name Shame">{{cite news|last1=Eddie|first1=Rachel|title=The institutions with no plans to pay child sex abuse survivors' redress|url=https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2019/02/28/national-redress-scheme-name-shame/|access-date=3 March 2019|work=The New Daily|date=1 March 2019}}</ref>

==== 2019 incident ====
On 5 August 2019, Nicholas Warby, the school's 30-year-old "Director of Aquatic Sports", was arrested for possession of "child abuse material" on his mobile phone.  After police searched his belongings and premises, two additional counts of possession of a prohibited drug were added. Headmaster Scott James sent a letter to parents, saying that Warby had been "removed from his duties at the aquatic centre" and that "[the police] have advised us that there is currently no suggestion that the images relate to Knox boys or swim centre students." The police prosecutor told the court that some files were "physically obtained" rather than sourced from the internet.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rawsthorne |first1=Sally |title='Strong police case' against Knox teacher facing child porn and drug charges |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/knox-teacher-on-child-porn-and-drug-charges-police-20190806-p52e8c.html |access-date=7 August 2019 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=6 August 2019 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Partridge |first1=Emma |title=School swim coach charged over child abuse images |url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/knox-grammar-teacher-charged-over-child-abuse-images-sydney-school-news/404d8648-982f-4516-9f26-d9833f6d0a27 |access-date=7 August 2019 |work=9 News |date=6 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Dole |first1=Nick |title='The school remains vigilant': Knox Grammar teacher charged over child abuse images |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-08-06/knox-grammar-teacher-arrested-child-abuse-material/11386954 |access-date=7 August 2019 |work=ABC News |date=6 August 2019 |language=en-AU}}</ref> Warby was later convicted and sentenced to 14 months imprisonment.<ref>{{cite news| last =Wells  |first =Jamelle |title =Former Knox Grammar teacher Nick Warby jailed for possession of child abuse material | work =ABC News | publisher =Australian Broadcasting Corporation | date =11 September 2020 | url =https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-11/knox-grammar-teacher-nick-warby-child-abuse-material-jailed/12654248 | accessdate =28 July 2024 }}</ref>

==== 2024 incident ====
On 30 August 2024, William Gulson, an English, Drama teacher at the school and a former Year 7 Mentor was arrested and charged with one count of procuring or grooming a child under 16 for unlawful sexual activity.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mardon |first=Cydonee |date=6 September 2024 |title=Knox Grammar School English teacher charged with child grooming offence |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-nsw/knox-grammar-school-english-teacher-charged-with-child-grooming-offence/news-story/53e7f7fb6990b0c7dc419dda1b12fae0?amp&nk=384236a29e9344d4f27a481159a05bcf-1725611228 |access-date=6 September 2024 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph (Sydney)]]}}</ref> On Friday 6 September 2024, Knox's headmaster Scott James sent a letter to parents informing them of the event. Within the letter, it was claimed that "there is no evidence that this behaviour extended beyond the online environment."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carroll |first=Nick Newling, Lucy |date=2024-09-06 |title=Knox Grammar teacher charged with child grooming |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/knox-grammar-teacher-charged-on-a-child-grooming-offence-20240906-p5k8l1.html |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> William Gulson's employment was immediately terminated by Knox Grammar after his acts were made known to the school.

William Gulson has been granted conditional bail under the circumstances that he is not to enter the premises of Knox Grammar, come in contact with anybody under the age of 18 and is banned from using social media apps. During the court hearing, the prosecutor told the court that allegedly upon being told by the child that they were 15, Gulson allegedly replied: "Sorry dude, I feel super conflicted…do you find it hot that you are as old as some of my students?"<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-09-07 |title=Teacher from Knox Grammar allegedly asked 15yo if they 'found it hot' being the same age as his students |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-07/knox-grammar-teacher-allegedely-groomed-child-sydney-nsw/104323442 |access-date=2024-09-17 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref>

The case name for this incident is ''R v William Roberto Gulson.'' Gulson is currently appeared at Hornsby Local Court at 9:30am on 25 Sept 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=R v WILLIAM ROBERTO GULSON |url=https://onlineregistry.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/Landing.html?redir=/content/court-lists%3f |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=NSW Online Registry Courts and Tribunals}}</ref> Gulson had pled not guilty and was granted bail. He is scheduled to reappear on 18 December 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-25 |title=Former Sydney teacher pleads not guilty to grooming charge |url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/knox-grammar-school-court-former-teacher-pleads-not-guilty-to-grooming-charge/bbf43d67-93d5-4105-a06a-54ceffb46231 |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=www.9news.com.au}}</ref>

=== Inappropriate student chat room ===
In September 2022, 150 students<ref name=":0"/> (majorly Year 9 Knox students, with some girls and boys from other schools being involved) were discovered to have been participating in a [[Discord]] [[chat room]] titled 'Gang Gang' in which multiple [[Racism|racist]], [[Antisemitism|anti-semitic]], [[Misogyny|misogynistic]], and [[Homophobia|homophobic]] messages had been sent. It was confirmed that no child abuse material was sent on the server.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2022-09-05 |title=A Sydney private school's 'vile' group chat continues to shock |url=https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/a-sydney-private-schools-vile-group-chat-continues-to-shock/ |access-date=2022-12-11 |website=Women's Agenda |language=en-AU}}</ref> It was found that the chat was active for about two years, with the school becoming aware of it in August 2022 (in which it was discussed with parents, and where student withdrawals from the chat first began).<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Baker |first=Lucy Carroll, Jordan |date=2022-09-06 |title=Boys and girls at other schools 'involved' in Knox Grammar scandal |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/boys-and-girls-at-other-schools-involved-in-knox-grammar-scandal-20220906-p5bfxo.html |access-date=2022-12-11 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=News Desk |date=2022-09-03 |title=Knox Grammar is now being accused of covering up crisis {{!}} 7NEWS - The Global Herald |url=https://theglobalherald.com/news/knox-grammar-is-now-being-accused-of-covering-up-crisis-7news/ |access-date=2022-12-11 |language=en-US}}</ref> Material from the group chat was provided to the NSW Police Force,<ref name=":0" /> and Knox's principal, Scott James responded to the incident in a letter to parents, labelling the messages by students "unacceptable" and "contrary to the values and culture of Knox". The letter confirmed that students involved were either suspended or left the school, punishment decided on the student's contribution and participation in the chat. Twenty students in the chatroom met Knox's requirements for disciplinary action.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 1, 2022 |title='This is exactly why I'd never send my son to an elite all-boys school again' |url=https://www.kidspot.com.au/parenting/primary-school/this-is-exactly-why-id-never-send-my-son-to-an-elite-allboys-school-again/news-story/715c27edfd0055595dc5aa9b1b8635a9 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211131525/https://www.kidspot.com.au/parenting/primary-school/this-is-exactly-why-id-never-send-my-son-to-an-elite-allboys-school-again/news-story/715c27edfd0055595dc5aa9b1b8635a9 |archive-date=11 December 2022 |access-date=December 12, 2022 |website=Kidspot}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carroll |first=Lucy |date=2022-08-31 |title=Knox Grammar students suspended after posting offensive messages in chat group |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/knox-grammar-students-suspended-after-posting-offensive-messages-in-chat-group-20220831-p5bee2.html |access-date=2022-12-11 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" />

==Gallery==
<gallery class="center" mode="packed">
File:(1)Knox_Grammar_Preparatory_School_Wahroonga.jpg | Ewan House
File:(1)Knox Grammar School 044.jpg | Reception Building
File:(1)Knox Grammar School.jpg | Grand Stand
File:(1)Knox Grammar School 038a.jpg | Playing Field
File:(1)Knox Grammar Chapel.jpg | Chapel
File:(1)Knox Grammar School-1.jpg | Old Boys War Memorial
File:Knox Grammar School from Pacific Highway.jpg|View from Pacific Highway, with the War Memorial Gates in the foreground, the John Williams Memorial Hall on the left, and the Main Building on the right.
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[List of non-government schools in New South Wales]]
* [[List of boarding schools]]
* [[Lawrence Campbell Oratory Competition]]
* [[Knox Rugby Club]]
* [[St John's Uniting Church, Wahroonga]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* Mansfield, B. (1974). ''Knox, 1924–1974''. Sydney: John Sands.

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Knox Grammar School}}
* {{Official website|http://www.knox.nsw.edu.au/}}

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{{Combined Associated Schools}}
{{UCA Schools}}
{{Former PCA Schools}}

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[[Category:Boys' schools in New South Wales]]
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1924]]
[[Category:Uniting Church schools in Australia]]
[[Category:Boarding schools in New South Wales]]
[[Category:Private primary schools in Sydney]]
[[Category:Private secondary schools in Sydney]]
[[Category:People educated at Knox Grammar School| ]]
[[Category:Member schools of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference]]
[[Category:Rock Eisteddfod Challenge participants]]
[[Category:Combined Associated Schools]]
[[Category:Junior School Heads Association of Australia Member Schools]]
[[Category:1924 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:Wahroonga]]