Canberra Grammar School investigates after list ranking female students' appearance circulated

A prestigious Canberra private school is investigating after male students created a list ranking the appearance of female students and shared it on a year level group chat.

The head of Canberra Grammar School, Justin Garrick, sent an email to staff and parents of students in the affected year level last month informing them that "demeaning commentary" had been circulating among the cohort.

The ABC has chosen not to name the year level.

"I am writing to parents and staff only — not students — because we are still investigating," Mr Garrick said in the email on 24 July, adding that the school was taking the matter "very seriously".

The ABC has obtained a heavily redacted copy of the list, which contains 100 names.

It includes a colour-coded ranking system and scores of "S" to "F".

The ranking system is understood to be derived from a grading system in which the highest tier "S" means "superb" or "super" and sits above the traditional "A" to "F" grading system.

Concerned families contacted school

In a second email sent to families last Wednesday, also seen by the ABC, the school said it had been contacted by families since news of the list emerged.

"We appreciate the honest and thoughtful conversations we have had over the past few days, as well as the support and understanding shown by our parent community while we have worked through this situation,"

the email said.

"Supporting young people through complex matters requires time, sensitivity and care, and we have been mindful of this throughout our response."

The school met with students from the affected cohort last Wednesday to offer support, including from the school's psychologist and chaplain.

"Our intention is to acknowledge that this situation has had an impact on many within the year group, to reinforce the importance of respect and dignity for all members of our community, and to encourage students to consider how they can work together positively as the cohort moves forward," the email said.

Canberra Grammar School has been contacted for comment.

Canberra Grammar School has been operating since 1929, and started out with just 50 male students.

In 2017, it began accepting female students.

Canberra Girls Grammar School operates separately, and accepts only female students.

The Canberra Grammar School Parents and Friends Association declined to comment, as did Canberra Girls Grammar School.