Statement regarding The Daily Telegraph article of 10 November 2025

The Athena School is deeply disappointed by the lack of ethical standards demonstrated by The Daily Telegraph journalist, Eilidh Sproul-Mellis, as evidenced in the article published on 10 November 2025.

Despite being provided with factual information, the reporter chose to ignore the following key points:

• The primary source relied upon by the journalist has no current knowledge of the state of Athena School, having attended the school over 30 years ago briefly in Kindergarten to Yr 2.
  

• Athena undergoes a comprehensive, independent inspection by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) every five years. NESA inspects different aspects of our school, including the curriculum, governance, child protection, and more, to ensure our compliance with The Education Act.
  

• Athena School follows the same curriculum as other schools in New South Wales, as set and approved by NESA.
  

• Study Technology is simply a supplementary learning tool designed to help students better understand the curriculum. Our students are not taught religious doctrine, nor are they engaged in any religious course. The term “misunderstood word” simply refers to words that students may not fully comprehend. Study Technology emphasizes the importance of thoroughly understanding the curriculum students are learning, and it helps them engage with their studies in a way that prepares them for real-world application.
  

• Athena does not use government funding to pay license fees to Applied Scholastics. Any fees associated with Study Technology are paid separately, and in full compliance with all relevant regulations. Our financial records are independently audited each year to ensure transparency and compliance with the Education Act.
  

• Athena’s student body is made up of individuals from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. Any suggestion that Athena is part of a broader strategy to indoctrinate children into religion is entirely false.
  

• Athena actively supports students in pursuing higher education, with many of our graduates continuing their studies in various fields, including HSC, University, Apprenticeships, and full-time employment.
  

• All of our teaching staff are fully qualified, holding the appropriate degrees and certifications required by NESA. Our teachers come from a variety of backgrounds, both religious and non-religious, and are trained in the Applied Scholastics educational methodology.

  
  

Despite being fully aware of these facts, the reporter proceeded to publish misleading and inaccurate information. One cannot help but question the motive behind such unethical and unfair reporting.

Anyone who wishes to receive a copy of our full response, which was sent to the reporter prior to the publication of the articles, can contact our receptionist and request a copy. This response clearly shows that the reporter proceeded with the articles knowing of their inaccuracy.

The Athena School is committed to transparency, integrity, and the well-being of our students. We remain dedicated to providing a high-quality, inclusive education for all our students.

Board of Directors

12 November 2025