BREAKING NEWS: Parents Not Told as Atwell College Teacher Faces Alleged Indecent Assault Charge

Parents at a Perth school were reportedly not told a teacher working with their children was facing an alleged indecent assault charge involving an adult woman.

The Atwell College teacher is understood to have continued working with students while the criminal matter makes its way through the courts.

The allegation has not been proven and the teacher is entitled to the presumption of innocence.

But the situation has raised questions about why parents were not informed and what safeguards were considered before the teacher continued in a student facing role.

In Western Australia, being charged with an offence does not necessarily prevent a teacher from continuing to work.

But for parents, the question is whether they should have been told someone entrusted with teaching and supervising their children was facing an allegation of this nature.

It is also unclear whether a formal risk assessment was undertaken, whether relevant screening authorities were notified or whether any additional safeguards were imposed.

WA in Focus has approached Atwell College and the WA Minister for Education seeking answers, including why parents were not advised and what processes were followed before the teacher was permitted to continue working with students.

At the time of publication, WA in Focus was yet to receive a response.

He is due to reappear in Armadale Magistrates Court in late August.

UPDATE: 22 AUGUST 2026, TEACHER PLEADS NOT GUILTY

Jordan Vale from WA in Focus attended Armadale Magistrates Court today as the criminal matter involving an Atwell College teacher returned before the court.

The court heard the alleged incident occurred in April 2026. The teacher has been charged with indecent assault and has entered a plea of not guilty.

The matter will return to court in December 2026, to determine a trial date.

The charge remains an allegation. No finding of guilt has been made and the accused is entitled to the presumption of innocence.

WA in Focus will continue following the proceedings and the broader questions raised about the processes and safeguards in place while the matter has been before the courts.

UPDATE: 01 SEPTEMBER 2026

Almost four weeks have passed since WA in Focus contacted Atwell College, the WA Minister for Education and the Shadow Minister for Education seeking comment on the matters raised in our earlier reporting.

At the time of this update, we have received no response from any party.

Our enquiries sought clarification about parental notification, whether a formal risk assessment was undertaken, whether relevant screening authorities were notified and what safeguards were considered.

These questions concern how the school and education authorities assess and manage concerns involving staff, and how those decisions are communicated to families.

We welcome a response from all three and will update readers if one is received.