The Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) has suspended the teaching registration of 82-year-old Faye Berryman on an interim basis, following concerns raised by parents and former students about Fitzroy Community School in Melbourne. The decision was reported on Thursday, 27 August 2026, as investigations by Victorian authorities and Victoria Police continue. The interim suspension means Berryman is currently unable to teach in any Victorian school while the regulatory investigation proceeds.

Berryman co-founded Fitzroy Community School with her husband, Philip O'Carroll, in 1976. The alternative primary school began in their family home and has operated in Melbourne for around five decades. Berryman has taught at the school's Brunswick Street campus for many years and was recognised in 2020 with a Medal of the Order of Australia for significant services to education.

The latest regulatory action comes after multiple complaints were made by parents and former students to the Victorian Institute of Teaching. The school is also facing investigations involving Victorian regulators and Victoria Police. Authorities are examining allegations and concerns relating to the school, its staff and its historical operations.

The VIT has confirmed that Berryman's suspension is an interim measure while investigations are conducted. It is important to distinguish an interim regulatory decision from a final finding of misconduct. The suspension does not by itself establish that allegations against Berryman have been proven.

Berryman is not the only member of the school's founding family to face regulatory scrutiny. Her son, Nick Berryman, a former teacher at the school, has also been suspended from teaching and is expected to face a formal VIT hearing. Her other son, Tim Berryman, who previously served as principal, is also under investigation. The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority has previously found several family members unfit to hold senior positions in Victorian schools.

Fitzroy Community School itself has been subject to regulatory reviews. The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority conducted reviews in 2021 and 2025 and imposed conditions on the school's registration. Those conditions remain in place and include requirements concerning governance, board meeting records and the reporting of complaints.

Victoria Police has confirmed that matters connected with allegations concerning the school remain under review. Police have encouraged anyone with information about alleged criminal offending to come forward, regardless of how long ago the conduct is alleged to have occurred.

The school has also appointed former Australian Federal Police detective Simon Davies to conduct an independent investigation into allegations. Davies said his investigation would need to take account of any police investigation because some allegations may involve potential criminal matters.

The developments have attracted significant attention because Fitzroy Community School has operated for 50 years and developed a distinctive reputation for its alternative approach to education. The current investigations are examining concerns raised about the school's past and present operations.

The situation remains ongoing, with regulators, police and the school's independent investigator continuing their respective inquiries. Further decisions about Berryman's teaching registration will depend on the evidence and the outcome of the regulatory process.

Parents and former students who have information or concerns about teachers associated with the school are being encouraged by the VIT to contact the regulator. Any criminal allegations remain allegations unless established through the appropriate legal process.