Ella Clements, 24, faces new legal charges
Accusations of sexual misconduct against a minor student
A private school teacher has been charged with serious allegations following accusations that she engaged in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old student. Ella Clements, who teaches drama at St Augustine’s Brookvale, is now facing additional charges that could lead to life imprisonment if convicted.
The latest charge against Clements is ‘maintaining an unlawful relationship with a child as an adult.’ This charge applies when an adult is accused of engaging in two or more unlawful sexual acts with a minor. If found guilty, the maximum penalty for this offense is life in prison.
In addition to this primary charge, Clements is also facing three ‘back-up’ charges of ‘aggravated sexual intercourse with a child.’ However, police have withdrawn a separate charge related to ‘intentionally sexually touching a child.’
Clements was arrested on school grounds at the elite institution located on Sydney’s Northern Beaches in September 2025. The school, known for its high fees, charges up to $23,590 for Year 12 enrollment.
According to reports, Clements spent two nights in custody before being released on bail. She is now required to reside in a medical facility in NSW’s Northern Rivers region. Additionally, she must live with her family in Lennox Head under supervision.
Clements has not yet entered any pleas to the charges. She is scheduled to appear in person at the Downing Centre Local Court on June 4, where the case may be referred for further proceedings.
Following the arrest, the principal of St Augustine’s Brookvale, Jonathan Byrne, issued a statement to parents confirming that Clements had been placed on leave and subsequently terminated from her position.
‘As a parent, I acknowledge that an investigation like this will cause anxiety,’ Mr Byrne wrote.
‘We continue to work with police and relevant authorities, and in the meantime, our focus is on ensuring the privacy and wellbeing of the student and family.
‘Please respect that in this instance we are legally limited in what we can share, and have a primary consideration to protect the safety and wellbeing of the student. The judicial process must be allowed to run its natural course.’
It is reported that Clements had been employed at the school for at least a year prior to the allegations coming to light. The Catholic college serves boys from Years 5 to 12.
