Sydney's elite Waverley College has expelled six students over a bullying incident in which younger children were reportedly "humiliated''.
A statement from school principal Graham Leddie described "assault and humiliation-type behaviours" involving year 7 and year 9 students, aged between 12 and 14.
Mr Leddie said the younger students initially provoked the older ones by throwing fruit and water at them during lunchtime.
He said the older students reacted disproportionately to the boys who were two years their junior and "got out of hand".
Mr Leddie said some of the students who were attacked had nothing to do with provoking the older boys and were innocent victims.
"What started as some silly behaviour turned into assault and humiliation-type behaviours," he said.
"What took place was unacceptable on every level."
After an investigation by the school into the incident, six boys' enrolment at the elite eastern suburbs private school was revoked.
The school said it became aware of the incident in late October and immediately began investigating by gathering Information and speaking with the students and their parents.
"The result of those meetings was the cancellation of enrolment for those who actively participated in bullying behaviour," Mr Leddie said.
NSW Police said in a statement they are aware of the incident, but that no formal statements had been made and the matter was dealt with by the school.