Melbourne private school teacher facing sex charges

A veteran teacher at a top private school in Melbourne has been charged with historic sexual offences that include indecent assault and gross indecency.

The 60-year-old teacher at Ivanhoe Grammar was charged last week with 33 counts relating to a male student at the school when the boy was aged 15 and 16, the Herald Sun reports.

The alleged offences date back 25 years.

Parents at the co-ed school were alerted to the criminal charges via an email from Ivanhoe acting principal Gerard Foley last night.

"On becoming aware of the charges the teacher has immediately voluntarily stood down and has no further contact with the school while these matters are pending," he said in the email.

"The school is not aware of any risk to any current students."

One parent described the teacher as much well respected and said he was involved in many aspects of the school community.

It is understood former pupil confronted the teacher as part of a police investigation.

The man is due to appear in court at the end of May.