Former IT Teacher Sentenced for Knife Attack on School Principal
Kim Ramchen, 37, received a 15-month prison sentence after attacking Keysborough Secondary College's principal with two knives in a classroom office.
Melbourne, Victoria — A former IT teacher has been sentenced to 15 months' imprisonment for a knife attack on the principal of Keysborough Secondary College. The attack occurred at the school's Acacia campus on December 2, 2025.
The Incident
On December 2, 2025, Kim Ramchen entered the office of Principal Aaron Sykes. He took a 10-centimetre knife from the staff kitchen, held it to Sykes' throat, and a struggle ensued during which both fell to the floor.
Two teachers intervened and pulled Ramchen off Sykes. Ramchen then retrieved a larger chef's knife from the kitchen and returned to attack Sykes again. Three staff members, including the deputy principal, restrained Ramchen until emergency services arrived. The school was placed in lockdown during the incident.
Principal Sykes sustained cuts to his jaw, face, arms, and back. He has not returned to work since the attack.
Legal Proceedings
Ramchen pleaded guilty on Wednesday to charges of assault with a weapon, unlawful assault, and intentionally causing injury at Melbourne Magistrates' Court.
On May 11, 2026, Deputy Chief Magistrate Tim Bourke sentenced Ramchen to 15 months' imprisonment with a non-parole period of eight months and 14 days. The sentence accounted for 160 days already served. Bourke stated that without the guilty plea, the sentence would have been 20 months with a 12-month non-parole period.
Background and Context
According to police statements, Ramchen reported that he "mentally snapped" after learning his teaching contract would not be renewed for 2026. He stated he believed he was treated unjustly and considered the principal primarily responsible. Ramchen said his intention was to incapacitate the principal and that he acted on impulse.
"He acted on impulse after learning his contract would not be renewed."
Ramchen's defense counsel cited several personal factors, including:
- Marriage problems
- Opioid addiction
- Undiagnosed mental health issues
Since the incident, Ramchen has been diagnosed with autism and depression with anxious distress.
Court documents noted Ramchen's difficult upbringing: his mother disappeared when he was four years old, and his father died of cancer when he was a teenager. He holds a PhD in computer networks and had no prior history of violence.
Sentencing Remarks
Magistrate Bourke stated that the offending was "serious" and occurred in a school environment with children present. The prosecution noted that the attack on school grounds was a highly aggravating factor and that Ramchen showed no remorse.
Aftermath
Principal Sykes expressed gratitude to the staff who intervened, including a library team member who provided first aid, an assistant principal, and a business team member. He said he received support from across the state and country.
The Department of Education stated it continues to work with the school to provide wellbeing support. Sykes remains on WorkCover and has not returned to work.