An elite Melbourne private school is reportedly facing fresh allegations of historical child abuse claims.

Scotch College settled five child abuse cases dating back more than 20 years earlier this year, but two fresh claims have been made, The Age reports.

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In a letter to the school community, principal Tom Batty confirmed two additional allegations had been made, with potentially more to come.

“It is not possible to imagine the suffering caused by those who betrayed the trust placed in them to care for boys at their most vulnerable,” he wrote.

“In reaching out to old boys and dealing with their concerns, the school believes it is being transparent and supportive to those it failed, while being respectful of the widespread desire amongst old boys for privacy.”

Only the number of legal claims — not total allegations — have been revealed.

Adults Surviving Child Abuse president Dr Cathy Kezelman told The Age the school should be more forthcoming with dates.

But the school was still taking a reasonable and balanced approach to such a sensitive issue, she said.

“It sounds like a proactive approach,” she said. “It allows people to maintain their privacy while also acknowledging that some people will choose to go public with it.”

The Presbyterian-run school has offered ongoing support to abuse survivors, including from the school’s psychologist.

The college acknowledged the abuse for the first time in May – a move considered to be a breakthrough for abuse survivors and their advocates.

In a letter to the school community in May – sent out by the school’s alumni group – the school acknowledged the trauma some students had faced, “that continues to impact on their health and well-being”.

Of the five allegations that have already been settled, most related to one teacher who taught at Scotch College for several decades in the 1950s and 60s and has since died.

Abuse survivors have also been encouraged to contact the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

The Commission is looking into the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Australia today.

For help or information visit beyondblue.org.au or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.