The two women have named several former teachers in alleging they were victims of a culture of sexual grooming and abuse by teachers at the school in the late 1970s and early 1990s.

The claims allege the abuse was brought to the attention of the Department of Education but not acted upon.

Both women say they have suffered significant depressive illness and trauma throughout their lives as a result of the alleged abuse.

The statements of claim were lodged in the District Court on April 21.

One woman is taking action against a former teacher. She was a student at Port High between 1976 and 1981.

The alleged sexual abuse began when she was 17 and involved a lengthy period of grooming by the teacher.

It is alleged the woman was provided with alcohol at the teacher's home, and that the teacher engaged in sex with her while she was intoxicated.

Another woman has alleged in 1980, a group of 20 students were invited to the home of a teacher where they were provided with alcohol by other teachers in attendance.

She alleges the teacher took her to his bedroom where he performed a sex act on her, then forced her to reciprocate.

Four weeks later, she alleges a second incident occurred after they had been at a pub in Long Flat. The teacher allegedly supplied her with enough alcoholic drinks to make her drunk, took her home and engaged in sex.

Both are taking action against the Department of Education for breaching its duty of care.

The Port News was told a complaint was made to the Department of Education in 1980 by two parents about an alleged perpetrator.

The women claim they were sexually exploited while under the authority, control and trust of a group of teachers at the school who participated regularly in inappropriate and sexual relations with students in their care.

The women are being represented by Port Macquarie law firm Scott Mackenzie Lawyers.

Solicitor Mandy Mackenzie from Scott Mackenzie Lawyers confirmed proceedings had commenced.

"We anticipate that these most recent filed statements of claims in the District Court of New South Wales will not be the last," she said.

"Only last week our instructed Counsel, Mr David Hooke SC and Mr Dean Woodbury from Sydney, attended the township of Port Macquarie pertaining to these matters."

The first statement of claim was lodged in December 2019 against a teacher and the Department.

Three women have now launched formal legal action.

In May 2019, the Port News spoke to a number of women who allege they were targeted and groomed by teachers at the school over a 20-year period.

The women said the abuse had a devastating impact on their lives.

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