# Overview
Barker College is an independent Anglican day school located in Hornsby, NSW, offering education from Preparatory through to Year 12. It is a large school community that combines strong academic expectations with a broad range of sport and co-curricular opportunities, all within a supportive, values-driven environment.
The school typically features moderate class sizes (low- to mid-20s for many year levels) and emphasizes a balanced culture that is both academically rigorous and inclusive. The atmosphere is often described as nurturing and community-minded, with a focus on character development, leadership, and teamwork alongside scholastic achievement.
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# Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: strong emphasis on STEM, English, leadership development, and languages, supported by a robust curriculum and enrichment activities.
- Special programs: opportunities for accelerated learning and gifted-and-talented pathways, as well as leadership programs and language immersion options where available.
- NAPLAN trends: recent years typically show steady improvement in literacy and numeracy results across year levels, with strong performance in senior years.
- Student-teacher ratios: generally in the low-to-mid teens in primary and around the low teens to early teens in secondary, supporting a relatively high level of teacher access and guidance.
- Support for diverse learners: dedicated learning support and EAL (English as an Additional Language) assistance, with inclusive education practices and access to wellbeing staff for students needing additional help.
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# Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: rugby, cricket, soccer, basketball, swimming, athletics, tennis, and other school-wide sport programs typical of large NSW independent schools.
- Strong teams or achievements: competitive inter-school teams across major NSW competitions, with emphasis on participation, development, and achievement in sport.
- Music, arts, drama programs: active music ensembles, choirs, and drama productions, plus opportunities for performance in the performing arts.
- Clubs: robotics, chess, coding, debating, and various academic and interest-based clubs; regular inter-school and intramural opportunities.
- Partnerships: connections with local clubs, academies, and competitions to extend training and competitive opportunities for students.
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# Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: explicit anti-bullying policies, clear reporting pathways, and a culture of respect and responsibility.
- House system: house-based activities and competitions foster belonging, teamwork, and healthy friendly rivalry.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to school counselling and wellbeing staff to support mental health, transition, and personal development.
- Transition support for new students: structured induction programs, buddy systems, and targeted supports to help new students settle in.
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# Facilities
- Sports grounds: extensive playing fields and courts to support a wide range of sports.
- Libraries: well-stocked learning spaces with quiet study areas and access to digital resources.
- Science labs: equipped laboratories for biology, chemistry, physics, and interdisciplinary STEM work.
- Music/performing arts centers: dedicated spaces for rehearsals, performances, and productions.
- Tech/innovation labs: modern classrooms and labs supporting robotics, coding, and digital learning.
- Cafeteria: on-site dining facilities with varied meal options.
- Updated playgrounds: well-maintained play and recreation spaces for younger students.
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# School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: a values-led education focusing on integrity, service, excellence, respect, and community.
- Leadership style: distributed and student-inclusive leadership with formal roles (e.g., student council) and staff mentorship.
- Behaviour expectations: high standards of conduct with restorative practices and clear guidelines for student behaviour.
- Community reputation: widely regarded as a reputable, established independent school with active parental involvement and community engagement.
- Diversity & inclusion: commitment to an inclusive environment with attention to diversity across the student body and programs.
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# School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: typical start and finish times aligned with NSW school calendars, with variations by year level.
- Before/after school care: availability of supervised programs or wrap-around care in alignment with school policies.
- Uniform requirements: formal uniform (with seasonal variations) and designated dress codes for different year levels.
- Transport (train/bus routes): access to school bus services and proximity to public transport options; specific routes vary and are coordinated with the school.
- Canteen availability: on-site catering or canteen services offering daily meal options.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): fees are in the higher range relative to public schooling, with information typically available through the admissions office; scholarships or bursaries may be offered.
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# Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Generally, families submit an application, then attend information sessions or open days. Shortlisted applicants may complete assessments or interviews, followed by offers and enrollment steps. Timelines vary by year level and intake, so check the school’s admissions calendar for current details.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists are common for popular year levels. Priority may be given to siblings and certain criteria, with the length of the waitlist influenced by year level and available places.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry commonly involves an application, year-level appropriate assessments or interviews, and review of academic records. Some cohorts may require additional information or audition materials for specific programs (e.g., performing arts or advanced STEM).
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered where places are available and all documentation (reports, records, and any testing) can be arranged in a timely manner.
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# Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A combination of strong academic outcomes, a values-based culture, broad co-curricular opportunities, pastoral care, and a supportive community.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who are motivated, collaborative, value both academics and extracurriculars, and respond well to structured support and leadership opportunities.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Access to accelerated or advanced coursework, leadership programs, STEM and language enrichment, high-quality sports programs, music ensembles, drama and arts productions, and a wide range of clubs.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular emails, newsletters, a parent portal, progress reports, and scheduled parent-teacher interviews.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A student-centered, inquiry-based approach that uses collaboration, technology, differentiation, and real-world application to develop understanding.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- On-site learning support, EAL assistance, targeted tutoring or small-group intervention, and access to wellbeing staff.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Individualised plans, pastoral care, tutoring options, and ongoing assessment to guide adjustment and improvement.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are generally in the low-to-mid-20s, with teachers offering targeted support, after-class assistance, and small-group options where needed.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A wide range of sports (as listed earlier), plus robotics, chess, coding, debating, music, theatre, and other clubs and societies.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Comprehensive facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/arts centers, tech/innovation labs, and dining facilities.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital tools across the curriculum, with a focus on developing digital literacy, inquiry, and responsible use of technology.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- School-provided transport options where available, plus guidance on public transport routes and accessibility considerations.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are positioned in the private-school range with typical add-ons (uniforms, excursions, activities); scholarships or bursaries may be available.
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# Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Strong academic culture with wide-ranging co-curriculars
- Comprehensive wellbeing and pastoral care
- Robust facilities across science, arts, and technology
- Supportive community and clear values-based environment
- Broad sport and club opportunities to suit diverse interests
- Cons
- Higher cost compared with public schools
- Competitive environment may be challenging for some families
- Large school size can mean less tight-knit familiarity in very large cohorts
- Transit and commute considerations for some families
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