Barker College is an independent coeducational school across three Hornsby campuses offering a traditional, structured approach with strong pastoral care.
NAPLAN well above the national average at every tested year level; the result is an A- overall.
Barker College is an independent coeducational school across three Hornsby campuses offering a traditional, structured approach with strong pastoral care. It's known for its internationally recognised Robotics program and thriving Music program, alongside outdoor education that reaches across all year groups. The school serves gifted learners through scholarships, supports those needing extra help via its dedicated Marri Mittigar assistance school, and emphasises Indigenous education woven through the curriculum. Parents report a tight-knit community feel. Facilities include the Barker Aquatic Centre. This school suits families wanting established structures, hands-on learning pathways, and a school that knows their child by name.
Barker College is also known as Barker Hornsby.
10 HSC Top Achievers — #14 of 240 New South Wales schools.
Barker College has an overall SchoolRank score of 75.4/100, rated "Excellent". This score is calculated from academic results, student growth, wellbeing, programs, and value for money. Academically, the school grades A (Excellent) against other Australian schools. The school's ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) is 1166 (97th percentile; the national average is 1,000).
In 2025 NAPLAN testing at Barker College, Year 3 students averaged 486 across the tested NAPLAN domains, well above the national average of 407 for that year level, and Year 5 students averaged 559, well above the national average of 490 for that year level, and Year 7 students averaged 612, well above the national average of 540 for that year level, and Year 9 students averaged 635, well above the national average of 569 for that year level. Relative to national year-level averages, the school's strongest domain is Numeracy. National averages are specific to each year level, because NAPLAN scores are scaled so older year levels score higher. A school-wide average can't be compared with a single national figure.
Barker College is a large Independent combined school with approximately 2,856 students. It offers education for years K-12. As an Independent school, enrolment typically involves an application process. Contact the school directly for enrolment criteria, waiting lists, and open day information.
Barker College has approximate annual tuition fees of $35,226. Actual fees may vary by year level, and additional costs for uniforms, camps, and extracurricular activities typically apply. The school grades B (Average) for value for money, which weighs academic results against the cost of attendance.
Barker College has a student-to-teacher ratio of 10.1:1. This is below the national average of approximately 14:1, meaning students generally receive more individual attention. Support staff make up 45% of the workforce, providing additional learning assistance and pastoral care. The student attendance rate is 95%, which is excellent.
In the 2025 HSC, 26 students at Barker College were all-round achievers, with results in the top band across 10 or more units. The school had 10 top achiever places across 2025 HSC courses. 0% of students received a university offer.
Barker College is located in Hornsby, NSW, in a major city. Its ICSEA is 1166 (97th percentile; the national average is 1,000). ICSEA measures the advantage of a school's community, from its parents' education and occupation, not the school's quality. A school with a lower ICSEA and strong academic results may be teaching particularly effectively.