Mount Barker Primary is a government school with a distinctive breadth of learning programs.
NAPLAN 21 points below national year-level averages and solid student growth; the result is a B overall.
Mount Barker Primary is a government school with a distinctive breadth of learning programs. All students learn Auslan alongside their core subjects, and the school runs a dedicated Performing Arts program. Its Visible Learning approach and extension groups in literacy and numeracy support students at different levels. The school has earned recognition as a regional centre for students with complex learning differences, backed by a well-being leader and NDIS partnerships. The community is tight-knit and pastoral, with a strong emphasis on outdoor and experiential learning. Kids perform in the annual concert, compete in district sports and maths olympiads, and learn in dedicated Early Years and bushland-adjacent settings. It suits families valuing inclusive practice, arts and languages, and a school rooted in its natural surroundings.
Mount Barker Primary School is also known as MBPS, Mount Barker PS and MBPS Mount Barker.
Mount Barker Primary School has an overall SchoolRank score of 54.9/100, rated "Average". This score is calculated from academic results, student growth, wellbeing, programs, and value for money. Academically, the school grades B− (Slightly below average) against other Australian schools. The school's ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) is 1016 (54th percentile; the national average is 1,000). Notably, student growth grades B+ (Good).
In 2025 NAPLAN testing at Mount Barker Primary School, Year 3 students averaged 376 across the tested NAPLAN domains, below the national average of 407 for that year level, and Year 5 students averaged 478, below the national average of 490 for that year level. 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.
Mount Barker Primary School is a small government primary school with approximately 326 students. It offers education for years U, R-6. As a government school, enrolment is generally available to students living within the school's designated catchment zone. Families outside the zone may apply for out-of-area placement subject to availability.
Mount Barker Primary School is a government school, so there are no tuition fees. Families may be asked to contribute to voluntary school fees covering materials, excursions, and activities. The school grades B (Average) for value for money, which weighs academic results against the cost of attendance.
Mount Barker Primary School has a student-to-teacher ratio of 13.7:1. This is around the national average of approximately 14:1, meaning class sizes are typical for Australian schools. Support staff make up 37% of the workforce, providing additional learning assistance and pastoral care. The student attendance rate is 89%, which is good.
Mount Barker Primary School is located in Mount Barker, SA, in a major city. Its ICSEA is 1016 (54th 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.