Barker is a fully coed Anglican day and boarding school, 25 km north of Sydney. 

Curriculum

No two days at Barker are ever the same. Students are constantly challenging themselves – and being challenged – as they grow, expand their minds and learn to think big, practically and independently.

From Pre-Kindergarten through to the Senior years, students are exposed to a range of diverse opportunities and experiences. Through this, they’re able to develop resilience and adaptability within a supportive environment. By celebrating the differences in every student, Barker is a place where every student belongs, is valued and loves to be.

Facilities

Set on 50 acres, Barker offers outstanding facilities including Drama and lecture theatres; Music and Design Centres; dedicated Science building; Aquatic Centre, and several playing fields, including a purpose designed Sports and Learning Precinct featuring five court spaces, gym and exercise spaces, rooms for dance and general purpose teaching areas. The School has recently opened a Senior School Hub – this mass timber construction features 22 Maths classrooms, quiet study areas for Senior School students and a Dining Commons.

Co-Curricular Activities

The experience inside the classroom is only one part of a Barker education. Co-curricular activities deepen the school experience for all our students, and from the arts to the sporting field, students are encouraged to challenge themselves and uncover their talents.

For Pre-K to Year 6 students we offer a broad range of sporting, cultural and recreational co-curricular activities. Throughout Years 7 to 12, our students have even greater opportunities to pursue their passions. As well as Drama, Music, Cadets and over 20 different sports, Barker students can challenge themselves in the areas of robotics, debating and public speaking.

Our Secondary School students also take part in compulsory Outdoor Education Camps. In this unfamiliar environment, students connect with the natural world while building leadership and teamwork skills.

Boarding Information

Coeducational boarding is a unique experience offered to our senior students, starting in Year 9. By learning, growing and living together, students form bonds that will often last a lifetime.

Families can consider keeping their children closer to home until the end of Year 8 and then elect to enter boarding from the start of Year 9. Barker offers a number of programs that aim to support the boarders to find their role as citizens of the world. The programs have a focus on the development of life skills, personal resilience, mental fitness and encouraging students to develop their individual strengths.

Wellbeing

There is an established and active pastoral care House structure for all students from Pre-K to Year 12. Students attend chapel once a week and Connect Groups twice a week. Good cross-school mentoring and supportive relationships are important for the wellbeing and sense of belonging of young people at Barker.

A Range of Opportunities

The experience inside the classroom is only one part of a Barker education. Co-curricular activities deepen the school experience for all our students, and from the arts to the sporting field, students are encouraged to challenge themselves and uncover their talents.

For Pre-K to Year 6 students we offer a broad range of sporting, cultural and recreational co-curricular activities. Throughout years 7 to 12, our students have even greater opportunities to pursue their passions. As well as Drama, Music, Cadets and over 20 different sports, Barker students can challenge themselves in the areas of robotics, debating and public speaking.

Our Secondary School students also take part in compulsory Outdoor Education Camps. In this unfamiliar environment, students connect with the natural world while building leadership and teamwork skills.

Boarding at Barker

Barker Boarding dates back to Day one, where The Reverend Henry Plume established a small, Christian living environment, to help students achieve their best.

Discover a home away from home at Barker Boarding, where tradition meets modern comfort. With a rich history of nurturing young minds, our small boarding house accommodates just 60 students, ensuring a close-knit community where every boarder is known and valued.

Why Choose Us?

• ·         Fully Refurbished Boarding Houses: Enjoy the comfort of air-conditioned rooms and well-appointed common areas.
• ·         Beautiful Campus: Our picturesque grounds provide the ideal environment for study and relaxation.
• ·         Academic Support: Benefit from evening prep sessions with access to dedicated tutoring.
• ·         Spiritual Growth: Participate in our weekly chapel services, fostering a sense of community and personal growth.
• ·         Personal Attention: With a small number of boarders, our staff can provide personalised care and support.
• ·         Coeducational Boarding: Brothers and sisters can enjoy the same boarding experience.

Families can consider keeping their children closer to home until the end of Year 8 and then elect to enter boarding from the start of Year 9. During the Senior years, the boarding environment has proven to be of benefit to many students as they focus on their academic program whilst maintaining a busy but balanced life. The necessity to develop independent-living skills and resilience is supported by strong Pastoral Care networks and programs.

Tour our School

We invite you to join us on a tour of the School. Regular tours of Barker are run throughout each School term.  Barker does not have an Open Day, as we prefer to show you around the School on a normal working day. To book a tour call (02) 8438 7207 or visit https://www.barker.college/enrolments/book-a-tour

Barker College is located at the junction of the North Shore and Central Coast railway lines, and just at the start of the Sydney-Newcastle Freeway.  The School operates several private bus services from the Northern Beaches, Terrey Hills, St Ives, Lower North Shore, Arcadia, Northbridge, Balgowlah and Narrabeen.

Barker offers a number of Scholarships including Academic, Co-curricular, Boarding and Music Scholarships to students entering Year 7 and boarding in Year 10.  In addition to the Scholarship Examination, the School uses school reports, NAPLAN results, questionnaires and other criteria in its decision regarding the awarding of scholarships.  Apply for Scholarships online at www.barker.college

View our latest HSC Results for 2024 here

Barker College Students Embrace Global Citizenship in Dubai

Barker College students recently embarked on an unforgettable journey to Dubai for the 2025 Round Square International Conference (RSIC), immersing themselves in a week of cultural exchange, leadership, and discovery. From the very first evening, the delegation was welcomed with a magical desert experience, camel rides across the sand dunes, fireworks lighting up thenight sky, and traditional performances under the stars. It was a fitting introduction to the spirit of adventure and connection that defines Round Square.

The opening ceremony set the tone with a spectacular show of song and dance, reminding delegates of the values at the heart of Round Square; Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service. These themes guided the week’s activities, oPering students opportunities to reflect on what it truly means to be a global citizen. Environmentalism Day challenged students to think critically about climate change, beginning with workshops that explored the causes and consequences of human activity. The afternoon brought learning to life with a scavenger hunt at Aventura Park, where students discovered the intricacies of the local ecosystem. The day concluded with a cultural performance, creatively expressing environmental themes through dance and song.

Service Day was equally impactful. After hearing from a keynote speaker and visiting a temple, Barker students joined peers from around the world in inclusivity activities that simulated disabilities, giving students a difference in perspectives whilst they sparked conversations and friendships. The evening’s exploration of Dubai’s bustling souks added a vibrant cultural dimension to the day.

Adventure Day highlighted the importance of balance, beginning with yoga and meditation led by The Indian High School. Students then toured some of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, including the Museum of the Future, Burj al Arab, Atlantis Hotel, and the famous gold and spice souks.

The final day offered deep reflection, with a keynote speaker distinguishing between philanthropy and charity, encouraging delegates to consider how they might contribute meaningfully to society. At the closing ceremony, Barker College proudly announced that it will host the Round Square International Conference in 2026. Head of Barker College Phillip Heath AM introduced the theme, “Visions of the Future from an Ancient Land”, inviting the world to reflect on Australia’s future, one grounded in the wisdom of the world’s oldest continuous culture, shaped by its colonial past, and enriched by the vibrant spirit of multiculturalism.

Barker College is thrilled to welcome delegates from across the globe to Sydney from Monday 28 September to Saturday 3 October 2026. The conference promises to be a celebration of ideas, diversity, and shared vision.

A Barker education is shaped by our focus on preparing for a life beyond the school gates. We seek to expose
our students to diverse opportunities and experiences, so that they are able to develop resilience and adaptability
within a supportive environment.

There are two distinct differences at Barker College. One is that it’s a school that deliberately and intentionally allows
people to thrive in a holistic sense – emotionally, physiologically, physically, academically. 

The second thing is that we have a firm coeducational identity and a firm expression of that. It’s a view that
everybody can find a place and thrive irrespective of interests, skillset or capacity and be committed to doing
that in a way that brings young men and young women together for the proper expression of human interaction and identity.

We have a beautiful heritage at Barker, yet we are preparing students for a future that will be far less defined by gender roles than in the past.

The Christian heritage of Barker is the inspiration for our values and purpose. We draw on the rich narrative of the life
of Jesus yet welcome all traditions into our diverse community.

This is an exciting time to be considering a Barker education for your child. The School’s culture is inclusive, innovative and full of hope for the future. We are very excited about the years that lie ahead and extend a warm invitation to you to come and visit us so that we may show you what Barker has to offer your child.

Phillip Heath AM
BA (Hons), MA (Hons), DipEd, FACE, FACEL