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Coed Boarding for Years 10 - 12

Boarding at Barker College: A Home Away from Home

Imagine waking up every day in a place where school and home blend seamlessly, your best friends are your roommates, and your weekends are filled with exciting activities and adventures. It’s a place where students from regional NSW are building lifelong friendships, gaining independence, and having a blast along the way.

Meet some of the students who call Barker home and hear the stories about what makes Barker boarding so special.

Noah Evans: A Legacy of Trust

Noah Evans, a Year 11 student from Dumaresq Island in the Barrington Coast, is the third son in his family to board at Barker College. His parents, Amanda and Craig, were drawn to Barker by its inclusive atmosphere and genuine concern for student wellbeing. They appreciated the coeducational environment and the accessibility of Mr. Heath, whose involvement and sincerity were pivotal in their decision.

For Noah, the camaraderie among boarders stands out. His favourite memory is last year’s Year 12 Farewell dinner, followed by a touch football game and a reflective evening in the West Wing. The small size of the boarding community and the quality of the food also contribute to the unique Barker experience.

Mia Hobson: Close-Knit Connections

Mia Hobson, a Year 12 student from Albury, NSW, chose Barker for its coeducational setting. Her parents, Fleur and David, value the close-knit, family-like atmosphere of the boarding community. Mia’s favourite aspect of boarding is the strong connections she has made with her peers, particularly enjoying the experience of sharing a room with her closest friends.

Millie Thompson: From Farm to City

Millie Thompson, a Year 12 student from a cattle farm north of Bathurst, transitioned to Barker College from an all-girls boarding school. Her family had a long-standing connection with Barker through the Agriculture department, hosting HSC Ag classes since 2006. Millie embraced the change, appreciating the coeducational environment and the balance between the large school setting and the intimate boarding community.

Millie enjoys the independence and the opportunity to experience city life while maintaining her love for the farm. Her parents, Dimity and Ross, were impressed by the respect between male and female boarders and the liberal yet structured environment at Barker.

The Crowther Brothers: Broadening Horizons

Daniel and Andrew Crowther, along with their older brother Josh, hail from Upper Rouchel in the Upper Hunter Valley. Their parents, Wendy and Darren, chose Barker for its coeducational boarding starting in Year 10, allowing the boys to mature at home before transitioning to boarding life.

The Crowthers were impressed by Barker’s genuine and down-to-earth approach, the ease of access from their rural home, and the broad range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. The boys have thrived in the competitive yet supportive environment, making close friendships and broadening their social networks.

Andrew’s favourite aspect of boarding is the people and the atmosphere, with touch football games being a highlight. Daniel enjoys late-night conversations and the camaraderie of Friday night wrestle-mania sessions.