Barker College vs Blue Gum Community School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 1.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Barker College
Hornsby · Independent combined · K-12
2,856 students · ICSEA 1166
Blue Gum Community School
Hornsby · Independent primary · K-2
21 students · ICSEA 1105
| Measure | Barker College Hornsby NSW | Blue Gum Community School Hornsby NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 80 Top 10% | 80 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #43 of 314 | – |
| National rank (type) | #105 of 1,259 | – |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | K-12 | K-2 |
| Students | 2,856 | 21 |
| Girls / boys | 1,173 / 1,683 | 12 / 9 |
| Foundation intake | 58 | 8 |
| Year 7 cohort | 343 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 361 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +20% | – |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1166 | 1105 |
| ICSEA percentile | 97th | 86th |
| Top SEA quarter | 71% | 40% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 10.1 | 6.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 282.6 | 3.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 234.2 | 1.0 |
| Language background other than English | 15% | 45% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 5% |
| Suburb | Hornsby 2077 | Hornsby 2077 |
| Council area | Hornsby | Hornsby |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.barker.college | bluegum.nsw.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index scores (80.3 vs 80.2).
- •Barker College has the higher ICSEA (1166 vs 1105), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Blue Gum Community School has fewer students per teacher (6.2 vs 10.1).
- •Barker College is the larger school with 2,856 students compared with 21.
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Barker College better than Blue Gum Community School?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Barker College and Blue Gum Community School?
About 1.1 km in a straight line, between Hornsby and Hornsby in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Barker College has 10.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Blue Gum Community School has 6.2.
How do Barker College and Blue Gum Community School rank in NSW?
Barker College is 43rd of 314 and Blue Gum Community School is unranked among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.