Quick answer: Barker College in Hornsby offers scholarships of up to 100% of academic tuition for Year 7 and a limited number of 50% scholarships for Year 10. The exam is run online by Academic Assessment Services (AAS). For Year 7 2028 entry, applications close Thursday 11 February 2027 and the test is on Thursday 18 February 2027.
Barker College at a glance
| School type | Independent Anglican school, co-educational, day and boarding |
| Location | Hornsby, Sydney |
| Scholarship test | Academic Assessment Services (AAS), sat online |
| Main entry years | Year 7, plus a limited number at Year 10 |
| Year 7 2028 applications close | Thursday 11 February 2027 |
| Year 7 2028 test | Thursday 18 February 2027 |
| Award values | Year 7 up to 100%; Music 50% to 100%; Year 10 50% |
| What awards cover | Academic tuition only |
Barker also offers Music scholarships, Co-curricular scholarships (drama, art, public speaking, robotics or sport), the 50% Copeland Scholarship for a current Junior School student, and Indigenous boarding scholarships through the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF) for boarding entry from Year 9.
Which test does Barker use?
Barker's scholarship exam is conducted by Academic Assessment Services (AAS), and it is sat online, not at Barker. Every applicant sits the academic exam, including music and co-curricular applicants.
AAS scholarship papers typically cover reading comprehension, mathematics, reasoning and writing. Barker doesn't release past papers, but AAS sells practice tests.
More on this test: The AAS scholarship test explained
Key dates for 2028 entry
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications | Open now, through the AAS parent portal |
| Applications close | Thursday 11 February 2027 |
| AAS scholarship test (online) | Thursday 18 February 2027 |
Current Barker students and external applicants use separate application links. An application fee applies. Barker does not provide score reports.
What else counts
- Results in the AAS exam. Every applicant sits it.
- Music: families upload a video, and a panel chooses who to audition in person. The minimum standard is an excellent AMEB Grade 4 result or equivalent, with priority for ensemble instruments.
- Co-curricular: high achievement and involvement in the chosen activity.
- Awards are decided by Barker's Scholarship Review Panel.
How to prepare
- Start now. With a February test, you have about three months.
- Sit one full timed AAS-style paper first to find the weakest section before spending time anywhere else.
- Practise typing under time. The test is online, so keyboard speed affects how much your child can write in the writing task.
- Practise writing with a timer and one focus at a time. For example, one week on planning in five minutes, the next on stronger openings.
- Keep the final week light. Rest and familiarity with the format matter more than cramming.
Practice for the AAS scholarship test
Our AAS-style practice tests are built for Year 7 scholarship entry, with reading, maths, reasoning and human-marked writing. Start with a free sample to see how your child handles the format.
These are independent practice materials, not official AAS papers, and they don't predict scholarship outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
What test does Barker College use for scholarships?
An online exam run by Academic Assessment Services (AAS). It is not sat at Barker.
When is the Barker scholarship test for 2028 entry?
Thursday 18 February 2027. Applications close on Thursday 11 February 2027.
How much is a Barker scholarship worth?
Year 7 scholarships are worth up to 100% of academic tuition, Music scholarships 50% to 100%, and Year 10 scholarships 50%. Awards cover academic tuition only.
Do music scholarship applicants sit the academic test?
Yes. Every applicant, including music and co-curricular applicants, sits the AAS academic exam.
Can international students apply?
Overseas applicants must hold Australian residency. Barker can't enrol students who need a student visa.
Other NSW schools
Practice Tests & Exams is an independent provider and is not affiliated with Barker College or Academic Assessment Services. Details are from the school's published information as of 9 November 2026. Always check the school's website for current dates and conditions.
Sources
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